If you are self-published, Amazon is a must. If you're traditionally published, it still has some importance because it's the biggest online store, but if you have books in stores you have a much wider chance of your book being bought. The problem is, if your book is only on Amazon, then it will be very hard to sell. Most people only shop on Amazon for things they want and know of already. People don't browse Amazon looking for new titles. So it's up to the individual's situation. It is definitely not the most important thing if you have a publisher. Bookstores and ebook sites carry a lot of weight there but like I said, if your book is only in ONE place, Amazon, its hard. People don't browse online stores the same they do for bookstores. Even with ebooks, most people already know what they want before going to the Kindle store. They don't browse there. That's why it's usually a horrible idea to self-publish fiction because distribution (in many places, not just bookstores), is the biggest factor in getting sales. If you have to depend on Amazon as a main source for book sales, it's gonna be hard. Especially when you're competing with millions of other authors, tradtionally published and self-published.
I agree with Stacy-Deanne. It is hard to get sales through amazon but... it can be done. Just takes a ton of persistence. Your book has a huge niche market. Take advantage of that. There are several ning sites related to the paranormal, occult, etc. If you haven't joined some of those sites then it would be a good idea to sign up with them. They're great places to promo your book to a target audience.
Another good way to increase sales on amazon is to get your book into Kindle. My novel, The Ezekiel Code, was only available in paperback for the first year. Sales were pretty good for a debut novel by an unknown, indie author. But when I finally made a Kindle version available the sales really took off. It's been on the Kindle "Best Seller" (Top 100) in the "Occult" category now for over 14 weeks straight. Once in a while it even shows up in the "Best Seller" (Top 100) "Religious Fiction" category. Part of the reason for the increase in sales, of course, is the huge price difference. The paperback sells for 19.75 on amazon whereas the Kindle edition sells for just 4.95.
Tags are also more important than a lot of new authors realize. I see your tag numbers are already doing pretty well. I just clicked your tags, too. Every little click helps. :-)
Nice cover on your book. That helps, too. Good luck.
I have problems with the percentage they take and the fact that they pay late. I'm still trying to collect for books they ordered several months before I closed my account with them. I can't get a contact number and their e-mails keep me waiting. Does anyone have a live person contact number?
Would be more than willing to tag anyone's bookat Amazon.com - especially if the favor was returned. :D
Title: Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren
Blurb: From Pacific Northwest's award-winning author Kaylin McFarren comes a powerful novel about love, loss, and the power of forgiveness... Flaherty's Crossing.
Successful yet emotionally stifled artist Kate Flaherty stands at the deathbed of her estranged father, conflicted by his morphine-induced confession exposing his part in her mother's death. While racing home, Kate's car mishap leads her to a soul-searching discussion with a lone diner employee, prompting Kate to confront the true reasons her marriage hangs in the balance. When her night takes an unexpected turn, however, she flees for her life, a life desperate for faith that can only be found through her ability to forgive.
Really nice reviews on this book. BTW, bumped your tags as well. Many thanks, Gary! (I can't imagine anyone giving you one star because they didn't like the price point. Egad!)