Monday, March 17, 2014

I was J.K. Rowling for a day.



 (click pic to make big.)


Well, I say I was J.K. Rowling for a day, but I doubt Miss Rowling obsesses over her Amazon ranking, and if she does it is from the comfort of her gigantic castle.  But this past Friday, I did get a glimpse of what it was like to see my name alongside the top ranked authors on Amazon.com.

If you follow me on Twitter or if you are my pal on Facebook or if you read previous posts on this blog or if you were standing across the street when I was shouting it from my front yard, then you know my novel INK MAGE was the Kindle Deal of the Day for Science Fiction & Fantasy on Friday, March 14. So, yeah, my eyes were glued to the computer screen as I watch my Amazon ranking for INK MAGE climb and climb (meaning the number got lower and lower.)  I started the day around #9,600 and by the time I went to bed, the ranking was #8.  I don't know what happened overnight, but when I woke up the ranking was #5.

Wow.

But here's the thing.  When J.K. Rowling goes back a week from now to see how her books are doing on Amazon.com, she'll still be J.K. Rowling.  And I'll just be me again.  Like a circus balloon losing it's helium, my ranking is already drifting back toward the mortal realm.  At the time of writing this blog post, I cling to the top 100 at #92.  I am still #1 in a few categories like "Fantasy" and "Magic & Wizards."  On the day of The Daily Deal, I tweeted a lot about my ranking and how the price was a bargain and so on.  Looking back, I have one very minor regret.

I wish I'd have talked more about the book itself.

Oh, not because it would have impacted sales or anything like that.  The fact is, it was FUN to write INK MAGE.  I grew to love the characters and the story and the world I built. Rina is a spoiled 19 year old.  She knows how to use a sword because she's been taught by her enormous bodyguard Kork, but to her this is merely a matter of exercise.  She has never known battle and doesn't plan to.  When her homeland is seized by invaders from across the sea, everything changes.  She is forced to flee.  A wizard in exile gifts her with the power of the Ink Mage, something called the Prime tattoo.  Once she has the Prime, she can collect more tattoos which give her amazing powers.  Along the way, she collects a couple of traveling companions, and together they plot how Rina can return to claim her homeland.  This is the most mainstream novel I've written -- in my opinion.  But there is lots of violence and a dose of sex.  I wouldn't call it YA.

Okay ... them's the basics. Rina's world is so clear in my mind ,that I am itching to return to it, to explore further the magic of her tattoos, and basically to have some more swashbuckling sword-stabbing, spell casting fun.  A sequel depends entirely on sales, so I hope I sell enough.  We'll see.

When Ink Mage was the Kindle Daily deal, they dropped the price to 1.99.  It's back up to 3.99 now which is still pretty cheap.  What's that?  A happy meal?  Check it out HERE.  I hope you'll give it a read.

15 comments:

Gerard said...

"J.K. Rowling for a day." What was it like having woman breasts?

What's the deal on Deal of the Day anyway? Do authors and agents lobby for this? Does Amazon close it's massive orb and blindly point out a title?

Victor Gischler said...


Gerard,

It's a Kindle promotion that brings a book to the attention of Amazon customers. Usually a discount is involved.

Unknown said...

Shit! How did I not know this was out?? I need to keep up with my favorite blogs better.

Gerard said...

I understand the spotlighting and discount. But, how are the titles chosen by Amazon? Are there a couple Amazon employees who just pick what they like?

Victor Gischler said...



Gerard,

Ah, I get what you're asking now. It's my understanding there are criteria ... but I don't know what they are.

Kristopher,

If you decide to pick it up, I hope you enjoy it. And don't be a stranger!

Unknown said...

Victor, I've loved everything else you've written, even the police report about me, and fantasy is my first love, so I'm very excited about reading it.

And I'll try and be around more. When's the first BBQ?

Anonymous said...

This is the first book by you that I have read. I loved it. I got it at the daily deal price. Ok would love to have a sequel available.

Victor Gischler said...

Thanks, Anonumous!

Cadeyrn said...

It really is a splendid piece of work. Any chance of a sequel soon?

Unknown said...

If it was easy everyone would write. You truly have a gift. This is my first read of any of your work but I am now a fan. How dare you let me find you before there was a sequel done...hint hint. The magic, the consequences of using it and the potential of this franchise is mouthwatering. Well done.

Victor Gischler said...

Thanks guys!

A sequel is very high on my wish list. We'll see what the publisher says.

Gerard said...

We have good news! One of your pre-ordered items is now eligible for release date delivery and has been upgraded at no additional charge. Your new delivery estimate is:

Gischler, Victor "Ink Mage (Ink Mage series)"
Estimated arrival date: April 29, 2014

Unknown said...

Great Book please, please,please write another one:)

SciFi Girl said...

Hi Victor, I found you via Amazon's deal of the day for Ink Mage. Loved your little fantasy world. Gonna pen any follow-ups? I hope!

Gotta check out your other books...

Keep writing!

Victor Gischler said...



Hi guys!

Would LOVE to write another one, so thanks for the encouragement. It's sort of up to Amazon's 47North publishing imprint. If they think there is enough interest, then they will green light me for more. 5-tar reviews and good sales will definitely send the message.