Ah, hello there! Welcome to this month’s blog. I hope it finds you well and happy, continuing to enjoy autumnal vibes, and perhaps … dare I say … preparing for however you enjoy your December! I’m well into Christmas shopping now (thankfully). I do feel like my ‘to do’ list is mega, but that’s the norm’ these days! Progress is progress (at least!).
For this blog, I thought I’d do a bit of reflection on my approach over the last six months, because believe it or not, ‘Fyn Carter and the Agents of Eromlos’ has been out for that long now. I still can’t quite believe it. It’s been super busy and a huge amount of learning. It’s also been very enjoyable, because I’m extremely grateful for the experience and to be doing something I love.
My approach
I’ve had a few conversations lately where people have seen what I’ve been doing and think it must equal success in terms of sales. I find this an interesting way of thinking. I take the compliment that what I do seems to be coming across nicely. However, for me it is about a lot more than the number of books sold. Sales is only a part of it, and so success looks different depending on your perspective. I like sharing stories with readers. I grew up loving books. It means a lot to be writing them now – that’s already worth so much.
My approach has always been to see the journey as long term. I haven’t presumed that my first few books will mean instant and life-changing success. I’ve always looked at it as the first few books are about visibility, making connections, finding readers, and building my brand. These things take time, and I imagine they will continue to be things I work on with every book I release. Even if someone buys my book (please do if you haven’t or if you are Christmas shopping!), I know this isn’t a guarantee that it will be read anytime soon. I have books which have been on my tbr (to be read) pile for a very long time. Word of mouth reviews are not instant. My hope is that by working hard and being consistent, I will continue to gain gradual credibility and reach readers. I love it when I see someone has started engaging with the book, and it’s great when people have sped through it because they’ve enjoyed it (instant inner smile!).
Events and sales
So why then, do I do so many events if it’s not all about sales? Again – it’s about visibility. It’s very hard to reach new readers with the limits of social media algorithms and real-life social circles. A lot of the time I reach the same people (who are all lovely!), but many are existing connections. For me, events (markets, fairs, comic cons etc.) allow me the chance to become visible to new audiences and reach new readers. Interacting with people and talking about something we’re both passionate about gives me a buzz. When this results in someone taking a chance on Fyn Carter (and me as an author) and buying a book, that’s so great, but (for me – and I appreciate it won’t be the case for everyone) growing my readership is a process that includes more than a focus on sales. I want to enjoy what I do and how it works along the way. Ultimately, I hope this will allow me to reach the new readers, and this could lead to more sales in the future. It’s a sort of cycle with the potential for growth. Also, it’s worth noting that there are not a kazillion events targeted at middle-grade readers, so I have taken an approach of trying a variety of events and learning what works for me.
Taking things a step at a time
I am gradually expanding my reach. In May, Fyn Carter was only available on Amazon. It’s now available at all kinds of bookshops online. It’s available to request in shops, libraries, and by schools. I’m discussing school visits and library events for the new year. I’m learning what I feel comfortable with a little at a time. This feels natural, and I like that. I will continue to work in this way.
I wanted to say a big thank you to October Books in Southampton. They are a lovely bookshop and very community focused. They are the first physical bookshop to stock my book, and I am very grateful to them!
In 2025 I plan on releasing at least two more books. One of them will be the next in the Fyn Carter series (Fyn Carter and the Legends from Atlantis). The other is a standalone story I’ve been working on between edits etc. Having more books on a table will help me feel like I have more to offer as an author. However, I also know it’s important not to compare myself to others. We are all on our own journey and working in different ways. We work within the confines of our situations, trying to break them where we can.
Events before Christmas (including YALC)
I’ll be at London Comic Con Winter in London this weekend. I know a lot of lovely authors and readers will be there because of YALC (Young Adult Literature Convention). If you’re attending, please come find me and say hello. I won’t be in the YALC section (because my story is a middle-grade adventure), but I’ll be in the exhibition area with an author table. The following weekend I’ll be at Audley Christmas Market in Romsey (23rd Nov). On 30th Nov I’ll be at the Xmas Arts & Crafts Fair in New Milton, and on 1st December I’ll be at the Oxford Indie Book Fair. I’d love to meet you there if you’re attending any of the above.
Thank you for reading through my blog/waffle. It means a lot. If there are any topics you’d like to see me cover in future, please let me know. I’ll see what I can do!
Also, if you are considering gifts for people in the lead up to Christmas etc., please remember ‘Fyn Carter and the Agents of Eromlos’ is seeking new readers, and it’s the ideal time in the lead up to the sequel!
I wish you all the very best!
Ian x
Ian Hunter Creates 