Book stores don't sell books. Authors sell books. Customers buy books that people are talking about.
Too often, would-be writers miss the obvious: a successful book does not just happen. There is a laborious followup of promotion and marketing.
The reader needs to relate to or bond in some way with the author.
If you are James Patterson, YouTube helps. Video clips of various famous interviews allow potential fans a glimpse into the personality behind the stories. When Patterson reveals that he grew up surrounded by women ~even his cats were female ~ with that "buzz and purr" still in his head, it becomes clear that the success of his women's murder club series is no accident.
If you are not James Patterson, it takes more than simply putting the book out there on a bookstore shelf.
Photo of The Neat Little Bookshop window sent to us by Carol O'Handley of Kingston. Thanks, Carol.
