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I’ve always thought I was an upbeat and positive person, even in more challenging times. I have to admit that yesterday sort of sealed the deal for me. I was embarrassed by the lack of response to a book sale I had out of town. I went to my uncle’s hometown about an hour away. He is also a writer and author. I enjoyed the beautiful day, conversing with my uncle and getting new ideas. Those were the good things that happened yesterday.
I’ve noticed that people are too lazy to go into a bookstore to buy a book. With the modern technology of Internet, digital apps., Kindle and e-books, most people rely on online services for buying books. I’ve also noticed people do not even look at books nowadays. Therefore, their interest in reading becomes less and less. Again, with the presence of Internet, we have become lazy in the brain and rely way too much on modern technology to entertain us. I come from the old school of written books and application to learn from. It’s a pet pea of mine. What’s wrong with using your brain?
I can only maintain that I was disappointed yesterday. It made me do some real soul-searching deep within my heart. I love writing and will continue to do so but with new marketing strategies. I’m learning that familiarity is the key to selling. People buy from what is most familiar to them, not from strangers. It seems obvious to sell books closer to home. People know you better and are more likely to be interested in buying. BTW, my latest novel on the market received a 5-Stars Rating internationally, yet, Americans seem to pass it by.
I paid for professional editing on my newest book in production right now. But even a well-edited book won’t guarantee an overall increase in sells, even 1%. I admit I’m stumped. If I didn’t enjoy writing, I wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Even the publisher consultant tells me how creative in writing I am. It is not the talent of writing, rather who you know that sells. Sad but true.
Tienny The Storyteller said:
Personally, I feel people are spoilt by too much choice.
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annepm2015 said:
Tienny, I think you are right. Too many choices for people.
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Tienny The Storyteller said:
Anne, thanks. This is just my observation.
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Just Plain Ol' Vic said:
I have to admit, it is easier for me to buy a book on my Kindle app. However I find it relaxing to go into a bookstore and browse.
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annepm2015 said:
It is okay to read on Kindle app., but I like to browse in a bookstore too. I find interesting books while looking that way.
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Just Plain Ol' Vic said:
Yup, i’ve stumbled on to many authors I like that way. Just live to crack open the book and get into the first chapter to see if I like it.
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Sandra J. Jackson said:
Reblogged this on Sandra J. Jackson and commented:
Writing is hard work and so is marketing when you finally get that book published.
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Pingback: When Reading Gets To Be A Chore! | Sandra J. Jackson
annepm2015 said:
It sure is. It may be the stress of working on two books, however, I’ve talked to writers that produce more than two books at one time. Thanks for replying.
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Michael said:
Here is my 2 cents worth. The marketing genius of our society have paved a way for the new generations to receive reading material faster by a few clicks of the mouse while at the same time may be contributing to obesity if you think about it for a moment. Once children of past would walk to the library find a book and hold it in their hand, so did some of us adults. One of the other aspects of this is traveling by car or especially planes for it is more convenient to use the ereader or Kindle without the weight. There is nothing wrong with the use of our higher faculty, but the days of new have made us lazy. For instance with the rotary phone we remembered several phone numbers in our heads, but with our fancy smart phones we click on a picture or name and the call is placed, sometimes we have to look up our own phone number. “It is not the talent of writing, rather who you know that sells. Sad but true.”
I could not agree with you more on this.
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annepm2015 said:
Thank you for your feedback, Michael. I appreciate your comments so much. I agree it is more convenient to click on apps. such as Ereader or Kindle, just like a smart phone. However, I still enjoy browsing in the bookstore and a written book in hand. I’m believing that movie about we as a human race getting lazier and more obese because of non-activity. Like physical exercise, reading strengthens the mind too. Makes me wonder if writing books is a nonprofit career. I started writing because of the fun of it anyway. Even the best writers and a perfectly written book have problems in getting sales. Disparity but it is our times. We are highly intelligent creatures, however, I think modern technology has its pros and cons too. Anne 🙂
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thelovelymissquinn said:
I honestly prefer real books to e-books. When I want to read a book it’s because I want a break from looking at a screen. But I guess I’m a rare breed in that case.
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annepm2015 said:
I’m with you on that one. Staring at a screen all day gives me a headache. I prefer the real thing. Thanks for responding. Anne 🙂
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Ray Laskowitz said:
My world straddles two arts. Photography and music. Licensing pictures is harder than ever. Art, everybody loves it. But, they don’t want to pay for it.
Music? As Bob Dylan said a few years ago, “It ain’t worth nothin.'” The only way for 97% of the musicians in the world to earn a living is to release an album, market it by giving it away and hope that people like their music and come see them when they tour.
It’s the same thing for books. Established authors have to work harder at ever to market their work.
Worse, most younger people today, not only want the art for free, but they don’t actually want to own anything. So, it’s all electronic delivery. Music, books and now pictures.
So. Marketing for all of us is in a very experimental stage. So far, the publicists with whom I work on the music side say that building a solid, deep and broad fan base is the most important thing in order to sell excellent work. Even then, whatever art you are selling has to be priced according today’s standards.
BTW, those same publicists say that about the right break point is about 8,000 fans, followers and tweeters across all social media that you are currently using.
Hope that helps, Ray
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annepm2015 said:
It helps a lot actually. I knew writing and publishing books would take a great effort before I started. Other writers advised me beforehand. I could promote myself further and increase my followers. I, on the other hand, enjoy the regular followers I have already. It’s a two-way street. Like your photography and music, I am passionate about writing but I feel time constraints. I also have health issues which intervene with me working on social media 100% of the time. I’ve only been a professional writer for a couple of years now. More time and determination will tell me my destiny for future writing. Thanks for the feedback. Have a wonderful holiday. Anne
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bowmanauthor said:
Yes, it can be so discouraging. And yet we must write. Keep plugging every day and pray.
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annepm2015 said:
You are right, Deborah. My love and passion for writing shouldn’t be disturbed by the decrease in books sales. Being Labor Day weekend, I thought more shoppers and interested buyers would be out. It was also a beautiful day, sunny and bright. I’ve heard that even the best writers go through similar situations. It becomes a normal process, although it shouldn’t. Anne 🙂
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bowmanauthor said:
Keep writing a good product, keep promoting, and have faith!
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creakingbones said:
Someone once said that life wasn’t meant to be easy. That doesn’t make disappointments any easier to cope with. I love watching people in our one remaining book shop. It seems that the cover is the main attraction, followed by the synopsis and author’s details on the back cover. I’m talking paper backs. Looking inside the book never seems to take place. I’m not sure what my observations mean but I suspect that reading is not high on their list of priorities, no matter the medium. If it makes you feel any better, even internationally known authors are seeing volume sales decreasing. I have a friend who is a literary agent. She tells me that penny dreadfulls are volume sellers while serious novels, here in Aus anyway, are extremely hard to push publishers.
I hope that time will turn your latest book into a good seller. You are really talented and I suspect you will continue with your literary efforts. God for you.
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annepm2015 said:
I appreciate your kind comments. I’m an emotional writer but the down side is that I’m sensitive to things like that. Makes me believe less in my writing efforts even though I know better. I think time will tell. I’m hoping that the newest book turns out to be a best seller but the chances may not be very high. I will continue to write, plugging away in work and effort. Nothing will stop me, even low sales. It is interesting that the literary agent says short stories are selling volumes, yet novels are hard to get published. I believe that is the way American literary efforts are going in that direction as well. Thanks for the response. Anne 🙂
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jacquelineobyikocha said:
It’s a real shame what a lazy lot the World is turning out to be. The younger generation no longer care to read and the command of English is simply abysmal. The smell of a new book is so intoxicating and even though I read online now and again, I unfailingly tuck myself in with a book at the end of each day. Good luck with your new book and hopefully time will reward your efforts.
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annepm2015 said:
Jacqueline, Amen – I hear you! Nothing wrong with looking online, but still I believe people should read a good written book, especially children. I saw it at the high school level when I taught several years ago. Young people didn’t know how to read effectively because they hadn’t been shown at home for whatever reason. I fear not reading books will cause more illiteracy in our future adults. Thanks for the response. Anne 🙂
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jacquelineobyikocha said:
You are most welcome. It is really a very despairing thought and bet my words, years down the line, there will be attempts made to go back to the days normal good reading culture.
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SD Gates said:
I still love going to a bookstore and digging through the shelves. But it is not as fun as it used to be, because all we have left in our town is Barnes and Noble. I used to love the little bookstores with the fat tabby cat sunning itself in the front window and the rows of really interesting books (not all by the same 9 authors). I could spend hours in a bookstore. Now I just kind of dash in and dash out. Really kind of sad.
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annepm2015 said:
I think it is the trend of the future. Bookstores are being replaced by apps. and online libraries. It is kind of sad. I see the only bookstore in town going soon too. I still enjoy browsing the shelves though looking for different books and authors. Kind of like it was when I was a child. Truth be known, it is the times we live in. Thanks for replying back.
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Opinionated Man said:
Reblogged this on A Good Blog is Hard to Find and commented:
You have hit on one of the major heartaches for publishing and self-publishing. Finding that audience or “reader group” IS what the battle is all about. Keep at it and shake off your discouragement. It is a new day. -OM
Note: Comments disabled here, please visit their blog.
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annepm2015 said:
Thanks OM for noticing me today and the reblog. I will shake this disappointment off and keep going. Anne 🙂
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Opinionated Man said:
I am glad to hear it Anne! 🙂
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purpleslobinrecovery said:
😦 Sorry to hear about your disappointing day.
On the other hand at least you had some enjoyment.
Congrats on the international 5 stars!
I don’t buy books anymore because of my severely limited income, since I’m disabled, and seperated from my husband.
I don’t like it either, but that’s my reality.
Hopefully your sales will pick up real soon.
Melinda
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annepm2015 said:
That’s okay, Melinda, I understand. I am physically limited too because of my autoimmune condition. Still, I go and my uncle or clerk at bookstore helps me set up for book sales. My uncle is very talented and has been writing for more than 40 years. He didn’t sale anything either. It was in his hometown too. Disappointed – yes, but not surprised. I enjoyed spending the day outside. It was a beautiful sunny day and I got a sunburn on my face. Thanks for responding. You always pick me up in spirit. Anne 🙂
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purpleslobinrecovery said:
Well, Jesus got no credit in his hometown either. Hope that encourages you! You’re welcome. That’s what I always hope to be, an encourager.
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annepm2015 said:
You are an encourager in my eyes. You are right about Jesus. Even His own people rejected him. Anne 🙂
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purpleslobinrecovery said:
Oh, thanks, Anne!
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masgautsen said:
I might be an odd one out. I buy 90% of my books in book stores…
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annepm2015 said:
Thank you! You are a rare breed, indeed! Needed that input! Anne 🙂
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Ellen Hawley said:
Selling books is a hard slog, and getting attention to any one of them is tough. Learn what you can from it and if the writing itself matters to you, keep going.
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annepm2015 said:
Ellen, You are right on both accounts. I will never give up on writing. The publishers make you feel like you can market and sell your book(s) anytime and anywhere. That is not necessarily true that I personally know from experience. The chances of becoming a NY Best Seller are slim, I’m afraid. However, my passion and love for writing has not died with the wind. I am still interested and will continue to write. Thanks for replying. Anne 🙂
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dancingpalmtrees said:
I too love the look, feel and smell of books. I’m a very tactile person and would prefer an traditional print book for my reading pleasure however as my vision has dimmed over the years (I had retina surgery on my left eye in Jan. 2010) I find I can no longer take pleasure in print books unless they are large print. For me Kindle has been a Godsend because I can easily enlarge the type which cannot be done with a regular book. Kindle also allows me to adjust the brightness and many other things which keep reading possible for me and many other people who are visually impaired.
Also I live in a very small space and no longer have any room to keep adding more books. In fact many of my books are in a storage unit until my finances improve and I can once again have my own apartment.
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annepm2015 said:
Deborah, thanks for the response. It’s understandable as for larger print on Kindle and no added storage space for books. In your situation, I would probably do the same thing. I was just a little downhearted the other day. However, I feel low book sales is the “normal” process as I talk to other writers. You don’t know until you try it. It’s the sign of the times. We are moving toward modern apps. and online book (library) services taking over. I see bookstores and maybe public libraries as non-existent in the future. Anne 🙂
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Cheryl-Lynn said:
I much prefer a book…the feel of paper, smell of the ink…Kindle and Kobo I have for when I travel so I won’t panic “Oh No!! I finished my last book and there are 5 hours left on this train!!!” Thanks so much for your visit…I read lots of books written by bloggers I met here…why? Well, cos I virtually …met them 🙂 after I read their book, I list it on my blog in the sidebar. Blessings
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annepm2015 said:
Cheryl-Lynn, thank you! I do prefer a written book too, however, I think the times are changing. We will soon see bookstores closed in town and cities, replaced by modern technology in our computer system. I feel the same thing may happen to our public libraries in the future. Thanks for replying and have a safe train trip. Anne 🙂
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Cheryl-Lynn said:
And yet, I heard on the weekend 3readers will soon be obsolete…who knows…I want to publish someday but in print to give to my children:)
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A.M. Simpson said:
Your right it’s just an emotional response, you will get pass this. I read paper back is on the rise, there is much e-reading hype promoted by those who have a vested interest, (sure some people do prefer it for whatever reason, but personally I feel there are enough gadgets without adding one more to hurt my eyes). With children’s illiteracy shamefully on the rise and the fact that reading is good for the brain in many ways. You certainly need not be concerned, don’t let these distractions take you away from what you are meant to be doing, (don’t let little foxes spoil the vine.) 🙂
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annepm2015 said:
Thank you, A.M. Something I needed to hear tonight. I’m just a little disappointed, that’s all. I’m not discouraged enough to discontinue on writing. My uncle is so talented in more ways than one (art, books, music), and did not get a sale either. It was his hometown too. I was surprised and dismayed for him. But I did have a wonderful time discussing poetry with him and getting out in the sun. It was both a beautiful and sunny day. Those are the good things to remember. Thanks for replying back. Anne 🙂
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penneyvanderbilt said:
Reblogged this on KCJones.
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annepm2015 said:
Thanks!
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dray0308 said:
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
Meet The Main Focus:Embracing Life Today in a Creative Way!!
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annepm2015 said:
Thanks!
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jenanita01 said:
Reblogged this on Anita & Jaye Dawes and commented:
As someone in the same boat, you have my sympathies…
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annepm2015 said:
Thank you for your kind comment. I take it you are a writer also trying to market your books. I’ve found it challenging to sell myself. I’ve tried several marketing strategies with the publishers and on my own, however, I haven’t hit the right one yet. Interesting enough, my blog seems to get more publicity than book signing and it is also a way for me to promote my books. I believe the problem is the area I’m going to do book sales. It is my uncle’s territory but not mine. I am a fairly new writer and not yet well-established in the writing world. It is nice to meet you and keep your chin up. Things will get better in the future. Anne 🙂
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jenanita01 said:
We are not having much luck on either front, Anne, so not sure what the problem is, can’t give up though!
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shinepositivepower said:
Congratulations on your new book and yes, it is really hard to market these days as time is changing and competition is tough. The bright side is you are able to make your dream a reality – sale or no sale, you are able to create a book where most of us just still dream about. Kudos to you! I hope and believe, your efforts will be paid off soon. Keep writing!
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annepm2015 said:
Thanks so much for the kind words. It is people like you with encouragement and support that keep me going. I will continue to write and create words on paper. Like you said, competition is tough as everything is these days. I appreciate your vote of confidence. I need that uplifting everyday. Anne 🙂
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