Friday, July 17, 2009

The Winds of Change

Yesterday, I announced the price change on my books. Like it or not, I have to do that to take my business to the next level.

What is the next level? Distribution.

There are loads of claims of distribution, but they are often illusions. What happens is the books are made available for order. That doesn't mean that anyone will order them.

Real distribution is handled by a distributor who has sales reps who go out and make sales and take orders for the books. They have a seasonal catalog carrying all the publishers they distribute for, listing every book each publisher has coming out AND their back list.

This distribution talk is like the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy.

I have had my eye on an US distributor for several years now. They do NOT distribute POD books - thus the move to the black hole and eventually to where I am today. I am one step closer to being eligible to contract with them by doing my Totally Indie thing. I just need to build up my back list. So I'm hoping to produce two more books this year.

The really, really, really BIG news is that I'm in talks with a Middle East Distributor. I have no idea where this is going, but I certainly like the idea of my books being distributed to the countries who have made them popular.

There is talk of both an American English edition and a Formal Arabic translated edition of each book. I am so honored and humbled by this, I can't express it adequately.

After that, I'm considering a Spanish translation. And later an American English version distribution in the UK. But I'm open to other avenues.

Some of these things are down the road. All I know is once I said, "Yes" to being Totally Indie, the Universe has taken me seriously.

So maybe, my dear Ivy, you will get my books distributed in Croatia one day.


(Update: Kathryn's Beach is in the process of being published in UAE with extended distribution into the region, including Egypt.)

7 comments:

  1. Wow. I'm speechless.
    That's amazing. Middle East? Arabic translation? OMG. I'm so happy for you, I might scream! Cogratulations!!!
    I really wish you all the luck with all your further plans.

    P.S. How about one day I'm finished with my studies I translate it into Croatian? :)

    xo,
    Ivy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nadine - just think, this all started as a simple solution to boredom....and here you are! Congrats!
    De

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ivy,
    Yes, do scream. This has been in the works for a couple of years. I am so very excited and most of all, deeply honored. There will only have to be two rewrites and both are in Storm Surge, mostly the Mark and Jake issue. It is a subplot, so it is no problem to make the changes - as far as I see it.

    I would be honored to have you translate my books. Let's keep in touch on that issue.

    I replied to your comment on Sappy Stuff too. Please look.

    xo Nadine

    ReplyDelete
  4. DeDe,

    Isn't this wild? I have the calendar file on my desk. I will get on it next week. I have been working with someone in England to rush a book into production. Very excited! The proof will be run on Monday. More on that some time in the future.

    Please look at the comment I left on Sappy Stuff.

    xo Nadine

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow - I am truly blown away by this. You are my new idol/hero. I want to be you when I grow up.
    Congratulations!
    Joy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Joy, it is time to get together for lunch again, there is more...

    ReplyDelete