On being a popular author.
Two of my titles are in the Nielsen top ten today.( Hindustan times--10th Jan 2015)
#LifeIsWhatYouMakeIt has been ranked #1 Evergreen Title of 2014 by HT-Nielsen.
@crossword_book @landmarkstores pic.twitter.com/sQcJXZPabr
— Srishti Publishers (@Srishtipub) January 3, 2015
One is the evergreen 'Life is what you make it' which incidentally was No.1 highest selling book of 2014 (see tweet above from my publishers) and the other is ' It happens for a reason' which is my new book that has been getting some fabulous reviews.
You can download the first few pages (with a personal note from me and a signed photo too!) of the book by clicking here.
Some attribute it to luck and good fortune. Some even have the gall to imply that best-selling authors buy their own books to enter the Nielsen charts. I find that absurd. Why in the world would anyone want to buy their own books just to enter the charts? The fact is authors get a percentage of sales as their royalty. Successful and well established authors also get an advance royalty which is adjusted against sales. So if you buy your own books, you lose more than you earn--as simple as that.
I make a living out of writing --and it makes no sense at all if I am spending more than I am earning. So the short answer to that is--- It is ridiculous to presume or to suggest that. Also, the Nielsen list has a lot of transparency. You can see for yourself what the sales figures are---and nobody can claim to be a ' best-selling author' anymore as it is all validated by Nielsen, which I feel happy about.
The other thing that I want to say is that while I love interacting with all my readers, I must also emphasize that I have my own personal life. And while it may seem as though I share every single thing on my blog, and I lead a very 'public' life, the truth is far from that. I share only the stuff I want to share and the stuff that I do not mind sharing. What I share on the blog is just five percent of my life.
Many feel that they know me well because they read my blog regularly. Also many expect me to reply to all their tweets, all their pings and all their messages. Many 'seek my blessings' for something that they are doing or undertaking. Many want me to wish their friends for their birthdays as their friend is a huge fan of my writing and it would mean a lot to their friend. While I do oblige to the extent that I can, please understand that I am a person with my own life too.
I am fortunate to have a wonderful family and a great set of close friends with whom I love to spend time. I have my newspaper columns to write. I have my books to work on and several interests that I pursue.
So it may not be possible to reply to every single message that you send me--and no, it doesn't mean I am angry with you or upset with you. Frankly I do not have time to be upset with a single reader. So kindly do not take it amiss if I do not reply. It is nothing personal. I get at least 30-40 mails a day and I do reply, as and when I can. Most of you who have written to me, would have got a reply from me.
If you like what I write, do continue to buy my books---that would be the greatest endorsement for me. I also enjoy reading about how my books bring meaning to your life, and how my books help you.
A mother shared (am sharing it here with her permission) this . It contains spoilers, so do not read it if you intend to read the book 'It happens for a reason'.
Mails like the above make my day and I feel deeply grateful for those. Mails requesting for blessings, and mails asking if you have annoyed me--- you haven't annoyed me at all, and also my good wishes are always with you.
Mails asking for endorsement/opinion of your writing--sorry I don't do that either. Here is why I cannot read the stuff you send me.
My time is limited (as is yours!) and I think we should all spend it doing stuff that makes us happy.
So have a great weekend and I shall blog again soon.
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Buy my new book at great prices:
Amazon: http://is.gd/
Flipkart: http://is.gd/
Crossword: http://is.gd/
Completely Agree to this and Appreciate your crisp n clear expectation addressing..!!! :)
ReplyDeleteDo keep writing the best..!!! :)
Thank you for understanding Arpit!
ReplyDeleteHi Preeti. I guess that the flip side of being a popular author. The claim of buying your own book is sheer stupidity. You don't need to reply to everything and a fair point made. As a person, you have the right to your privacy.
ReplyDeleteCheerz n keep writing awesome stuffs:)
Thank you Ranveer! Some people hound me on various media when I do not reply. Hence the post! Needed to rant :) (and be heard :) )
ReplyDeleteTotally support your thoughts (Though I love the way you interact with your readers)! But it's really difficult to reply to each and every message and comment especially when you have a great fan following.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the very best! :)
Thanks Tarang! :)
DeleteWell said Preeti.....Currently, I was reading about publishing novel, self publishing and other related posts and in ur post u have mentioned about how exactly it works. No doubt, its not an easy task. managing your personal life and handling profession is indeed a difficult task (ohh yes, not to forget the emotional dramas ;))
ReplyDeleteYou are doing great Preeti.. Like always, eagerly waiting for your posts and blogs..
lots of love
Pooja
Thank you pooja! :)
DeleteJust overlook those comments shenoy mam. Don't give them your energy. Please write something on restlessness of youth sharing your experiences
ReplyDeleteThank you Janmejay! Good advice indeed
DeleteHello Mam, It really doesn't matter what people say. As a reader, in my opinion you are fabulous. The best thing about your work is the way you express the relationships in a very subtle and unique way. I like the way the characters are explained and the way their actions are put in place. And of course this is not about any specific book. I have read all your books and have been a silent follower of your blog as well, and every time I came across your work I have found something fresh and unique. So please do not feel bad about critics, do believe that there are lots of readers waiting for your write ups every day. Keep Up the Good Work. Lots of Love and Best Wishes!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks a ton Garima. I do not mind people criticizing my writing style , my books, my stories or whatever. That is their opinion and of course they are entitled to it. It is when they get personal and expect me to reply to every single thing that they send me, that i get annoyed. I have my own life!
ReplyDelete