How to Write a Book that Sells
Susan Atkinson
Starting off writing a book is easy and finishing is both a relief and a triumph, but there's a long stretch in the middle where you can't see either shore and you're not even sure you're heading the right way.
Start with the largest distinctions, the number of pages, the number of chapters, and so on. Then move to the size of paragraphs, how much of the book is dialogue, etc.
Include subjects such as why you should write a book review, choosing your book and avoiding common pitfalls. Includes four exercises to practice shortening techniques, then compare your more concise version. Reviewers of nonfiction texts will provide the basic idea of the book's argument without too much detailed. Reviewing can be a daunting task.
Be prepared to have a "home team" of family and friends to give you critical feedback on your assignments before posting so you don't reduce your colleagues' brilliant analyses to spell and grammar checking.
Quantify the sales you may expect to have from special sales, describe the subsidiary rights possibilities, and include the names of any noteworthy individuals who have agreed to give you an endorsement for the book cover. Mention any of your own resources you will be able to put towards the book's publicity, and, if applicable, any ideas for a sequel or a series that may grow from your book.
Finally, never append a bibliography of works consulted to a review. Finally, keep in mind that this brief piece was about how to write a book that sells, not about how to sell a book you've written. The main job of a self publisher is selling the books, writing them is just a necessary business preparation, though hopefully one you enjoy.
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