AUTHORS! Stop Obsessing About The Numbers ;-)

[Sandra Rea]

We live in a technology-based society. As authors, we tend to obsess about numbers that we THINK are important (i.e., Alexa rankings, website stats, Amazon rankings) to our success when in reality these numbers are only distractions. Let me explain.

Most tech data points are just that. They reflect data … not people. Can you really directly translate hits and page views to readers (they could be bots)? Is there anyone out there who can directly correlate an Amazon ranking to actual number of books sold? And does your Alexa ranking really indicate how important you are or is it simply a status marker for keeping up with the Joneses?

Speaking of number obsessions, let’s take a moment to talk about Amazon Ranking Addiction (ARA). Some authors are obsessed with their Amazon rankings, which is a time killer. A ranking is simply a popularity contest marker. It doesn't directly translate to book sales. That is for sure. Wile there are tricks to get you up in Amazon rankings, there are lots of “consultants” who want to sell you their secrets to improving your Amazon rankings for a modest fee – STOP!

Here's our advice to you. As an author, you already have enough numbers to worry about. Like checkbook balances, advance checks and royalty statements, your credit score and the taxes you have to pay each year. You have numbers like your kids' birth dates and your wedding anniversary date. These numbers matter in your life. Do you really have time to track and to obsess about far less important numbers that don't mean anything? No.

In your professional writing life, here are the numbers that should matter to you and that make an impact on your bottom line: 1) hitting your daily page quota when writing your book, 2) the number of people who take the time to email you or comment on your Social Media Networking sites, 3) the number of personal emails you return in kind, 4) the number of bookstore owners / managers / industry professionals you know, 5) the number of bloggers you support with book donations, guest appearances and thank-you notes, and 6) the number of days you're happy to be writing and doing what you love … hint, that would be writing your next book!

I'm not saying data points aren't important. Just like meteorologists use data to forecast the weather, numbers and data can provide a sense of how the weather in the publishing world may affect you. However, these numbers are not the true indicators of your success. That comes from within, because you are a human being with talent, drive, determination, stories to share, people who love you, people who admire you for who you are and what you do in your life and so much more than just how many books you sell. Your success comes in part from who you touch in your life.

On that note, remember this … Tracking data is not nearly as important as acknowledging people. It is the readers who appreciate your work and the people who take an interest in supporting your writing that lead to long-term success. Put them on the top of your list and obsess about reaching out to them and keeping in touch with them. Always remember readers make their book-buying decisions based on friend and family recommendations first. That is an example of what? You in the front row … can you answer this after reading all my other columns? YES! It is an example of viral marketing (a.k.a., word of mouth)! Very good. You go to the head of the class!

I invite your questions and comments: 949.613.2099 / [e-mail]