Can This Indie Book Find 1,000 Readers?
When I released Through Water & Ruin, I had no idea what to expect. It was my debut book — a deeply personal account of the 2023 floods that reshaped my life. What I didn’t anticipate was just how many people would connect with it.
The messages, the conversations, the moments of reflection readers shared with me — all of it made something clear: this book matters to more than just me. And I want to get it into as many hands as possible.
So I set a goal.
A bold one: to find 1,000 readers.
MOST BOOKS DON’T GET THIS FAR
Here’s something you might not know: most self-published books never sell more than 100 copies in their entire lifetime.
Reaching readers as an indie author is tough — especially when you’re doing it all yourself.
But Through Water & Ruin isn’t a typical book.
It’s a Luminovel — a format that blends storytelling, photography, illustration, and layout into one immersive experience. You don’t just read it — you see it, feel it, and turn every page like stepping deeper into the story.
I believe in it. And I believe others will too, if they can just discover it.
81 COPIES AND COUNTING
As I’m writing this, it’s been 6 months since the book launched on December 15th, 2024 — and I’ve sold 81 copies. That’s already beyond what most books will ever reach. And for that, I’m truly grateful.
I’m confident that if more people knew about it, they’d enjoy it too.
WHAT I’M DOING TO GET THERE
At first, I didn’t do much marketing. I quietly launched the book and let it find its feet.
But over the past month, that’s changed.
I’ve redesigned my website, launched this blog, created a dedicated instagram account. Not just to promote, but to share the thoughts behind the work.
I’ve also been reaching out to bookshops — and I’m incredibly proud to share that Waterstones in Chesterfield town centre is now stocking Through Water & Ruin on its shelves.
Momentum is building. Slowly. But surely.
IF YOU’VE GOT A COPY — THANK YOU
Truly. Whether you picked it up online, found it in a shop, or received it as a gift — your support means the world.
If you enjoyed it, the best thing you can do now is pass it on. Share it with a friend. Snap a photo. Leave a review. Mention it over coffee. These tiny moments of connection ripple further than you think.
LET’S REACH 1,000 TOGETHER
This goal isn’t just mine — it’s something I’d love for you to be part of. Because Through Water & Ruin was never just a book for me. It’s a story meant to be shared.
You can read my post on 10 ways to support indie authors (even if you can’t buy right now) if you’re looking for more ways to help.
Thanks for being here.
And thanks for coming along for the journey.