Why Great Writing Doesn’t Get You A Book Deal, But Great Marketing Does!

 

 

Many writers believe they are worthy of publication, but they wonder why a publisher has not offered them a publishing contract. They may even look at some books and question how these got greenlighted when theirs didn’t. Well, wonder no more.

 

Here’s why you have not been published by someone:

 

First, take down your inflated sense of ego and realize your book may really not be as good as those that are published. In some cases, this certainly must be true. We can’t all be great just because we think it so. A word of advice: Edit your book again, perhaps with the aid of a professional. Be open to their feedback and suggestions. You don’t always know what is best for your book.

 

Second, it is not about your book, it is about your marketing. That is right. Great marketing beats having a great book. Your ability to sell yourself and show why you are positioned for success is what convinces others to choose you.

 

Yes, they do look at your content, genre, and writing style, but they also look at how many connections you have on social media, how high your PR budget will be, how many books you will commit to buy from the publisher to resell or giveaway, and how you might set up speaking engagements to push the book. They look at your testimonials to – by whom, how many; they look to have you share a marketing plan of how you will initiate activities to the community of readers that you believe are right for your book.

 

Third, it’s a business. They don’t buy a manuscript on emotions, promises, or hopes. They look to see how they can minimize risks and recoup their investment in you. Whatever you can say, show, or do to alleviate their fears, the closer you’ll be to getting a deal.

 

Fourth, there are tons of competing voices out there. You are not the only great book or marketable author out there. They will judge you not by what’s been published, but by all of the other queries coming in during a certain window of time.

 

Firth, are you part of their circle of bias? They may be looking for more Black, female, or LGBTQ authors. If you don’t fit into that trend, you are competing with more people for fewer slots. Same goes with your gender, age, or even where you live. Everything gets factored into who and what gets published.

 

Sixth, publishers like to hear that you won’t be a one-trick pony. They want to hear that you have sequels, a series, or other books in you. Express your vision for writing additional books.

 

Conclusion: Talent as a writer is important, but not enough. The one who succeeds is the person with a blend of writing and marketing talents. Chew on that before you submit something to a literary agent or publisher. 

 

Need Book PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has 30 years of experience in helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2021. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.