Secret Sky: The Young Universe has been available since August 21, and I’m happy to report that the book is still selling at a steady clip. It was even briefly the number 1 seller in the Children’s Space Exploration category on Amazon.
Now, as any publisher can tell you, it’s not all that hard to become the bestselling title in an arbitrary Amazon category. Honestly, the most impressive part is that we managed to outsell a bunch of Minecraft books (because those sell like hotcakes).
Still I am impressed, and pleased, with all the people who have given my little book a chance. Thank you.
Other Developments
Out of the blue, I was asked to contribute to Shepherd.com—the site for authors to share their love of books. My “best of” list gives examples of Middle Grade fiction that adults can read and appreciate (“You’ll never guess number four” and so on).
I have also entered Secret Sky: The Young Universe into a number of literary contests, though I won’t know if I had any luck with them until well into next year.
And while it continues to be an uphill battle to establish myself as an author, I at least have the advantage of books that bear excellent craftsmanship.
While all versions of the book are excellent, I still recommend the hardcover for those readers who are looking for a premium experience. The illustrations look good in every medium, but being able to distinguish each individual pencil stroke brings them to life in a fantastic way.
But then, the hardcover version lacks the brilliant narration of Andrew Eiden, so it’s a tradeoff.
Where Next?
I am still fighting to get Secret Sky: The Young Universe into brick-and-mortar bookstores. This may surprise a number of people who believe “bookstores are dead”. However, while the sales of books through localized shops may have become niche, the power of the bookstore to promote and advertise a book reigns supreme.
And I cannot advertise in bookstores until my books are sold inside them.
And what progress I have made I hesitate to announce. I don’t want to make any promises until I have something solid in hand.
But one thing I can promise you is that both of my currently published books will be receiving sequels. Though I’m afraid Secret Sky will be going first.
I understand that people have been waiting for Advent 9‘s followup since 2022, but the thing about Advent 9 is that it stands much better on its own than Secret Sky: The Young Universe, and I want at least two books published in the latter series before I begin work on The Antiworld Engine.
And you are going to love where the second volume of Secret Sky takes these characters.
All That I Need Is an Army of Readers
For those of you still on the fence about Secret Sky: The Young Universe, you are in luck.
Because there’s an amazing way to sample the book that costs you nothing. The first twelve chapters of the book are available as an enhanced audiobook experience, and you can catch them all on YouTube.
I can tell you that the people who have read the book go on to rave about it. And I would not push it so hard if it wasn’t a story that you will remember for the rest of your life. I will forever reap the blessings of being this book’s author, but that’s cold comfort to me if you never get the one great blessing of becoming the book’s reader.
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