Why is it so hard to successfully publish a book?

Question

Months ago, I paid an on-line publisher to make my book available on the Internet. So far, the only copies I've sold have been to friends and family. I've done an amateur job of publicizing it, but sales are still somewhere around non-existent. Should I consider this venture a "dry run" and do the next book differently?

Answer 1

If you don't think it works this way then do it differently, but don't change your book to where we will want to read it. What's the name of you're book?

Answer 2

If you have managed to sell it to friends and family count that as a step to success. What has been the feedback? Have they read it? Or have they just bought it and shelved it?

Maybe the acid test is, are they asking you when you are going to write another, or asking for another copy to give to their friends.

Basically have you got a marketable product, something that people want to read? If so there is in the UK at least a publication the Writers and Artists Yearbook which should be of use to you to find out who deals with the genre of work.

You then tout your work to as many publishers and literary agents as you dare. If you're lucky you get a rejection slip, and if not you get ignored. However, because you have actually sold a few copies and if you are able to produce a few honest testimonials in your covering letter then that must weigh in your favour.

The problem, as I see it, with publishing on the net is that most people are out to look for bargains and freebies. and too many people are out to exploit would be writers.

In general terms if you want to get published in print, - get a friend an agent, if you want to be published on the web - get a name, be known, have a following,

As far as I can see self publicizing on the web, is a bit like spitting into the wind, but if your work is good in the right hands it should thrive, and if not then an early demise is in everyone's interest.

Answer 3

The best way to publish a book is to find a publisher. The better-known your publisher, the better. You may want to consider working with an agent to find the right market for your book. if you are more of the do-it-yourselfer, get a copy ogf the newest Writer's Market. They are usually available at your closest bookstore, and some library's pick them up.

Answer 4

have a look at writer's weekly website.

http://www.writersweekly.com/

they offer e-publishing
they also have a ton of free advice to writers, would-be and published, and reasonably priced classes and editing services.

the archives might have the answers and tips about how to promote your book.

Publicity is usually expensive, but it's the way a book gets sold.
Very few books get to the best sellers by word of mouth.

Answer 5

Try to publish this book in paper with a real publisher...

Answer 6

maybe because other medias have more public appeal such as tv or sports rendering selling books more difficult

Answer 7

I've heard that without a literary agent, you don't get far.

Answer 8

Because most writers suck.