In the past few days, we’ve received two cardboard boxes containing our author copies of The Dead Shadow. When we shared the news with friends and followers, we were faced with a lot of questions.
Understandably, other authors who have gone through the same process as us would know what this means. However, not everyone is in the same position, so we’re going to do our very best to address all the questions we’ve received about the author copies of our book.
How Many Author Copies of The Dead Shadow Did We Receive?
We knew we were going to receive a handful of complimentary author copies of The Dead Shadow. As a rule of thumb, every publisher will ensure that their authors receive at least one complimentary copy of the book they’ve written. The exact number of copies will depend on the contractual agreement with each publisher.
However, it’s important to mention that the number of author copies to be received will remain relatively low, as it is in the interest of the writer and the publisher (and the agent if a literary agent is involved in this process) to sell the book.
Why So Many Author Copies Then?
We took the opportunity to order additional author copies of The Dead Shadow. Our publisher sent us 5 complimentary author copies.
We ordered two boxes on top of it. We paid for those as they were not part of the complementary set for a variety of reasons.
Why Did You Order Additional Author Copies of The Dead Shadow?
Your author copies serve many purposes. For a start, we wanted to give a free book to close friends and relatives while being able to keep at least one for ourselves. Without ordering extra copies, we wouldn’t have been able ot share the book with those who matter to us.
Besides, as independent authors, we are in a position where we can sell our books directly at book fairs and book events. While this needs some planning and preparation, as we are not yet equipped as a book seller, having our own stock makes it easier for us to attend events, even at short notice.
Finally, we are keen to use our author copies to promote The Dead Shadow through unique and engaging activities. For example, we are considering learning how to spray edges to create a limited edition.
Do You Need More Author Copies as Indie Authors?
Yes, we do! Agented authors can rely on their agents to run the marketing side of things and reach out to the press and partners. As indie authors, we need to handle most of the marketing and promotional activities on our own, and with the support of our publisher.
As such, we do need a stock of author copies to be able to reach out to the press, professional reviewers, or social media creators quickly. If an author works with an agent, the responsibility of sending additional copies falls onto the agent or the publisher.
But we work with a small publisher who has put their faith in The Dead Shadow. So, this responsibility falls equally on them and us.
Can You Sell Your Author Copies?
Yes, we can sell our author copies, and we will sell some of those at the book fairs we are attending.
That being said, our readers can also buy The Dead Shadow from their preferred source, Waterstones, Foyles, Amazon, and also from independent bookshops. We are keeping our author copies primarily for special events. While some may be sold at book fairs, this will remain a small number.
How Can I Get A Copy of The Dead Shadow?
The Dead Shadow will be released on August 19. You can buy it from your favourite shop and you will receive your very own copy.
How Can I Get A Signed Copy of The Dead Shadow?
We’re currently not selling our author copies, but we are working on attending more book events across the UK. The next event will take place in Worcester this October. The Indie Authors’ Book Fair is organised by Script Haven. If you are around, please come and say hi. We’ll be happy to sell and sign a copy for you.
If you already have your own copy by then, bring it with you, and we’ll sign it for you.
Similarly, if you are planning book events or run a book club and would like us to pop by with signed copies, do not hesitate to reach out.