Childrens Fantasy Novelist Surpasses Projected Annual Sales in First Quarter

Creative innovation sets self-published childrens fantasy novelist on the trail to New York and beyond.

Edmonton, AB (PRWEB) January 29, 2008 -- Capitalizing on determination, creativity and the same word-of-mouth power that took Harry Potter to its phenomenal heights, self-published debut author Kamilla Reid of Edmonton, Alberta easily surpassed her sales goal of 1000 books in a year. And she did it in 8 weeks.    

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the book's success has bogged me down with the administration and distribution duties associated with self-publishing. But I really can't complain!

Her children's fantasy novel, The Questory of Root Karbunkulus, deemed "Harry Potter meets the Great Amazing Race" by industry enthusiasts is the first in a series of six. It involves the ultimate scavenger hunt by 14-year-old Root Karbunkulus and is chalk full of mystery, peer pressure, danger, adventure, plenty of cheating and, of course magic...all the things necessary to a good old fashioned race of a lifetime. Plus it's laugh-out-loud hilarious!

From the beginning Kamilla, a single mom, chose the publishing road less traveled. She knew that no traditional publisher would give a debut author the time, money and energy toward the kind of marketing she wanted. Self-publishing was a perfect fit as it gave her complete freedom to sell and market the book in anyway she chose. Although she's up against some very steep odds, the early results of her efforts look very promising indeed. She is going way beyond what a traditional author would do to promote a book.

With a small budget, you can't hope to replicate the efforts that the publishers of Harry Potter gave their blockbuster hit. However, as Kamilla has proven, you can make things happen with a big dose of creativity and intelligent use of all the tools available on the net and in your own back yard. Her highly imaginative in person and online marketing has already taken her well beyond the ranks of a typical first-time novelist. She has begun to build a buzz for her book by thinking way outside the binding. A cutting edge website and book trailer are just some of the innovative things she's doing that may very well take her from Edmonton to New York City and beyond.

With an extensive background in theatre and film as a performer, writer and director, Kamilla used all her resources to create a professional live action book trailer that has kids drooling and favorite-ing it on Youtube. She then set out to build a website that would hold its own among the ranks of Harry Potter and other such popular childrens fantasy book websites.

In the fall of 2007 Kamilla introduced The Questory of Root Karbunkulus to the world. The reaction was immediate. Within weeks the website, with its enticing graphics, music, video uploads, photo gallery and interactive abilities gained global interest. It was not long before PC World Magazine caught wind of it and featured it in their November issue and the Washington Post thereafter.

Once the online materials were in place Kamilla pulled out all the theatrical stops including props, costumes, video and power point and launched an all out interactive book tour that soon became so popular she had to actually turn requests down. Donning a mysterious hooded red cloak and lantern that pleases the most ardent of childrens fantasy readers, she sets the stage for an hour of excitement that has kids clamoring for a 'high five' or better yet, an autographed shoe. While she attributes much of the book's success to this opportunity to get "right into the trenches with the kids", in the end it is the book that is selling itself as her regular emails suggest:

"I can hardly stand the agony of waiting for the next book. This was the most wonderful experience a book could ever bring."
Katya M, age 12

"I'm a grade 6 boy and I loved your book. It's amazing, awesome, and cool! I told all my friends to read it and they loved it. I just want you to know I will be reading your books now that Harry Potter is over."

From your new biggest fan,
Mikael M, age 11

In fact, Kamilla now receives so many emails, she has begun a lively blog to reach her readers and answer their many questions. "It is a great way to connect and keep the wait between each book fun and exciting." She says.

Kamilla Reid is selling books. As of this date she has sold 1300 copies in Edmonton alone. That's more than most first-time authors ever sell in a lifetime. On the downside she says "the book's success has bogged me down with the administration and distribution duties associated with self-publishing. But I really can't complain!" However, she is now very open to the possibility of publishing with a traditional house and, as she has already been approached by interested literary agents from top agencies in New York, it would seem she is well on her way to selling a lot more books.

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