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.

[Savannah J]

Thanks so much for the encouragement. The love and support I've received in the short amount of time I've been apart of the Black Author Showcase community is overwhelming. I wish I could meet and thank each of you personally! I plan to post some of my work soon and look forward to the feed-back.

[George Wilder Jr.]

People will not buy your book if you have a poor marketing plan. People will not buy your book if don't let them know about it. You have to give people a reason to buy your book. There are many other factors to why people will not buy a book. The economy is another. Gas or a book?

[Bertha M. Davis]

You are so right Mr. Wilder...there are so many reason why people won't buy your book and I only touched a tiny reason. I'm taking notes from you!

God bless!
www.berthabooks.com

[George Wilder Jr.]

No, I'm the one in need of lessons. I can only dream about having the success you have had.

[Virginia Terry]

I believe you hit it right on point Stafford. You have to be a good salesperson - Book Cover, Presentation, Attitude, The Right Place and Time, most of all Sticktoitness..... It is not easy if you unknown and cannot afford an agent. I have been trying to follow the footsteps of other successful authors.

[Avis Taylor]

Tell it. More people need to hear this advice. Not every story is worth telling and communicated between a book cover. There are, however, stories that need to be told, ideas to be shared. Thanks for your comments/advice accumulated through experience.--Avis

[Clevette Harris]

I do believe what you're saying Bro William. My launch was extremely slow and now I'm on #3. Part of the delay was due to my illness and being hospitalized. Of course things worth having are worth fighting for so I just tell satan to get thee behind. This information is very good because I want to know why people aren't buying ....in general not just my book.

The people I know are CHEAP. I do an inspirational paper online. The ones who don't have access to the internet I make copies. If you're giving something away they're all for it. You ask for payment that's an entirely different story. You know I had to slow role, it gets rather expensive after a while. I'm on disability.

However my last book signing was a few weeks ago. I sold 28 books. I told my story throughout the day...I later described the experience as a comparison to Jesus doing a teaching. I began with one person and by conversations end, there was a full crowd. It was such a powerful feeling.

Also it is better to accept the red ink. If you're writing in la la land and everyone has you thinking you're on top of the mountain. Hmmm, sounds like a problem. I'm a critic to myself as well, and I can actually see my growth over the years.

I just continue to pray for prosperity.

Clevette

[Victoria Pearson]

I happen tp agree with all that you have said. I have not made an attempt to publish my work yet. I basically write poetry, but I am want to include some short stories, essays and letters in a book.

Perhaps it may be too much in a single book, but I feel that books of poetry do not sell well. I have some friends that have not been able to sell more than 3 or 4 books of their poetry. I personally enjoy poetry, but I find many people do not. For that reason I want to include other forms of writing in one book. It may not work , but I am going to give it a good try. It will take me a while, as I want to give it all that I have. I WANT as much critical input as I could get, family and friends are afraid to hurt your feeling, serious writers want to help.

Thanks for your article it quite informative and realistic.
Victoria Pearson.

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[Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke]

I just reread some of the comments as I prepare for a book reading in ATL. They were so helpful. Food for thought. Thank you everyone. Peace, creativity, and prosperity, Ananda

[jawar]

Greetings,
How did your book reading go?

[Tara Branche]

these things are so true. Criticism is a hard pill to swallow sometimes, but given constructively, I think we all should be open to it. I feel that those who truly respect/care for/love you will always tell you th e truth anyway, even when you don't want to hear it.