How do you write a book that sells?

12 replies
I just realized today, that I am a horrible writer. I should have never gone to school.

I received all A's in English class.

I am a horrible writer not for my lack of ability to write, but for my lack of the ability to sell my writing and capture the reader's attention.
#book #sells #write
  • Profile picture of the author Elvis Michael
    Well, it really depends on the type of story or report you're writing. Sometimes imagery and imagination are very important. Other times the simpler your instructions are, the better your book will do (think about how-to books, for example.) If you're leaning toward fiction writing, I suggest you read a lot of books in your niche (or fiction books in general) as these can help you develop a bit more as an author.

    Start the story with a thought-provoking question, a fun anecdote, a shocking fact or statistics, or anything else that may draw people's attention. Additionally, provide a few questions in your book's description, don't answer them and leave the reader/buyer wondering.

    I'm definitely no expert in the matter, but hope these tips are helpful.
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  • Profile picture of the author romesaranto
    Elvis Michael has some great points. In regards to your product, is there similar products in the marketplace i.e. Kindle, Clickbank, Etc that are selling well currently?

    Competition research is a real good thing to do not only to see what others are doing but also to confirm there is a market or there are people purchasing similar products.
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter Lessard
    I am not qualified to judge someones writing BUT I am expert at sales. The two are completely different. There are many great products that flop because the product creators thought it if was good it would just sell. The truth is there are proven methods for selling in every niche including writing. Perhaps that is the part you either need to focus on or find a partner that can handle that piece of the puzzle for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author MTwrites
    I agree with Plessard. I have several books in Amazon that are doing quite nicely because the marketing efforts I put into each one was "enough" to get it noticed and sold. Writing is another universe, however, there are excellent fiction and non-fiction writers who are good in copywriting and writing rockstar sales pages.

    If you believe you are a great writer who can hook people into reading your stuff, then you can be a great writer who can hook people into buying your stuff.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Bigfoot,

      My hat goes off to you!

      I haven't seen a lot of authors recognize and acknowledge that they are horrible writers. Typically, just the opposite is true.

      So many people are drawn to Kindle by hucksters spouting how easy it is to be a best-selling author if only you plunk your money down and buy the course!

      Truth be known, great writers have a valuable skill that most folks don't. A a good portion of those that don't have any skill whatsoever in writing still persevere; but in my opinion, most don't get any better over time.

      I would suggest four things.

      First, pick a niche and genre that sells very well. Do your research and discover what kinds of books are selling.

      Second, find an accomplished ghost writer that has had proven success in the niche you choose. Pay that person a reasonable fee for their talent.

      Third, get a true graphic designer with book cover success to design the cover for you. Pay him/her a reasonable fee for the service.

      Fourth, promote your book like your life depended on it. There are some Warriors here that know what they're doing in that regard and can help you.

      I think with a little luck, and a lot of work, your book can be a money-maker if you persist.

      The very best to you,

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    Originally Posted by bigfoot875 View Post

    I am a horrible writer not for my lack of ability to write, but for my lack of the ability to sell my writing and capture the reader's attention.
    Well, you don't have to be a great writer to write a best-SELLING book.
    Here is a perfect example (non-affiliate link)

    Everything Men Know About Women: 25th Anniversary...Everything Men Know About Women: 25th Anniversary...

    -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author cyberzolo
    Well, start studying the great writers, and emulating how they capture people's attention.
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  • Profile picture of the author aleksbogata
    You are probably being too hard on yourself and perhaps it is a case of lack of sufficient marketing as opposed to your bad writing skills. I truly believe that marketing is the make or break rather than the product in most cases.

    I am also a writer and what I do is outsource editing. Just to get a second opinion from another professional who can make minor tweaks and suggestions that can make all the difference.

    I would just look at some free WSOs re product creation and marketing and see what else you could be doing to get your book noticed in your niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author Cruella D
    To be a good author Read .. read and read again ...
    you should choose a subject/topic you are interested in and good at
    if you are selling online most people search for non-fiction book so for example if you are finance genius you write about about that and people will search for a solution they find your article/e-book ..
    if its fiction you would need to research more about characters and details find your passion and you will find the readers.
    but what you really should do is create a blog and social media to interact with people directly and your readers will let you know the wrong thing in your writings. you should also sell your e-book on your website and ibook/kindle when people search the book they find you active online ...

    If you need any help on that let me know
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie123
    Why don't you emphasize something you do well! That is the kind of knowledge and expertise people want...not your weaknesses! although its good you acknowledge an inherent weakness, however, that should make you consider a path that you can do.
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  • Profile picture of the author gregdavidson727
    Originally Posted by bigfoot875 View Post

    I just realized today, that I am a horrible writer. I should have never gone to school.

    I received all A's in English class.

    I am a horrible writer not for my lack of ability to write, but for my lack of the ability to sell my writing and capture the reader's attention.
    You start off with a topic and a title that will grab the attention of your audience. That's about all I know.
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