By Stacey J. Miller, Book Publicist
S. J. Miller Communications
bookpromotion@gmail.com
In the midst of all the controversy and drama between Amazon and Hatchette, let’s not forget that CreateSpace (which is the self-publishing arm of Amazon) does something that the traditional New York publishing industry could never do. It lets kids make their book publishing dreams come true.
As a book publicist, I’m always scanning the news and trade media for examples of book promotion successes, and I came across one this morning. A ten-year-old Chicago-based boy, Jake Mayer, was featured on the CBS (Chicago) web site because he is writing his second novel which is a sequel to an Amazon category bestseller that he wrote! His first novel, A Tale of Friends, Enemies and Minecraft, has sold more than 14,000 copies on Amazon in only one year. That would be a wonderful feat for an adult, but the fact that a pre-teenager (and, to be fair about it, his family and teachers) made it happen both astonishes and thrills me.
According to the CBS article, A Tale of Friends, Enemies and Minecraft began its life as a school assignment. Jake’s father imagined that, once the book was published, it would sell fewer than a dozen copies.
Mr. Mayer was wrong in his projection of book sales, but that seems to be the only thing he was wrong about. He is raising a young man who is an inspiration to all kids, and to everyone who wants to write and publish a book.
Amazon, despite its quirks and shortcomings, has made it possible for Jake Mayer to become a successful novelist at age ten.
This book publicist appreciates the fact that book promotion opportunities have come Jake’s way. He’s earned them!
Ms. Miller,
I was Googling my son’s name and I ran across your blog. I was excited that you mentioned Jake. His second book came out and is not taking off like the first. There are hundreds (literally) more Minecraft books than last year. Would you have any interest in helping an 11 year old with his second novel? Sorry if I am way off base in asking. I thought it couldn’t hurt to ask.
Kris Mayer
Ms. Mayer,
You’re Jake’s mom? Congratulations on your accomplishment, because it really was a family (and school) effort! Please email me at stacey @ bookpr.com. Love to talk with you.
Stacey