Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Amazon Book Sales

Periodically I look on Amazon to see how my books are performing in relation to other knitting books. I about fell out of my chair today when The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns was #1 among knitting books and #182 in overall book sales (that includes books by such notables as Steig Larsson, Jodi Picoult, and John Grisham)!
How did a 6-year-old book rise to such lofty heights? I can only surmise that it has to do with marketing. Knitting Daily featured The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns yesterday and again this morning. I don’t know how many tens of thousands of people read Knitting Daily, but it must be a lot to affect such a dramatic surge in book sales.

The moral? If you plan to write a knitting book, sign up with Interweave because they continue to promote books for years after they are first published.

I think it’s time for another celebration!

7 comments:

J said...

It couldn't happen to a better book! I'm going to sound all fan-girl here, but your two Handy Books of Patterns are my favorite knitting books, because they gave me the courage to not be dependent on a pattern and do my own thing. Seeing your gauge/size charts made me realize that the math really is not too hard for me. Thanks!

Minh said...

Knitting library essentials are timeless!!

By the way, I just pre-ordered my copy of "knitting Green" from the Interweave store. Woohoo!

norabrown said...

I just bought that one myself! Not from the ads, but because I had such a hard time choosing which book to get from your for my recipe.

I think this is one every knitter should own. So i ordered it.

Jaxie985 said...

I'm an old woman but a new knitter... found the sweater patterns book at the library yesterday and was glued to it all evening. It's exactly what I wanted, a place to start when you want the "bones" and can do the fleshing out yourself. I am going to purchase a copy though, it's a must-have!! Good for you!

Sandra said...

Your books are the best. Love the sock book - wrote all over it as I learned. Now ready to start in on the sweater one.

Mona in Boston said...

I've had both handy pattern books in my collection for years. Congratulations, Ann.

Ali P said...

I have both Handy books and love them. I think its #1 for a very good reason...awesomeness. I always recommend them to newer knitters...or any knitters actually.