HI JaCOB,
You introduced and clearly tackled the eternal problem for those of us who have a product or service (either free info like a blog) that they want to market. If you don’t market your product/service it will not get bought. Unless you have something so awesome and unique that your consumers are in love with you (think Apple). Accept the fact that even though your book is good/helpful and offers something of value, it has to be marketed! Even a book published by a conventional publisher requires you participate in the marketing junket! You are doing great, don’t stop. You have a unique voice.

Sent in a purchase suggestion to the local library system.

Jacob,

As a former library employee, I can tell you that libraries often will go out of their way to promote local authors. Contact your local library, ask to speak to the adult services librarian, and tell her/him that you just published a book and would like to give a talk on the topic at the library. You can even offer to donate a copy to the library. The library should be able to work you into their schedule of adult programming and will promote it through their quarterly/monthly newsletters, flyers, and website. On the evening of your talk, bring some copies of your book, as most people attending these events expect to be able to buy a copy and have it signed by the author. You can also branch out to other libraries. Good luck!

Melanie

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If you have enough money that you don’t need to work, which is your whole premise, why the push to sell the book? The public may buy the book every time you post about it, but since when did you start living your life based on behavior of the masses? I will really miss this blog if it just becomes a marketing tool.

I bought the book already and will definitely be writing an Amazon review when I finish, as well as some sort of review on my personal blog. I’m only a couple of chapters in so far though, so it will still be a little while until I get the word out. So far I love the book.

The blog is already in neutral no?

@Jeremy – No, I write about 3 new posts per week (on average)—the ones that get posted around noon/afternoon EST. I respond to comments where applicable. I’m working on new material for publication.

I bought the book from amazon.com and it should arrive within a week or so. I planned on reviewing it on my blog. I tend to stay clear of amazon reviews, predominantly because genuine criticism is rarely well received there, particularly if an author has devotees. And I plan on giving the book a genuine bit o’ criticism instead of the usual “This book is so totally awesome!” Hopefully I’ll have more to say about it than that.

As far as the idea to give a discount, I think it’s great. I am the queen o’ marketing and have a dozen other ideas that would help, but something tells me you’ve probably already done quite a bit of research on how to market and promote the work.

However, I think Kelly has a valid point. The fact that you are writing a book and promoting it doesn’t speak to being retired. How can you address that? Are you semi-retired? In need of additional revenue due to declining markets? If the intent is simply to help people, the success of the book isn’t necessarily an issue, as those in need can learn of it via word of mouth, etc. This blog provides ample assistance, etc.

Anyhoo, addressing the issue (perhaps you already have in earlier posts?) of being retired while obviously actively working might not be a bad idea.

@jon_snow – Much of this is answered by the frequently asked questions. DW much prefers our [frugal] lifestyle to having to worry about debt or job loss. This swimming analogy may explain how it is to live an ultra frugal — what we’d call ultra efficient — lifestyle from our perspective. It’s like gliding through the water.

@Curious Blogger – It’s an alternative to the usual idea of sending out review copies to blogger and bloggers then giving them away to a random reader.

@CB – No. I would send the book to the first blogger. The blogger would review it (and sign it), then send it off to the next blogger who would repeat it until 5 bloggers have signed it. Then the autographed review copy would be auctioned off for charity.

Jacob, here is a data point you can use in judging the success of you book: 96% of books on market sell less than 1,000 copies per year. I think you are doing great so far! It also takes time to build momentum at Amazon (customer who bought this also bought…). Typically, self-published books reach their full momentum 1-2 years after publishing.

Hi! I read all your blog & refer back to it. I’m 46 & my husband is 50 but they is no way we can retire, even following your ideas. Our yearly income is average $24,900 .Lots of of people across the country don’t make the large sum you did yearly, lots mahe $25,000 a year & raise 5-6 children on it. I like your ideas & esp. read about the ways to cut back & make do.I really wish my sister & BIL would read your blog. I love them to pieces but they are so far in debt already with school loans, mortgage , furnace loan , credit cards for this & that then last Fall bought a new 2009 Venza so are more in debt.The church has gotten way off base being in debt, the pastor even taught about that last week.Well, at least we aren’t in debt. No credit cards of any kind. we do owe a couple of medical bills totaling $5,000 though & are paying on them.Cars are paid for Geo Metro 1999 & buick century 1998. Both run good.Ohio doesn’t have public transportation unless live right in major city & even then iffy.Please don’t stop publishing your blog it is enjoyed so much and gets people to think. Lisa

@Lisa – Wow, I just saw that reduction on amazon. No way I can compete with that. Amazon must be losing money right now.

When I was in grad school, I made about that amount. Of course I was single and live in a room three times smaller than the RV we’re currently living in. 8 people on $25000 would be tough.