Last week was launch week for Evolution’s Hand Book 1: Executive Action. How did that go? I had also set goals for Book 3: Primary Target. Did I meet them? Are you getting tired of me trying to generate artificial drama at the beginnings of these posts? I hope not, because I’m about to do it again! Let’s look at answers to the first two questions after we talk numbers.
Progress Report 2022 Week 23 By the Numbers
I had to double-check the word count for the week. It’s been so long since I wrote this many words that I thought the count was wrong!
Despite having my attention divided between launch activities for Executive Action and writing Primary Target, I managed to crank out a respectable number of words this week. At least, respectable compared to my previous numbers. I’ll talk a little more about both the launch and what I ran into when working on Primary Target in a moment.
I’ve gotten one Fiverr beta reader’s feedback so far on Dying Breath. If you’re in the market for a professional beta reader, I can recommend nadened. The summary gave me clear insights into a few sections that needed changed, and the detailed comments proved that no, even ProWritingAid plus my own proof-read pass are not enough to catch everything. Jocularity aside, nadened’s detailed comments pointed out valid concerns. Fixing those will make the manuscript stronger.
The second beta reader had to file for an extension. I’m hoping to hear this week.
Retrospective on Executive Action’s Launch Week
I think I’ve said it before, but at the risk of repeating myself, I can now see why there’s a whole industry built around launching a self-published work. I had done a ton of research (like in the Facebook group 20BooksTo50K), so I had understood the basics. But there where dozens of details I completely missed.
I planned for an Amazon ad, but I didn’t know they were limited to 150 characters. Not words. Characters. I can’t say anything in 150 characters! Because of that, I think my ad is under performing. Maybe. I’m not sure, because I don’t understand a lot about Amazon ads or what constitutes success.
I used the short story Code Blue as my lead magnet to build my e-mail/newsletter list. But I haven’t updated its after-matter let to point readers to where they can order Executive Action. Nor have I updated my lead-magnet e-mails to reflect same!
I could go on, but I’ll just summarize by saying: if you can write ad copy, you have my respect. That kind of writing is way harder than writing novels. Measured on the amount of time it takes to produce a single word, it’s a lot more time-expensive, too!
One more quick note: I am proud to announce that Executive Action is actually selling, and not only to my friends and family! I have a long way to go to learn more about marketing. But what I’m seeing so far gives me hope.
Progress on Primary Target
After a couple of weeks of re-reading what I’d written and of reviewing the plot points, I think I’m back on track. I’d been away to polish Executive Action and to get Evolution’s Hand Book 2: Dying Breath ready for beta readers. At first I was disappointed at how long it took to get back into Primary Target. Looking back, though, I think taking a short break to let the main arcs percolate will give my readers a better experience.
The arc for TCP’s VP of Mergers and Acquisitions, Jadwiga Janczak, is really coming together. It felt tentative before; not so now. Same with the arcs for Jack Book, who is an EU parliament MEP from the British Commonwealth, and for Atticus Porter, TransStell’s VP of Special Projects. I’m feeling more positive about this book than I did for the other two!
Goals for the Week in Progress Report 2022 Week 23
I actually hit all of the goals I laid out for this week. I even worked ahead a little! With that in mind, here are my goals for this week:
- Write Atticus Porter’s Pinch 1
- Write Ira Malhotra’s Pinch 1
- Write Dek Conrad’s Midpoint
It’s hard to believe I’m already writing a midpoint for one of the arcs! But if I’m going to write two books a year, I’m actually a little late with Primary Target — I started writing it on January 18, 2022. Guess I better get a move on!
What Do You Think?
Have you ever created either Amazon Ads or used BookFunnel campaign? If so, would you like to share any tips or thoughts? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!