Comments on: I Tried a BookBub Featured Deal—Here’s What Happened

By: J

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:32:32 +0000

Things to consider which are not covered in this article (first time experience without any research done) but are common knowledge among authors:
– the deals are only profitable if you have more books in the series; the return is in the read through, not in the book you’re actually advertising.
– the higher price points don’t work on BookBub; their readers, while they’re willing to buy full-price sequels in a series, are looking for bargains, not full price books. $1.99 only seems to work for boxed sets/omnibus editions.
– free works better than $0.99

So, the common advice is: if you want to make profit (or at least break even), don’t apply for BookBub until you have at least 3-4 books out (last can be on preorder), and don’t price higher than $0.99 unless you have an omnibus of your series.

Also, as a side note, New Releases for Less don’t usually work at all in terms of a return.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:29:56 +0000

In reply to Jemima Pett. Thanks for giving it a try, Jemima!

By: Jemima Pett

Jemima Pett — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 21:43:38 +0000

I was one of the UK purchasers! And I did start reading it, but then a whole load of things happened, and I had other things that needed reading….
I’d say I’d go back to it and try again, but I don’t think it’s really my thing. Sorry.
But if I do, I’ll give it an honest and fair review 🙂

By: Colleen

Colleen — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:59:58 +0000

In reply to Adele Park. Good luck if you give it a try, Adele! :O)

By: Adele Park

Adele Park — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 08:43:41 +0000

This is a fantastic article that tells us exactly how things worked and is not just about the monetary gain. I, too, wish to grow my audience, so thank you; this has been great advice.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:48:31 +0000

In reply to MINDY ALYSE WEISS. Thanks, Mindy! Yes it was a learning experience for sure. I think I'll wait to try for a U.S. deal until I have more books in the series ready to go, in the hopes of inspiring buy-through when advertising Book I. I'll be sure to provide an update if/when that happens!

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:47:13 +0000

In reply to Alex J. Cavanaugh. Oh wow, have they gone up that much, Alex? I know their audience has really expanded. That's why they can even do the international only deals now. I think, as Jennifer was saying, that genre matters too. Bookbub charges differently depending on genre, but they don't have a "historical fantasy" category—only general fantasy. Another thing to consider if you're looking into doing it. Thanks for your thoughts. :O)

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:45:13 +0000

In reply to Jennifer Lane. Ha ha. Dang, Jennifer. Maybe I should have changed my cover? (ha) Yes they do seem to like wide distribution, and reviews are important too. I think since my deal was only international, that was another reason I didn't earn back the entire cost. The audience there is smaller—particularly for my genre (historical fantasy). Hoping for a U.S. deal sometime in the future! Glad yours worked well for you. :O)

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:43:08 +0000

In reply to ANGELA ACKERMAN.

Yes, Angela! I’ve learned over time with any kind of advertising that often, it’s best to consider the money second. :O) Especially when I’m trying to get more eyes on the book. Not many folks know about my work internationally–particularly in fiction–so this was a great way for me to get in front of them.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:40:38 +0000

In reply to BECCA PUGLISI. My pleasure, Becca. It can be a little confusing from the outside, but I found the staff there to be REALLY helpful. I had a question at one point in the process and reached out and got a quick response via email. Nice folks. I'd encourage anyone who wants to try a deal to go for it.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:39:11 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. Hey, Jenny. My pleasure! If you try one in the future, good luck! :O)

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:57:30 +0000

I’ve been wondering about BookBub for indie authors, and I really appreciate that you shared your experience so candidly here, Colleen. Many thanks!