Why People Won't Buy Your Book

[Stafford Battle]

During the last few months, my wife and I have had the opportunity to attend many book shows and festivals -- in DC, Maryland, and New York City. It is gratifying to see so many new black faces promoting their literary works. However, in observing money transactions between authors and readers, sadly, many books just don't sell. At writer's meetings, authors complain of travelling hundreds of miles and spending hundreds of dollars only to sell one or two copies of their inventory.

What's up? Why aren't people buying?

There are a number of possible answers. 1) In a show that offers table after table after table of authors, customers find it difficult to choose. And, most buyers simply can't afford to buy every book or author they see or want to support. If you walk into Borders you don't buy every book on the shelf. You select carefully then purchase. Actually, it is much easier for authors to sell books at small venues with only a few authors. 2) Readers often purchase because of the author's presentation and not just the book. When an author stands infront of an audience and presents his or her story; more books are sold. Ask any motivational speaker -- their solitary back of the room table is crowded at the end of a talk. 3) Maybe your book is just NOT that good. Sure, you may have spent weeks or more likely months or years preparing your "baby". But if the cover is not up to par or, the inside of the book is not well designed, or the story is weak and uninspired, readers won't buy. They will smile and say "how nice" and walk away to the next table.

It is issue #3, that we as authors frequently must study.

Look in the mirror and say, "Is my book any good? How does it compare with similar books? Have my friends and family told me the complete truth about the quality of my writing and presentation?"

Honest criticism is the writer's best tool. That's why the most profitable writers relish hardnosed, horn-rimmed, by-the-stylebook-only editors whose red ink flows like rivers of blood over precious manuscripts. Its more than spell check and grammar. Someone other than your lover or parents must tell you when your words suck; and, most important, give suggestions on how to make them better.

Then you decide how to proceed. Maybe, that's why readers won't buy your book. You may need to write a better book.

[Sharon Moore Stenhouse]

Stafford,

I didn't even take time to read the almost 70 replies you've received to this post because every one of them should agree with your message.

Absolutely, #3 is the most important. I can't tell you how much money I've wasted on purchasing a book in support of the author -usually someone I know, only to put it down because it is unreadable. I can probably hold a small book fair with the boxes of unread books in my house.

I have also observed that people write the way they speak. If language is not a writer's strong point, editors and critics should be living in a spare room. I have more patience with a not so attractive cover, or amateurish content layout than I do with typos, bad grammar, and the too often misspoken subject, verb agreement.

Conjugating the verb 'to see'

Amani na Mapenzi: Love & Peace
Sharon (aka) a'Kihoro

[Stafford Battle]

Thanks for reading!

And, many more thanks for the conjugation table on "to see". During a recent radio interview, I suggested that "merely owning a hammer, doesn't make you a carpenter." Having the right tools is important, of course, but knowing HOW to use your tools correctly is critical. As one who has smashed his primary digits frequently when pounding the electronic keyboard, I know the true value of perfecting one's craft. The more we practice, the better we become.

I found this site that may be of help to BAS members seeking more advice on good writing. It is called: "Guide to Grammar and Writing." Please post any other sites that offer good advice on grammar and writing.

[Diane]

"Make the time to learn" - great guidance for everyone. Stay sharp and your writing will show it.

Now let's get this straight - I am not agreeing with you just because you have a fabulous name. Ahem . . . but it does help. :D

[Adrienne Zurub]

Good observations and points. Especially the 'competitive flow' with other authors at shows and festivals.
It is important to note as well that although a person(s) may not purchase your book at a crowded and competitive event/festival for whatever good reason, they may or will purchase your book when 'the pressure is not on' so to speak.

I like the motivational speaker reference. It pays for your the author to have a great story, essentially promote your DNA (who and what you are) and CONNECT with people=coustomers that just stop by or who claim to be 'just looking.'

Adrienne Zurub
Author, Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles'
Adrienne Zurub's Amazon Blog - http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A3DXVTX2C4WOPO

[Bertha M. Davis]

Selling books can be on a low scale sometimes and sometimes high. I guess it all depends on what the readers are looking for. Do you think the price of a book can make a difference according to the page count?

[Annette Hoggs - Jackson]

Sometime selling your book with many author's do help,a lady came by my table and purchase one book and in the same week purchase another 70 copies to give away to her friends and coworkers. at my book signing people have paid double or four time what book cost so you can never say how things will go.all you have to do is haveb the faith that you will sell books no matter what the situation look like; regardless,how mamy authors are on hand at this event.I once did an enterview on local and the person who interviewed bought a case and share with his church family.