Order of Devotions for Hikers

I got an order for ten copies of Devotions for Hikers this week, to be delivered tomorrow. Horray!

That means I need to print more. I'm really glad that I wrote down EXACTLY how to do that and put it in my file, and also that the new printer doesn't seem to have any idiosyncrasies that cause it to print differently from the last one.

I have all the printing done, and am assembling them next. I have chosen to print this book myself, because it keeps the weight very small- something that backpackers are always worried about, and the printing costs are very low this way, as well.

I'll never get rich offering this little booklet, but it is a slow, but steady, seller. If my records are accurate, I've sold 62 copies with almost no promotion. I just put it out for sale with my other things when I give a program. Of course it's listed at Books Leaving Footprints

I have a file with ideas for a second volume. It's also available as an e-book at Smashwords. Click the picture of the cover to go there.

Traverse City Program and Book Sales

Tuesday evening, I spoke at the Boardman Nature Center, presenting "The North Country Trail and the Kitchen Sink." There were about 50 people there, so it was a great audience. Jokes are always better received when there is what I call a "critical mass" of audience.

I sold 6 copies of North Country Cache, one puzzle book, one devotional book, and one copy of Would You Dare?. I think I have to print more of those! But, I can do that, now that I have a good printer again.

After that high, I came home to having the college cancel my program for Wednesday evening. They want to reschedule for the spring. I think that's a good idea, actually. I just hope people didn't show up and find that there was no show.

Sale of Devotions for Hikers

Just sold the second e-copy of "Devotions for Hikers." This is a small booklet with ten Christian devotions based on hiking and trail themes. I've sold quite a few in print, and decided to offer it as an e-book last fall.

It's available at Smashwords.

I entered the world of e-publishing in the fall, and I have no idea what would be considered a good sales rate. There have been 173 views of the free portion of the booklet, and two sales. That's a 1% conversion rate. Good? Bad? I have no clue.

My First eBook!- Devotions for Hikers

I published my first eBook today through Smashwords. I am pretty happy with the whole process, and will be writing more about that. It is already available on their web site, and should be placed in their Premier Catalog within a week. It has to be manually approved for that to happen, but then it is shown on several other major eBook distribution sites.

This book is a collection of 10 short devotions with themes that will appeal to hikers, backpackers, campers, and walkers. I've sold quite a few of the print copies since publishing it in 2006. It weighs just 0.3 ounces in print format- light enough for most packers. However, if you are going to carry a digital device, or just want to use the devotions for every day, you can now buy it digitally for just $1.89.

I'm also working on "Get Off the Couch with Joan," a collection of several of my previously published columns from the local newspaper, The Ludington Daily News. I've been writing for them for over four years now, and it's time these essays earned their keep a little better.

My Smashwords