In May, I created a survey for my current readers to get feedback on Mellifluous thus far. One of the best parts for me of releasing a non-definitive, free version of this story first is the chance to hear what's landing with my audience, where I can improve, and also what they want when it comes to the distribution of the final, published edition! Here's what I learned.
1. First, I asked how people would like to read the weekly, non-definitive chapters:
As you can see, the majority liked the current format of getting a downloadable pdf via Patreon. While Patreon's content guidelines are actually what required me to start with pdfs and epubs back in January, it was great to see most people are happy with it.
I also noted the 30% preference for reading the story as an online post via my own website. While I already planned to create a website, my one hang up with posting the full story here is the higher likelihood of more of my writing getting stolen for AI learning at some point. But I will be using this website as a home base for ebooks and printed books, and have the first few chapters of Part I and Part II posted here--we'll see, at least now it can always be a back up option!
One reader said that the pdf is unreadable on mobile, and it'd be nice to be able to comment on the same page that the story itself is posted. I thought about it and realized that most of my chapters shouldn't get censored by Patreon, even if some do, so for the last month I've switched to including the full copy text into my weekly posts unless Patreon flags it. Hopefully that's made for an easier reading experience for everyone!
If at some point I can switch from Patreon to a platform that has less censorship, I will--I've looked around without success thus far, but platforms rise and fall all the time.
2. Another question I asked was about pricing and medium for book purchases down the line:
Honestly, I was surprised readers were just as interested in paperback print as they were e-book! Although, since then I've heard that physical copies are more often desired if the book is in the fantasy genre, for whatever reason.
This cemented my desire to find a good print-on-demand (POD) service and get my cover art finalized. One survey responder asked if I could make sure to choose a POD that would print outside the United States to reduce shipping price, and luckily there are a few to choose from that aren't Amazon! As of now, I am going with IngramSpark, which can print and ship from the US, the UK, and Australia.
Also, it looks like the prices might end up lower than my initial estimations, which is great news! The moment I have the prices solidified I'll let everyone know.
For my cover art, I've had the unfortunate hurdle that the first artist I chose had to back out, so I've just found a new option and they can start in early July! The paperback print will likely be delayed still because of this, but the e-book I'll release mid-August once all chapters are out on Patreon regardless.
As for hardcover and audiobook . . . someday, hopefully! I have a theater background, so I'd love to narrate it myself.
3. Free response: What are readers enjoying?
I also included a few "free response" questions throughout the survey as well. These were written when chapter 1-13 were posted, so it will be interesting to see in the future if opinions change!
By and large, people are enjoying Reuben and Everic's dynamic and growing relationship. Phew! Many responses also mentioned that they like the slow reveal of worldbuilding and backstory. A couple readers mentioned they also want to know more about Bev and Isolde's side of things, which is great to hear--that happens to be what Part II will dive into!
4. Free response: What have readers found boring/confusing/unrealistic?
This one was a mixed bag! One reader said it was hard to tell how much time was passing in the earlier chapters, which I checked on in my next round of edits. One reader said that it's not clear yet why the political happenings matter and that makes it hard to remember details about such things--while I don't want anyone dead bored, I didn't mind hearing that readers don't know why the big-world stuff matters yet, because it doesn't matter to Reuben (yet).
One reader said it felt a bit rushed/fast-paced sometimes, while another reader said not much happens in most chapters! But the rest liked the pacing, so I guess I'll stick with the middle ground for now, haha.
4. Free response: Any other feedback from readers
Mostly, I just got more kind words, which was super sweet! But one person suggested "a little lore chapter where we have a bunch of different details collated at certain points in the story. Extra facts, certain abilities, worldbuilding that might be forgotten after a long break, stuff like that." This is what inspired my "Annals of Monmark," a collection of facts from what the story has told us so far on a certain subject. My Magnatus tier patrons voted on "The Four Known Magical Crafts" as our first annal, which will be available on Patreon to all readers by the time you read this. I hope to create and post them during weeks I have a break, such as 5th Sundays and the weeks in between Part I and Part II!
Last, a big shout out to anyone who shared their feedback! It's really helped inform my decisions moving forward, as I hope this post illustrates. The survey has closed, but I'm always open to feedback here, on Patreon, Tumblr, or my Discord server, so as always, feel free to reach out đ©”
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