Amazon produces a sales ranking that some authors enjoy following. Not me. It’s too discouraging.

This morning, Aug. 15, for example, my new book, Condemned for Love in Old Virginia, ranked No. 792,776 on the Amazon site. The rankings were better in their African American History category (No. 1,095) and True Crime category (No. 8,408).  I’m very proud of the book, but it’s clearly not a bestseller.

An alternate measure that I do enjoy can be found on the websites of two local library systems. These libraries tell patrons when all copies of a book are in use. If so, they invite them to “place a hold” and await the next available copy.

Both the Fauquier Public Library and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library had these waiting lists for my book as of this morning.

Fauquier has purchased one copy of Condemned for Love. That copy was checked out, and three people were waiting to read it.

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library in my hometown of Fredericksburg purchased four copies. As of this morning, all copies were in use, and seven people were waiting to read it.

To have an Amazon bestseller would be fantastic. But I also like the idea that my friends and neighbors are waiting to read what I’ve written. Thanks to all.

Please join me this Saturday, August 19, beginning at 1 p.m., for a book signing at the Barnes & Noble in Central Park in Fredericksburg.