A reader left a comment, quite puzzled about my stance re: star ratings. As such, I’m going to expand on the whole issue of why the series is dead in the water.
Ratings is only the beginning of the shit show for this series.
At 4.2*, Booked for Murder is literally my worst-rated book. At 2k reviews, it’s significantly, well, bad. It’s not a loved series. Yes, 57% of people rated it 5*. That’s great!
…57% of people did not buy book two.
So, here’s the complete decision making process on why this series is dead.
1: 4.2* rating really DOES mean that when I spend money to advertise the books, people see the rating, also see ratings for my other books (usually 4.5* and above) and go “Hmmm, this obviously isn’t as good of a book compared to the others.” (And they may or may not pick another book.)
At current estimate, every dollar of advertising spent brings back a quarter. I’m taking a $0.75 (matured) loss per every dollar spent on this series. That includes sell-through to the next book.
I can’t afford to take $0.75 per $1.00 spent losses. The star rating does, unfortunately, play a huge factor in this.
2: Sell-through rates are abysmal. The Mag Rom Com series enjoys a more than 50% sell-through rate between Playing with Fire and Hoofin’ it. (Generally, you check sell through from the book you’re interested in and the book that comes after it in series. Mag Rom Com series is a little more complicated than that, because SO many books serve as gateways.)
So, let’s dig into this for example.
As more than 50% of people who purchased Playing with Fire have purchased Hoofin’ It, this is a healthy (VERY healthy) sell-through rate. It doesn’t matter if people purchased Playing with Fire because they bought Hoofin’ It. Or they bought Playing with Fire because they bought Whatever for Hire. The key here is that at first glance, there is a very healthy sell-through within series.
The sell-through rate between Hoofin’ It and Hearth, Home, and Havoc is 44%. HHH is one of the least liked books in series. So as such, it’s no surprise that HHH’s sell-through to SKP is 99%. (SKP is more popular.)
Hoofin’ It compared to Whatever for Hire is 95%. That is not a typo. (Which puts WFH compared to Playing with Fire also at over 50%.)
Plaidypus, compared to Playing with Fire… has better same sell-through than Booked for Murder to Booked for Kidnapping. (And BfM and BfK have had more maturation time.) That is 19ish books deep into the series.
So, this is why the star ratings is mentioned, because it’s just the first piece in the collapse of the Librarians series.
They just aren’t good books compared to my other novels. This is fine.
The readers have spoken, and I listened.
I try my best EVERY book. I didn’t write like shit on Booked for Murder. It was one of my favorite books to write. I poured so much into that book.
Here’s the thing: I wrote a book you, as readers as a whole, simply did not like.
That’s fine, and you told me you didn’t like it. That’s also fine. But star ratings is only the first part of the series collapse.
They DO matter for sales. They matter a lot.
But there are other elements at play that state, very clearly, that the series deserves it fate. That many are low rating AND not buying book two says everything we need to know: the series is dead.
I will still write the whole thing. I will do so with joy because I LOVE THESE BOOKS.
But what I love isn’t necessarily what readers love.
And that’s why this one is slated as a passion project, and I won’t be doing any spin-off series, etc.
I don’t want people who didn’t enjoy book one going out and buying book two. But I DO want readers to understand why books fail.
Booked for Murder failed. And that’s a-okay. Star ratings DO influence author decisions… but the book’s performance is why it is truly dead.
Not only are people telling me they did not like this book as much as others, they are putting their money where their mouth is, and a below 20% sell-through rate doesn’t lie.
And as such, I’m letting it go. I will continue it because I WANT to. I don’t want to leave series unfinished.
But I am NOT going to prioritize it over books like Old Secrets (Karma #3), because it has a 63% sell-through rate and people love the stories.
I’m not going to prioritize it over the absolute FLOOD of emails I got about Grave Affairs. (Thank you for writing in, everyone! You flooded me, I got overwhelmed, and I’m delighted you’re so interested in the new series! There is going to be a KITTY in it, too! A KITTY.)
I’m not going to prioritize it over the Fox Witch Books, which has a 52% sell-through.
People rated it as they felt it deserved… and they spent their money elsewhere.
And THAT is why the series dies, with a whimper rather than a bang. I expect sell-through for book 3 of the series will be much, much higher, but as I CAN’T advertise book 1 without taking huge losses, I just can’t do anything about the situation.
And don’t tell me it isn’t because I didn’t try.
I spent thousands of dollars trying to make the series happen.
People said, clearly, in terms of ratings AND sell-through, “Stop trying to make this happen!”
And so I am.
This is not about trying harder.
It’s about making a sensible business decision so I can keep writing books people will LOVE… like the next Mag Rom Com, the next Karma Book, and the next Fox Witch Book.
But since we’re here, the second worst-rated book of mine is Inquisitor. I get a HORRIBLE sales rate trying to sell the book. (The book was badly rated out of the gate but never recovered.)
Unlike Booked for Murder, the sell-through looks like this:
Inquisitor to Winter Wolf: 75%
Winter Wolf to Blood Diamond: 79%
Blood Diamond to Silver Bullet: 82%
Total series sell through from book 1 to book 4: 49%
So, 49% of people who bought book 1 made it to book 4.
(That series died for one reason: It was done! It was only meant to be a quartet!)
But because of the sell-through, you have a three book karma series, you have the wolf hunt series, and you have the other W&W series.
Alas, the volume wasn’t enough to keep it chugging beyond that, and honestly… the main stories I wanted to tell are all wrapping up in the series I’m doing in the world already. I have STANDALONES I want to write (and may very well do later for fun), but the world did fab among those who DID buy it.
Selling Inquisitor, however? A bear. It has horrible click to buy ratios, and I lose money on trying to advertise the series.
Because of the ratings and reviews on book 1.
But hey, those who DO try it… buy it?
And that’s faaab.
To give you an idea of volume, though… I’ve had preorders with more sales than poor Inquisitor. If I pooled together all of the Inquisitor sales, I would just miss USA Today. (And the book released a long time ago.) the fact it would JUST miss USA Today is great! It just doesn’t have volume.
I know some people L-O-V-E Janette and co. So do I! That’s why I’m making sure it gets finished.
But most simply do not, and the ratings are the visual proof of this. The subpar sell-through is the true reason the series dies.
Because let’s face it… below 20% is horrible.
People just didn’t like the book.
Please don’t feel badly about it. *I* don’t. I just sigh, because I love the series more than I should.
It’s okay. Really. Not every book I write is going to be a winner.
But since we are here… here is the cover for Booked for Theft.
I call this the “Bradley is gonna get himself seduced” cover. And Ajani is not sure she wants to be anywhere near said seductions.
I also call this the “Who, me?” cover…
P.S.: I am totally trying to find a pair of glasses like hers, because I adore how fucking ridiculous they are.
And yes, when my designer was making the cover, I asked for them to be even more ridiculous.
Art by Rebecca Frank, as always!
P.S.: Please please please don’t go out and buy a book you don’t want, y’all. Please. Save your money for a book you DO want. All I’m doing here is giving you more information on why there won’t be a spinoff, and why I’m not going to be prioritizing it compared to series with rockin’ sell through.
P.S.: Please vote in the comments:
1: Jesse Alexander anthology of shorts and novellas of her and the gang causing trouble between books 1-2 and the interlude between books 2 and 3… OR Book 3?
The shorts and novellas will have interludes from multiple POVs, similar to how Water Witch is, all in first person.
Book 3 please!
Book 3 please. I love the series and can’t wait to see what comes next. Jesse Alexander is OK, I have the 1st 2 books, but don’t know if I will go further. Reading is getting difficult for me so thanks for the audiobooks.
Both! I loved this series!
I loved the Liberian books and I absolutely adore Jesse Alexandra
Love this series. Please….MORE!!!!!!
I’m sorry so many people are not getting this story but I just finished both books and love the characters. Please, where can I read the rest of the series?
I haven’t finished writing it yet.
I love this series please don’t give up on it, its your best series.
Personally, I LOVE the Magical Librarians series!
Yep, there is some like… I think 18%? Who loved it enough to buy the next one. <3 And y'all are appreciated!!
Me too!
I would love, book remix, and then the chance to get to read the short stories.
How does Patreon impact your sell throughs? I’m on a tier that sends me your books. Are you able to merge that download rate into your sell through data?
It doesn’t. People who are on Patreon aren’t buying the books, and the volume is so small that it doesn’t influence the percentages. It’s like 200-300 people total, and moving forward, they aren’t going to be a factor at all because they’re not buying ANYTHING.
None of the books mentioned were released while Patreon was active.
Book 3 please. And I loved the Magical Librarians Series and am happy that you’re still doing these as a passion project. Can’t wait to read your next book.
Book 3 please
I would love book 3 then the short stories. Thank you for taking the time to explain to us why the book series failed. You are helping everybody understand the thought process and how things turn out. There are some serious I do enjoy more than others but I have enjoyed all of your theories that I have read so far.
I love the Booked series, I pre-ordered them and look forward to reading the rest. Yes to any of the Jesse books that you want to write. Much love and happiness.
I vote for book 3.
And thank you for finishing the librarians. I’ve really enjoyed them and can’t wait to see how it ends
Very hard to decide — I think Book 3 first then the anthology. I’m also in the minority that love Janette’s story and world. Thanks for the explanation. That does make a lot of sense.
Would prefer book 3, but whatever makes you happier when writing is fine. I like so much of what you write that any delivery order for new books works for me.
I vote for Book 3. I am waiting (patiently?) for Book 3 in the Jesse Alexander series and Book 3 in the Vigilante Magical Librarians. Love the cover!!
So far I love all your books, all the series. I have not read a book I didn’t like.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
I love the way you write.
I enjoy your newsletter and try to preorder books when they come available.
Absolutely love the Jesse Alexander stories. Can’t wait for more. This is my favorite out of all your stories and what led me to you.
I would love book 3 and then the anthology. Love the characters and really want to know what happens next.
I like the Vigilante Magical Librarians series it is definitely a 5 star book and will definitely buy the sequel when it comes out.
A Jesse Alexander anthology of shorts and novellas would also be fun, but if I had to choose, I prefer long books that last a while.?
Book three please!
Thank you for taking the time to explain your process. I think many people forget that writing is WORK!!! Thank you for working so hard and making the results available for our pleasure. I appreciate your stance on your readers not buying books they don’t feel are for them and I agree, I can tell you that I may not LOVE all your stories, I have not regretted a single one to date. Thanks for all you have provided for us to choose from. Regarding the Jesse Alexander stories, anthology or book 3, you write it, I’ll buy it. My selfish wish is that you take care of yourself so you can continue to feed my book addiction.
book 3 please!
I vote for Jesse 3, but since I love everything you write, I will take what I can get.
Jesse 3! Please accept my vote for book 3.
I enjoyed everything you have written.
Jesse 3, please! but I’ll take Jesse short stories, too … I just love that series.
I loved the booked for series…and would keep buying them. (retired librarian here). And I vote for #3 and short stories,etc book after.
Book 3 and then short stories.
My friend and I love the Vigilante Librarian series! Also, we vote for book 3
Book 3 for Jesse please pretty please and I absolutely love the Librarians . Thank you for giving me an insight to how you have to prioritise your books. I am also a huge fan of the Royal States and am eagerly waiting for May and the next one which I have already pre-ordered
While I am a bit sad about the Magical Librarians (I love Janette & Co too) I also like Jesse – so I vote for book 3 THEN novellas.
I mean, yes, in a way, I’m sad, too… because it’s SO much fun for me to write and I can’t just go on a writing binge because of the sell-through.
I had really high hopes for Booked for Kidnapping, but the sales turned out… not great. And while I’ll finish, yeah… I just CANNOT let a passion project come between the readers and the stories they actually LOVE.
Book 3, for my part. Though I’ll buy whatever comes out. But I certainly do love the magical librarians.
Reading about the situation today in publishing/selling, I’m recalling what I think I know of the time before ebooks & Amazon domination of same. I had read that if an author’s book was picked up by a publishing house and died, so did that author’s career. That if they wanted to try again, it would have to be under another name.
Yep, that’s how it tends to work! I am stubborn as any goat, and I didn’t let my first series urban fantasy flop stop me from trying other things.
Thank heavens for that! I can’t imagine my reader without your books in it!
Impossible decision anything with Jesse and friends will be great, but book 3 if I have to pick. Thank you for explaining what you meant about Librarians, I love them and will patiently await them when you do write them.
Book 3 please!
That’s a hard decision! LOL, I absolutely love this series so, though I know I’m not being very helpful, I’m going to say “1 & 2”. Either way everyone else votes I will be happy because I truly love all of your books. You’re one my special authors that I reread constantly and there are not that many ones that make that list. I appreciate your hard work and that hard work shows in the quality of your books. Thank you.
You write whatever you want and we (Luther and I) will read it. We have loved everything you have written to date.
As for Librarians, I remember when Ilona Andrews made a similar decision about the Edge books. It happens. The books can be great, but the audience isn’t there until later. Unfortunately, writers need the income now, not when it catches on in the future if it ever does. If people cannot understand that basic fact, neither of us will be able to explain it to them.
Take care, have fun and don’t let the negs get you down.
I LOVE the Librarian series…as in so far it’s my favorite thing you’ve done (although “Shadowed Flame” is a close second).
I can’t really vote, as I will buy anything you write. Your books (very much including Janette) are my fallbacks when I feel down, or can’t concentrate on anything. I don’t know what it is about your writing, but you yank me into your worlds almost instantly, and I just temporarily forget my not-so-nice world for a while.
Book 3 pretty please!
Book 3 please! ??
Book 3 please!
I bought and read both of the current vigilante librarian series. And whilst I liked them, as an Australian who doesn’t know or understand (or care!) about the American political system, I got bogged down in it. Otherwise, I thought both books were quite enjoyable, and will buy the 3rd instalment whenever it becomes available.
Shorts and novellas. I understand, and will just buy it when it does come out.
Book 3 please 🙂
I want all the Jesse. If I have to make a preference, it will be for book 3.
Jesse Alexander book 3 please
I’m one of the 18% who bought and ADORE Booked for Murder and went ahead and pre-ordered Booked for Kidnapping. I understand why you’re putting it on the back-burner while you write other books that are performing better, but am SO glad to know you’ll be finishing the series, because they truly are amazing books.
Also, I’d love Book 3 with Jesse Alexander, I’ve been waiting patiently for the next one to arrive.
I want them all, but Book 3 if I must choose.
Personally I liked Booked for Murder and also Booked for Kidnapping
That is a seriously hard decision on Jessie … just whatever you can do. When the Magical Librarians #3 gets done I will pick that up also. Down that the love just isn’t there but is happens and am So happy that you are keeping the series as a pet project.
Yep, I wish it were a different case, but… I’ve done my best for the series, and the love for it just ISN’T there. The ratings are just a symptom of me having written a book people don’t want to read or like.
That is a-okay!! It really is. Just a downer.
Your reasoning makes sense but still leaves me with “Would Booked for GTA be a road trip?”
A rather epic one, 10/10 would write as a sidestory if the series hadn’t flopped so damned hard.
ouch, one or the other? Really, either would be great! Although I’d love to see what happens next after Steel Heart. Decision making is awful!
Thanks for explaining the Magical Librarians situation. I’m glad you found them fun and will order the next whenever you write it.
Book 3 please. I totally enjoyed both 1 and 2!
I like your writing. I liked the librarians(librarians should rule the world). I will be patient and wait for them. I can’t decide if I need shorts before the long or vice versa. Do what is healthy for you.
Please go for book 3 of Jesse Alexander, I have been waiting forever. Also, I very, very much NEED Declan’s next book, please.
I like my spunky librarian and am patiently waiting for more of her whenever just as I’m waiting for more Karma and more Wolf Hunt
I like this series, personally. I am looking forward to #3 but respect your reasoning behind not continuing it. The percentages are what they are.
I love love love Jessie Alexander! More please ?.I have been waiting what feels like years for books 3 and 4. I have so many questions about the Cheyenne tribe. I hope the next books will answer.
Book 3 please. Then novellas and shorts (LOVED Water Witch!). Then Witch and Wolf stand-alones? And please don’t forget Vampire of Montana. I know, I’m greedy!
Too bad. I love everything that you have written and look forwards to the new stuff. But you need to make money so do what you have to and please keep writing.
Book 3!!! ? % Book 3!!!
I love this world and these characters and want more of the main story.
I still want an anthology but after the main storyline has progressed.
I’m just impatient.
I am so happy you are continuing the Library Vigilante series. I truly loved it and can’t wait to devour more.
I am a proud book dragon who devours all your books.
Thank you for making my world brighter with your stories
Okay, you asked. I have a mild preference for Book 3.
Realistically, I will buy whichever book comes out. I will happily buy both, in the order they are published. (Wiggles greedy fingers…)
The reason I have all your books in at least one form and many in at least two?
You simply do not publish bad books. Not ever.
Do I like some of them better than others? Yes. But I like *all* of them.
Thank you for the hours of good reading you have provided. I am looking forward to many more. (Yay Patreon!)
Looking at the choices I vote yes. I think Book3 might be ahead by a nose but all the options sound good.
Happy Year of the (demented) Rabbit.
Book 3 bc I love the series
Book 3 please! I love the series I have both so far in ebook and audiobook so I can keep listening while I drive to work. Have reread and relistened 3 times already.
Book 3 please!
PS: As someone who is eagerly awaiting the 3rd installment of Booked- I am grateful that you are planning to finish the series despite the poor sales. I totally understand why it’s not a priority though – the fur babies need food! ?
The furbabies are a lot cheaper to feed than I am!
Too bad about the performance for the Librarian books. I like them, but if it was too serious for other readers … That’s the way it goes some times.
About Jessie Alexander, I prefer Book 3 (because I really want to see what she and Ana get up to), but I will not say no to an anthology (because there are just so many possible shenanigans that everyone can get up to)!
I found you because I’m a nook person. And one of your books was listed under “customers who bought this also bought” and your book overview & cover looked interesting so I bought it, haven’t stopped since. I have loved ALL your books. After I read the 1st book, I got all your released books from all your author names. Now I wait on pins&needles for the next release. I don’t bug you because I get it takes time. Would rather wait for an awesome book.
I understand the star rating but I know some people are just trolls and as*****.
Personally, I like the Fox Witch series, Karma, Librarian.
It took me a few tries to get into the magical librarian series. It is not my fave. I love the rom com, Jesse Alexander and fox magic and zodiacs are a 10/10 for me and I am super excited about the new series you have coming.
I vote for book 3 of Jesse Alexander
I want book 3, but the others also. I’ve enjoyed all your books, especially the Royal States novels. Thank you for hours of enjoyment.
Book 3 please or I would gladly buy both
Book 3
I so glad you will finish the librarian series—I absolutely love them. I will probably buy every book you ever write—I love the way you tell stories!!
PS-try Zenni for the glasses 🙂
Damn it! I love the Vigilante Librarian series, like Love it Love it. I have read both books like 4 or 5 times each. It starts with a memory of a scene, so I grab the book (reader) and find it, then end up going back and restarting the book, finishing it and sighing in contentment.
I really like series where each book is related, bringing a side character in one book to the fore in another. (Such as Shelly Laurenston’s Pride books). But my true number love is a series that revolves around 1 or 2 characters and as the series goes along, you really get to know them and the world typically builds more and more as the series goes along. Those are the ones that have me waiting with baited breath for the next book. (Ilona Andrews Kate series, Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson series, J.D. Robb In Death series to name but a few.)
I will obviously read whatever you right. But if the Vigilante Librarian series only going to be a passion project, then I say Let that Passion Reign!!
Thanks for keeping up with it.
Book 3, please! And I’m glad you’re going to finish the Magical Librarian series, I enjoyed books 1 and 2. While I can’t always afford to purchase each of your books as they come out, they all go on my wishlist for future purchases.
Thanks for explaining, and for being willing to finish the Librarian series—I’ve really enjoyed it.
I’ll put in a vote for anthology:)
Thank you for the explanation of how the star system affects book sales. It was definitely an eye opener. That said, I was also one of those who loved the Vigilante Magical Librarians series and am glad you plan to finish the series. May you have sufficient time for your play projects.
I vote for book 3, but will be happy with whatever you decide to write.
I am sad because I did like the series. But I really really hope the doesn’t happen to tge Silent Stalker series.
Lowrance Vampires is fine. The sell-through rate on those is over 50%.
Well, I for one loved this series. And I’m sorry it’s not going forward. I don’t get why it wasn’t popular. 🙁
It is going forward? I’ve said repeatedly I’ll be finishing it. It just will not have spin-offs or go beyond the original five planned books.
PS – I am glad you are going to finish the series. I will buy it, for sure. I checked out book 1 through my library, read half of it, and then bought it and book 2 right away.
I buy every book you write because I like every book you write. Some better than others, but the differences are wonderful.
As for the Librarian series…YES! to book 3 and I wouldn’t say no to the other stores.
I will read anything of yours! I pretty much just either pre-order or buy your books as they come out. I enjoy your writing style and haven’t regretted buying anything.
Do I enjoy some more than others? Yes, but I read (and re-read) so many books I’m not terribly picky if I know I will get a well thought out and mostly humorous read whatever you write.
I am one of those folks that loved the Magical Librarian series, books 1 and 2. Have to say overall my favorites of your books are the Witch/Wolf series and Karma books.
Probably not quite your typical reader but I’m 64 years old and don’t need a “quick resolution” as some of the younger set appear to need, I like a slow build up with lots of world building. You don’t disappoint!
I started with the Magical Romantic Comedy with a body count series. Then went thru of your books under RJ Blain, moved to your Susan Copperfield and Bernadette Franklin. Some have been thru the library and a bunch bought. Added in the patreon and am busy reading books that I forget to read that. I try to remember to rate at the end on my paperwhite but tried to see them on goodreads and they only have 3, so there must be a disconnect.
I LOVE all your books and had to find authors to read while waiting for new books. Currently reading Moon Tamed.
Book 3 please! But ultimately whatever makes you happy when writing it as it shows what you love with the playful banter in them! But I do have to admit it took me awhile to warm up to the first two books… I guess I was just so stuck on Hoofin it series that I didn’t pay much attention to any others you wrote until I got through all that series first lol
I found you because I’m a nook person. And one of your books was listed under “customers who bought this also bought” and your book overview & cover looked interesting so I bought it, haven’t stopped since. I have loved ALL your books. After I read the 1st book, I got all your released books from all your author names. Now I wait on pins&needles for the next release. I don’t bug you because I get it takes time. Would rather wait for an awesome book.
I understand the star rating but I know some people are just trolls and as*****.
Personally, I love the Fox Witch series, Karma, Librarian. Actually all your books.
Book 3 please and thank you for you writing.
So I was one of the ones who loved the books and gave 5 star reviews so I’m thrilled you will still write the series eventually. I haven’t read the Jesse Alexander series yet so would be very squealy happy if you write the librarians first. Obviously, you do you and I will happily read anything you write.
Jesse Alexander is a cult favorite with decent sales, so uhm… yeah, there’s no chance in hell Librarians will overtake that. Jesse has great sell-through (61%) and moderate volume lol
Book 3 please.
Interesting info on sell through rates and the longevity of a series. I’m sad that Librarians sell through rate is so low but happy that you’re going to keep working on it as a play / passion project.
Love the cover for book 3!
Book three for Jesse Alexander please
Book three pleaseeeee❣️ Also, the cover is gawjus and yes, I’d like a pair of those glasses too, in super hot pink.
Brain, stop arguing for Jesse Alexander anthology of shorts and novellas of her and the gang causing trouble between books 1-2… stop it! Stop. It. I’ve already thrown my vote for book three. You can’t have both, that’s just plain GREEDY. *sigh* brain, give me a rest, please?
Book 3 please, I love ? Janette and Bradley, but I still love Karma and Jake, actually I love all the books, just differently, they have all a special place and a special world, creations always a problem, but I do try to create with my heart first. Take care?
Jessie Alexander anthology, please. I like the Booked novels, but I loooooooooooooove Jessie and Co. Runs Against Wind is such a perfect name for her, and I really want to see more of that universe. Like what happened to Anatoly when he woke up and found himself with a brand new tattoo. 🙂
Hard choice, but I will go with book three, because I think the anthology will sell better after book three.
I’m pretty sure that I own everything you have written, and had only one book that was a head scratcher for me, although I bought book two of the series anyway. Because of your attention to detail, I feel safe in all of your universes. ( I love the idea of a no combustion zone!) I will just sit over here in my little corner and wait for whatever you write in whatever order you choose to release it, thanking my lucky stars that you are not just a spectacular author, but also prolific 🙂
Book 3 please 🙂
I would love any books about Jesse. I am anxiously awaiting book 3 but if you need more time then the side story between 1 and 2 is also fine. Thank you for everything you do.
I’m voting for the anthology. Eh, I’ve enjoyed all your books! Whichever you want to write first is fine by me. I’m just thrilled you write!
Book 3 please. I just did a re-read of book 1 and 2 and absolutely love the world building and all the characters in Jesse’s world.
Just finished book 2 and really want book 3 asap! Would also love to see more books with Juliette Carter as a supporting character from Bernadette Franklin. I keep trying to decide which is my favorite but have decided they are ALL my favorites!
I’m planning on doing a book about Juliette, from her husbutt’s POV. Because I don’t think anyone can handle Juliette unmedicated as the lead… hahahahahaaa (her poor husbutt)
Book 3 please. I love these books, even prefer them to the water witch world (although they are good too). I guess some people just don’t know what good is. Passion projects tend to have more vibrancy becasue the author loves them. As a reader, this is something you can see and feel as you read the book. Please don’t let those who don’t see the complexity and meaning in your books because they are blinded by preconceptions on what humour and wit mean stop you writing. I have recommended you many times, and will continue to do so.
I completely agree with everything you said
I adore all of your books but I am voting for Jesse #3.
I absolutely adore these books and have read them at least 3 times. I hate that they haven’t had a good showing. I have been anticipating that next book.
Love your magical librarians! Sorry the ratings don’t reflect that. Really glad you’re planning to finish the series! I would like to see book 3 for Jesse Alexander. We switched from audible to Kobo just to be able to listen as well as buying the ebooks, because your books are loved! And enjoyed!
Love your books, even switched to buying thru Kobo because of the issues you had.
Please book 3.
Also please finish magical librarians, I buy as soon as out. Love them, sorry sales don’t reflect that.
I would love to read book 3 because the Magical Vigilante Librarians series is one of my favorites. Sorry the sales weren’t better but there are those of us who do like it. It is understood that you need to write what sells but if you can give tidbits once in awhile…
I LOVED the magical librarian series. I really hope you finish it!
I truly enjoyed the series and look forward to #3!! I regret that your financial metrics have to dominate decision making. In an ideal world you would be free to write what you want because you want to. There is so much that is interesting and challenging in these stories it disappoints me more readers did not engage with the issues you offered. And I am definitely intrigued as to how you will resolve all the tangles of your yarn.
Yep, but as I like being able to pay my staff, without whom I could not publish books, I have to pay attention to the financials. I also like eating, and food costs money, so if I wrote just what I liked, I wouldn’t eat, and people who don’t eat definitely can’t write, so it’s a vicious cycle. Money definitely matters.
Book 3 PLEASE! Just reread books 1 and 2, loved every minute.
I loved these books and plan on stalking you until I can get the rest of the series!
^^; the Patreon (monthly) subscribers were just enrolled into a pit fight to see what is going onto the active play project list, and the next one IS in the line up. (Will it win?! We’ll find out soonish!)
Having no idea why some people don’t enjoy the series, I loved the fact that it had serious intrigue and a possible US future (excluding magic, real life could mirror government extended powers). For me, it is the non-plot humour / snarky conversations that are the distraction I put up with to get a good story. Other readers might have the reverse opinion. I will eagerly await the rest of the series, always appreciating your talent to keep me entertained reading for hours at a time.
I bought both the ebooks and the audio books. I love this series.
I recently discovered your work and have been devouring your books! I love the Magical Vigilante Librarians and I am glad you will be moving ahead with it. I wish I could understand why people don’t like it so I could convince them they are wrong lol.
As you have stated very clearly, being an author is a business and profit must be made to succeed. Using that analogy you also have customers that have invest money in buying the books, but most importantly time.
I buy and read everything you write and hunt down the nom de plume you create under and find touch of joy when I find them. However an writer must have a different business model then a car manufacturer.
In the example above, the car makers decision to stop manufacturing a model do to lack of sales might upset customers that happen to like that version. Yet there are plenty of other cars on the road. In terms of a writer of a series there is a different modality that MUST be used.
The customers invest their time and emotions in reading a series. And unlike a car which has a limited life, a book may be new every time it is read. To stop writing a series in which your audience has an “investment” (especially when the story does not end, but leaves the readers hanging) is bit of betrayal on the authors part. It is also bad business, because we lose trust in the author and there for may be more reluctant to stay with them for the next run.
Jim
Did you miss the line where I said I would be continuing to write the series, but I simply would not be doing it on an advanced schedule? I’m assuming so, judging from the tone of your comment.
I’m sorry that you feel this way, but I have a choice: prioritize this and be unable to pay my bills, or quit writing.
Pick your poison. I would, personally, prefer to continue writing.
I really enjoyed the Vigilante Librarian series. I vote for book 3!