I hear what you're saying, Ann, about the family and friends issue.
Actually, Norman, one of my sisters-in-law is directly or indirectly responsible for 10 of my sales. Even though a non-reader herself, she bought 5 originally, read my book in 2 days, bought 2 more to give away, and 3 of her other friends bought because of word of mouth. She has been a real blessing to me. Six other family members have bought as well...not too bad. Of course, I gave copies to kids, grandkids, my betas, and a few others.
Over Thanksgiving I was telling my son-in-law about a specific review I had on a novel, which had been particularly gratifying. He read the review then downloaded the book for $4.99. That wasn't my intent. As a poor preacher he doesn't have the money to be buying books like that. Plus he could have downloaded it for free in June, and as my FB friend he would have known that. So I tossed him a $5 bill, thereby losing $1.63 on the sale.NDG
That was very kind of you. I'm sure he appreciated your generosity.