Is Writing a Good Book More Important than Good Marketing?

I read an interesting article with novelist John Locke, who has sold a million books. He talks about book marketing and the need to write good books. Something worth reading even for nonfiction authors--and nonfiction is my specialty, but Locke writes fiction (with the exception of his book about how he made millions, which hasn't gotten great reviews).

I loved this quote because I found it particularly encouraging: "I had no formal training as a writer. I never took a writing course, never attended a seminar or workshop. In other words, I had no experience. But I didn’t let that prevent me from using what I did have: imagination, drive, determination. As for marketing, I did have money to spend on ads and so forth, but the money I spent didn’t help. Cost-free marketing is the only type that generated sales for me. So if you don’t have money to invest, don’t let that stop you from using what you do have: enthusiasm, empathy, people skills.

"What I’m saying, there’s always a way to compensate for what you don’t have."

Remember that when you think you can become a successful author. Here's the link to the article: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsmallbiztrends.com%2F2...

Tags: John, Locke, book, marketing, promotion, word-of-mouth, writing

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by 1106 Design on January 31, 2012 at 12:52pm

Great advice! There are plenty of people with education and experience who don't have the drive to reach their goals. Fortunately for self-publishers, experts abound to help with ghostwriting, editing, design and just about any other service that may be needed to produce a market-ready book. The will to succeed is the one prerequisite that can't be outsourced.

Michele DeFilippo, owner
1106Design.com
Book design and self-publishing advice. With hand-holding.

Permalink Reply by Nina Amir on January 31, 2012 at 1:06pm

I always say that if you have passion and purpose you will fee inspire to take action. That's where drive and determination come in. All of these things put together will help you get where you are going.

Of course, aspiring authors who feel they lack skills do need some money to get the help you are talking about--to hire a book designer or to get self-publishing advice (like you) or to hire a writing coach, book coach or a professional editor or ghostwriter (like me). The people who hire me to help them get their books written and edited don't always have a lot of money, but they are passionate and determined--and they find the money somewhere. They end up with a good book. That's what John Locke says matters in the end. And he's right.

Permalink Reply by Sherry Ellis on February 3, 2012 at 7:22am

I think that writing a good book and having a good marketing strategy are equally important. If you don't have a good marketing strategy, nobody we ever learn about your book. If your book is not a good product, it will get poor reviews, and nobody will want to read it.