According to stats from the top 10 majors, 15% of trad-pub books sell under 12 copies. 86%, under the 5,000 threshold for commercial viability.
So... 10 right out the gate for an indie-published title ain't half bad! Two more, & I'm over that 15% slice of the curve! 😅
(I'm sharing because industry transparency is important. Myths of easy success can leave folks feeling like failures for *very* normal, middling outcomes. Thank you to everyone who signal-boosted yesterday! 👍)
@TheComicHunter I'd imagine so! We just need to bust open the hype around publishing in general, so different ways of thinking about artistic practice can take the place of our current systems instead.
@MLClark I think of recording an album as much the same as completing my university degree. It did not lead to obvious riches, but it showed me I could do it.
@TheComicHunter That's a great and grounded outlook. What was the album? Solo venture, or with a band?
@MLClark To my surprise, we're on Discogs! https://www.discogs.com/artist/4079983-Loud-Machine
@MLClark I'm on album 2, 3 for Loud Machine. We had a 4th in the can, but our guitar player passed away, so we left it aside.
@TheComicHunter Sorry for your loss. That's a hard thing to overcome, creatively. If I've got the right band, the albums came out 2007 to 2009? Do you still actively perform for audiences in any capacity, or has your outlet for creativity changed since then?
@MLClark I currently have 3 bands going, all quite casual. I think my most intense personal creative outlet right now is doing light shows for events. I get to really sculpt the environment. Once you start creating, I don't think you can stop.
That, too, is quite true for a lot of us. And this photo is brilliant; it really captures the vibe you've created splendidly. I'm so glad you've found ways to keep the dynamism of creativity rolling. I feel like The Mandalorian meme is hella overplayed, but when I read you talk about creative practice, I keep thinking to myself, "This is the way."
Thanks for sharing such a grounded approach to existing for a lifetime in art. 👌
@TheComicHunter OH GOOD, I did have the right band. There were two Loud Machines, so I was scouting out more details to make an educated guess. :)
@MLClark My current bands:
Wilfred King Trio - blues and classic rock
MOS - experimental soundscapes, fluid membership
The Hellfire Jacks - rambunctious Irish tunes about drinking, rebellion, and general tomfoolery.
👌 Aces mix of good times and good vibes. Well done.
@MLClark I have varied interests, it keeps life interesting.
@MLClark I bet it's pretty similar stats for music albums.