Thursday 11 February 2010

Going for the Jugular...

Having sold out in just one week in January, amazon.com ordered 500 copies of CUT SHORT. I should be pleased... but you're getting to know me and my 'What if' questions. So despite all the great reviews this week (links on previous post) I started wondering... what happens if no one else buys it?

Then I read this lovely comment on my blog which really cheered me up.

"In all honesty, even as a woman myself, I have never been a follower of women writing crime. They never seem to go for the jugular, and always hold back. That was until I heard crime writer Sam Millar praising the hell out of this debut novel, Cut Short. I immediately bought it on Amazon, and was delighted with it. Really great writing, and terrific story. Can’t wait until your new book hits the shelves."

I know some authors are only interested in sales of 1,000s, but I'm still genuinely thrilled when one person enjoys CUT SHORT. I don't think that will ever change.

And how's this for a great review on amazon.co.uk this week -

5 out of 5 stars
Excellent, 9 Feb 2010
By Cormac Mac "Crime king" (London) See all my reviews
"Cut Short is an excellent first novel. It was recommended to me by a friend who loves the Karl Kane series of books by crime writer Sam Millar. I wasn't disappointed. Steel is a name you will be hearing more of in the future.
Buy this book. Steal it. Whatever you do, read it."

(my red highlighting)


20 comments:

Barbara Martin said...

Comments like that should certainly keep you going, Leigh. You really have to stop this nay saying.

Alice said...

Hi there - thank you for stopping by my blog! I know exactly what you mean about even one person enjoying your book... I was so scared about my book coming out that I thought that even if one person liked even a little of it - that was good enough for me. Just to know that it has helped a handful of people on their travelling adventure is a great feeling :-) As for being interested in sales of 1,000s - Just in 100s would make me deliriously happy! Well done on all your wonderful reviews :-)

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I loved Cut Short, so I'm not at all surprised that you're getting such great reviews.

Leigh Russell said...

I thought you'd like neigh saying, Barbara - sorry, that's an awful pun, isn't it?

Leigh Russell said...

Your book is rather different to mine, Alice. Your writing helps other people on their travels. I just make up stories!

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks for the support, Debs. Now back to your shed and get writing!

Unknown said...

You can be proud of your writing Leigh! Not that I would know, but I've read somewhere that all writers, even the commercially really successful ones, have doubts with every new novel.

Leigh Russell said...

Yes, with each book a writer sticks his or her head above the parapet. So far people have been positive about my writing, but who knows how readers will react next time? I hope everyone likes it!

Val Ewing said...

okay if amazon has sold out AGAIN...I'm going to have to go grab one from someone!!!

Leigh Russell said...

Back on amazln, Val, if you want to order one...

Sam Millar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
white rabbit said...

Just discovered your blog. I think I shall be keeping a beady eye!

:D

Leigh Russell said...

Right back at yer, Val ;)

Leigh Russell said...

Who better to have a beady eye than a white rabbit? Welcome to my sometimes-interesting-sometimes-crazy blog.

Randy Johnson said...

Randy Johnson here.

You've been awarded the Creative Writer Award(aka the Bald-faced Liar). a meme going around,

If you're interested in playing, check here for the rules:

http://randall120.wordpress.com

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks, Randy, but I think I'll pass on that one.

Chris Stovell said...

Well done Leigh. I'm already sweating buckets about that 'will they like it feeling?' so I'm delighted for you that you're getting great reviews.

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks for visiting, ChrisH. I'm going to write a proper post soon about pre-second-book-delivery... it's a surprisingly nervous place to be.

Pat said...

Print them out and stick them on your notice board to look at when you are feeling insecure. You have to believe it:)
And written by a man too by golly!

Leigh Russell said...

Yes, that's true, Pat. One by a man, one by a woman. That's fair. CUT SHORT has received a lot of good reviews from men. Surprised me too.