Despite my best marketing efforts, my backlist just isn’t selling. How do I decide whether to go back to the drawing board and refocus the series or cut my losses and unpublish it?
At a Crossroads
Dear Crossroads,
I feel your frustration, love. When a backlist underperforms, it's like owning a vintage auto that sputters more than it purrs. Do you tune it up or trade it in for a new model? Let’s hash out indie author strategies.
First, diagnose if it’s truly a lemon or just needs maintenance. Some classics stay roadworthy for decades with care. Consider Jane Austen's Emma or Agatha Christie's Poirot Mysteries—loyal fans span generations. Maybe your baby just needs a tune-up. Don't junk durable stories without considering an overhaul.
But if foundational features feel irreparable, could you envision radical customization? Trick out characters, settings, or other elements to reinvent the vehicle. Rework it into something unrecognizable, like custom car shops turning beaters into hot rods.
I will admit to a tiny little guilty pleasure here, dear Crossroads: I love watching episodes of American Chopper. Messrs. Paul Teutul Sr. and Jr. could take this creaky chassis out for a ride anytime. But I digress …
Your vintage collection may seem a tad shaky, but are they truly ready for the scrapyard just yet? A complete overhaul may be radical if all they need is some TLC.
The beauty of self-publishing is total creative control. Although traditional contracts limit remixing published works, indies can retool at will. Resuscitate stale stories through extensive edits, new covers, and bonus materials like author forewords. Even switch up genres and target audiences. The flexibility to overhaul your catalog keeps classics roadworthy.
Are foundational elements sound but sales sluggish? I mentioned Austen and Christie earlier. Google or check out Pinterest to see the range of covers they have worn over the decades, each one bringing the same classic stories to a whole new generation. Or think of the many film and TV adaptations of their works. Why not try the same strategy with your story, refreshing the covers, trying different formats, or expanding into new territories with transmedia?
You can always refresh and retarget promotion. Analyze reviews to highlight untapped hooks for new readers. Revamp book blurbs and pitches. Advertise in niche communities aligned with adjustments to your work. Update keywords for discovery. Self-publishing grants the artistic freedom to reposition titles for renewed momentum.
Of course, sometimes older models grow too dated. If you decide these old bangers are not even fit for a stock car derby, scrap what no longer thrills you. Trust your gut, and shift gears to draft fresh adventures fine-tuned for who you are today.
Every author spins out or stalls sometimes. View past mishaps not as defeat but as practice in resilience. Ditch draining projects and focus on smoothing your ride. And remember, stories that sputtered before may find new life later when retooled with hard-won skills. The classics endure!
Keep cruising with spirit! Your best adventures lie ahead. Meanwhile, I’m going to check out some reruns of American Chopper with a steaming hot cup of tea.
Happy writing,
Indie Annie
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