Being an author used to mean living in the dark times. It could take almost a year before I saw a sales statement for a particular book. But thanks to improved technology, I know how many books I’m selling in real time (not quite but pretty close) and more importantly, I know WHO is buying my books (drone technology…don’t be afraid). And that’s where I got a little shock. Canadians don’t really buy my books. I sell more books in Germany than I have in Canada and I don’t get that. We have so much in common! We aren’t afraid to use the letter U in words like colour, valour, etc. We both celebrate Boxing Day. I know that Saskatchewan is a province and not a sound Canadians make when they sneeze. Frankly, we are pretty much family. So what’s going on, Canada?
Rather than turn my back on my Canadian family, I want to do something about the situation. I know there are some Canadians out there who read my ramblings on a regular basis, so I turn to you, my friends to the north, for help and advice. Simply put, what should I do to change the situation? How do I become more enticing to Canadians? Who should be reviewing my books? Who should I be blackmailing? Let me know.
I know I have Canadian readers out there, so I do have a task for you. I want you to go up to a fellow Canadian—it can be a friend or family member or even a complete stranger—and say, “Have you read Simon Wood? No, well you should. I suggest you read (insert favourite title here).”
Now this may sound a little culty, but that’s okay. Cults aren’t all bad…I don’t think. Let’s not worry about that for now and focus on the important part—and that’s finding a Canadian readership. Look, I have faith in my Canadians and together we can do it. You don’t want the Germans to beat you on this score, do you?
