At what point is my book deemed “successful”?

Interesting question, isn’t it? Most people like to have their efforts validated. So how does that work, when your effort is a story, that you have sweated blood and tears over for months and months, and even longer?

Rustic Melody is my latest book. It was released on 26th January.

There is so much work in the lead up to releasing a novel – writing, editing, proofing, formatting, cover art, copyright, arranging reviews, and visiting blogs to promote the book. Then there’s the other financial implications, and tasks that need to be done before and after release – tracking expenses, ensuring legal paperwork  is complete, (hopefully) making sales, checking royalty statements, and lodging tax returns. Not very glamorous!

So what makes the book a success? I think that varies depending on the author, and what they are looking to achieve from their writing career.

For me, at the end of the day, it is nice to know I’ve covered all expenses involved in bringing a book to life, or achieved a little bit in return for the countless hours of writing, and all the time spent on other non-writing activity.

But the true joy for me, comes from seeing just how much readers enjoy the story. I’ve been truly blessed to get some wonderful reviews for Rustic Melody, and each and every one, has made my heart sing <3

That’s not to say I don’t care about making sales. I do. Like most of us, I have bills to pay, and can’t afford to turn my back on making a small profit from my writing. And I got a real thrill when All Romance eBooks contacted me to advise Rustic Melody was on their Bestseller List, and then another email this morning to say it had moved further up the chart. Yay!

But I don’t rate my success purely on sales and rankings. It’s very much about the quality of the story, which isn’t always linked to sales and awards. Would I like to win an award? Sure. and I guess time will tell. In the meantime, I’ll be happy knowing people are reaching out to tell me how special they found the story.

5/5 from Divine Magazine… “Beautifully real, superbly written characters, angst free, low drama, high romance. It is sweet and tender, sexy and heartwarming; and the love between these two young men oozes off the page. The way they spoke to each other, touched one another, just the looks they shared……I did lots of sighing reading this book. Feel good, heart melting romance with a capital R! “

5/5 from Diverse Reader… “Talk about a book that melts your heart! Adam and Joey’s story is beautiful. I was left with such peace and utter love for these two by the end of the book.  Nic Starr has written a love story that is like a breath of fresh air. It was sexy, and kind. Loving and freeing. Joey and Adam together was like poetry. From the words they spoke to the tender caresses. They made music with each other and it really was uplifting to witness. I don’t know how many times I can say I love it lol. Seriously, you just have to read it. It will leave you speechless.”

4/5 “…This was sweet, fun, and romantic. I enjoyed the characters immensely. Being a sucker for anything Australian, I had a great time, and it leaves the reader with a nice afterglow.”

5/5 “…Rustic Melody was really a great read, with lots of heart and soul.”

5/5 “…When the story itself turns out to be so beautifully written and full of just downright real and lovable characters who you connect with and just want to hug and say “I know how you feel, mate, and It’s all going to be okay.” Well, to me it makes a winner of a book.”

Here’s a little bit about the book…

Adam Chambers has never seen eye-to-eye with his father and is reluctant to take over the family’s property-development company.  To clear his head and work out what he wants to do with the rest of his life, Adam leaves his responsibilities in the city and heads out to see the country.

He isn’t much closer to deciding what to do with his life when he arrives at one of Australia’s largest events, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and meets Joey Callaway.

Since Joey’s father’s tragic death left Joey the family’s debt-ridden pub, Joey has struggled, desperate to turn the business around and give his mum the life she deserves. A break away from the pressures of running the pub is just what he needs, and a hook-up with Adam is the perfect way to forget about his troubles.

The one-night stand might just be an opening act. If Adam and Joey can follow the music in their hearts, perhaps they can heal each other and create a melody that will last a lifetime.

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | All Romance eBooks | Kobo | iTunes | Barnes and Noble

Sample

Click here to check out the sample on Amazon

 

Happy reading,

Nic xx