Pericles Commission #16 on Google's ebook bestseller list

Yesterday I got an email from Carolyn Kellogg at the LA Times, asking how it felt to be #16 on Google's ebook bestseller list.

I replied, "What?"

So I checked. Then I went into shock.

(You might need to click the image to see it in all its glory)



Carolyn wrote an article, on how Pericles Commission is the only unexpected entry in the bestseller list. It was certainly unexpected by me! Not that I'm complaining, you understand.

So I've been pondering how this happy event managed to occur, because I'm keeping very, very impressive company on that page.

The sales numbers must be relatively small, since we're looking at only one day of trading since Google's ebookstore went online, but they give the expected result for everyone else, so sales must be sufficiently large to avoid randomness. The only conclusion I can reach is that my readers are more than usually tech-savvy early adopters. But you'd know that better than me. What do you think?

I presume I'll fall off the list after the next update, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts!


22 comments:

RWMG said...

And even smaller because apparently the Google ebook shop is only available to computers in the US.

Still, congratulations Gary. Well done. Now I'm even more eager to get my hands or electrons on a copy.

Gary Corby said...

You're right Robert. A number of US stores restrict themselves to US customers, which they define as computers with an IP address registered to a US internet service provider.

So the trick is to access those sites through a thing called a proxy server, which passes on your requests. There are proxy servers available in most civilized countries.

Sarah W said...

I say, ignore the math and mechanics and enjoy!

Congratulations!

Linda G. said...

Don't sweat the whys and wherefores. Just enjoy the buzz! :)

Gary Corby said...

Sarah and Linda,

Yes, that makes perfect sense. And believe me, I haven't stopped grinning. Well, more like laughing maniacally.

On the other hand, if I knew how I did it the first time, I might be able to do it again. Which would be sort of cool.

C. N. Nevets said...

A little press about the book's unexpected appearance will probably help those sales, too.

By all accounts, Gary, you're a great writer with a brilliant book that has an interesting hook and a catchy cover.

Big wheel a keep on turnin'.

Cherie Reich said...

Yay! Congrats!

Taymalin said...

Yay! Go Gary!

Jane Lebak said...

Awesome, Gary! I'm SO pleased for you! :-)

Valerie Geary said...

This is awesome Gary! Bask in the glow. Bask in it, I say! :)

L. T. Host said...

And don't forget that being ON the bestseller list means more sales, too!

(Besides, you totally earned this. Don't fret.) :)

Travis Erwin said...

Stupendous. Congrats!

Vicky Alvear Shecter said...

So exciting! Well deserved too. Just picked up my copy from the archeology museum (where I docent) bookstore. The store manager was intrigued by the cover. He said, "Should I keep this one on the shelf?" (I special ordered it) and I proudly replied, "Absolutely! This guy is brilliant!"

Gary Corby said...

Thanks everyone.

The bestseller list has updated and I'm still on it, somewhat to my astonishment, at #64. Twilight and the Hitchhiker's Guide followed me down, so it seems like this is a real result.

Gary Corby said...

Thanks Vicky for that recommendation.

It'd be totally cool to be in museum shops!

Unknown said...

Fantastic. I'm so happy for you. I just purchased my copy, that's one more sale towards you making the list again!

Unknown said...

Just when I was figuring print sales they throw e-books into the mix. ARGH! Congrats!

Gary Corby said...

Thanks Kathy, all sales gratefully received, believe me. You're the first person to tell me they bought the book from ebookstore. I'm still scratching my head wondering who bought it from there!

Something a lot of people don't realize: authors actually have no idea who buys their book, unless the buyers mention it.

Gary Corby said...

Lois, yes, it has its complexities, doesn't it? When you get into it, publishing and sales systems look like they're not so much designed, as congealed.

Bill Kirton said...

I prostrate myself before you. Terrific news, Gary - but #16 is only the start. Onward and definitely upward. Great, great stuff.

Gary Corby said...

Hi Bill!

Actually, it was onward and downward. When they refreshed the list, I was at 64. But that's still on a bestseller list, so who's going to complain?

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS!