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Foresee Ebook's Potential Before Writing A Single Word?

by solidim
6 replies
Hi, this relates to my sister's story.

The brief:

Three years ago she had an idea for a book, and took an entire year off to write it. Just like anyone who has an idea for a book, she would think it's going to be a super seller.

A year later, after much sweat and effort, the book hit the net as both hardcover and ebook (was on amazon and other big stores). Till date it sold only less than thirty copies (not kidding, but have to accept the truth somehow)

I'm sure marketing plays a large part to it but the reality is: you cannot market something that people don't want in the first place.

Her title or subject matter may be the problem but this brings up a bigger question: Are there ways to "test" and see a book (or ebook's) potential before penning a single word?

Well, I guess one way NOT to do it is to ask friends if the book is a good idea. They'd all say yes just to remain diplomatic.

I ask this question so that all aspiring book writers can have an easier life. Thanks!
#ebook #foresee #potential #single #word #writing
  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    Originally Posted by solidim View Post


    I'm sure marketing plays a large part to it but the reality is: you cannot market something that people don't want in the first place.

    Her title or subject matter may be the problem but this brings up a bigger question: Are there ways to "test" and see a book (or ebook's) potential before penning a single word?
    Figure out your target audience. If you're writing fiction figure out what entertains them. If you're writing non-fiction figure out what they need/want to learn or what problems they want solved. Forums in your niche is a great way to do this research.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Hooper-Kelly
      Hi solidim,

      Sadly, you've hit the nail right on the head ...

      you cannot market something that people don't want in the first place.
      ... I'm SO sorry your sister found out in the most painful way possible.

      I've lost count of all the folks who've told me they're going to create a product. Fortunately, I've managed to talk some of them out of that notion and saved them tons of heartache.

      Hopefully, this salutary lesson might save a few more folks from the same fate. Small consolation, I know.

      Warmest regards,

      Paul
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      If you want to stack the copywriting deck in your favor with tricks and hacks producing winners like: "$20K in three days" "650 sold" "30% conversion", then you might like to know I'm retiring and will spill the beans to two people. More info here.
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  • Profile picture of the author andynathan
    Solidim,

    Sorry that your sister had a painful experience.

    Take a play out of Timothy Ferris's playbook. When he wrote the 4 hour workweek he actually tested the title on Google Ads first. The highest clickthrough became the title. The peoplewho clicked through bought a shortened version of the book.

    Maybe something along these lines would be helpful.

    Andy
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Originally Posted by solidim View Post

    Hi, this relates to my sister's story.

    The brief:

    Three years ago she had an idea for a book, and took an entire year off to write it. Just like anyone who has an idea for a book, she would think it's going to be a super seller.

    A year later, after much sweat and effort, the book hit the net as both hardcover and ebook (was on amazon and other big stores). Till date it sold only less than thirty copies (not kidding, but have to accept the truth somehow)

    I'm sure marketing plays a large part to it but the reality is: you cannot market something that people don't want in the first place.

    Her title or subject matter may be the problem but this brings up a bigger question: Are there ways to "test" and see a book (or ebook's) potential before penning a single word?

    Well, I guess one way NOT to do it is to ask friends if the book is a good idea. They'd all say yes just to remain diplomatic.

    I ask this question so that all aspiring book writers can have an easier life. Thanks!
    What kind of book was this? Fiction? Non-fiction? What was the subject matter?

    In any event, marketing and publicity play an enormous part in selling a book or an e-book. And sometimes you get a book like "50 Shades Of Gray" and you scratch your head and think, "how in the heck did that sell so many copies?" lol

    RoD
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    - Jim Rohn
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  • Profile picture of the author AgentHomes
    I like the idea of testing with a google Adwords campaign before to commit.

    However, before you spend any money use the google tools like you would do your keyword search and see if anybody is interested in the general topic, if nobody is interested best to move along.

    Mind you if Steve Jobs did that we wouldn't have the ipad today.
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  • Profile picture of the author Maui Joe
    Originally Posted by solidim View Post

    you cannot market something that people don't want in the first place.
    People can't decide they don't want it if they don't know it exists in the first place.
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