My Internet friend, Helen Ginger, recently had post about John Green's latest book, The Fault in Our Stars, going to No. 1 on Amazon ... and it hasn't even been released yet! A mind blowing concept, to be sure (read Helen's post, No. 1 on Amazon, to get the details), but what really had me snortting coffee through my nose was a response to Helen's post from J. M. Cornwell. She was actually commenting on the response I had made to the post earlier (are you following this?) ... a typical one about my own lack of marketing skill and intense jealousy of someone who has made it the publishing world. Now this is not a knock on Ms. Cornwell ... she was only trying to be helpful ... but she said:
"If you have lots of time and a good income from other sources that don't require a lot of time, you're bound to hit the right [marketing] formula."
Now, I love writing ... and I'd do it even if I was rich ... but ... and I'm going to be brutally honest here ... if I had a good income from other sources I wouldn't give a fig about the right formula. Of course, I'd like folks to read my stuff ... what writer doesn't grave a little recognition ... but if I had some jing in my pockets, I wouldn't get all that upset if they didn't.
Yep, ya gotta love all that extra income, wherever it is. Sure isn't in my pocket, yet. I'm still working on that formula. Merlin, pass me that eye of newt....
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Prudence: well, it sure ain't my pocket either, so, yeah, I'm trying to crack that formula too. If you have any newt's eyes left over, send 'em this way.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe there *is* any secret formula. What works for some may not work for others. I think it's all about luck. Sad but true.
ReplyDeleteGina: I can't say I disagree with you ... at the end of the day we all need a favorable bounce (I'm watching the British Open at moment, in case you're wondering about that analogy). But, like the pro golfers say, the 'secret' to good golf is beating balls all day long ... everyday ... I'm thinking it's kinda the same for marketing books ... you just gotta keep at ... but is sure is hard!
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