A couple of things we shouldn’t be doing. Sometimes you’ll see an author comparing their writing to a famous writer in the actual blurb of their book, or worse still on the cover. Doing this in a blurb is actually against Amazon policy, so it’s not a good idea to begin with. Some Indies seem to think that by the mere presence of a bestselling author’s name, readers will be more inclined to buy their own book. Speaking as a reader all I can say about that is that if I want to read a book by J K Rowling I’ll buy one of her books. If a reader or reviewer on the other hand compares a book to the work of a famous author I’m a fan of, I might be tempted to buy it – that to me is a genuine compliment, but if it’s the author making the comparison it always comes across as a little desperate to me.
Desperation doesn’t sell well, and readers aren’t stupid. We prefer authenticity in the books we read. Why on Earth would any writer want to hang on to another writer’s coattails? I’ve heard that copying famous writer’s styles can be a good writing exercise, although I’ve never tried it myself. I’d much rather stick to my own style, whatever that may be, than to try and sell anything on the back of someone else’s success. Every time a book makes it big there are suddenly thousands of copycat versions dumped onto the market, and none of them will ever have the impact of the original. Every writer has their own unique writing voice, and we should always be true to that – even when we’re selling our wares.
Another thing I’ve seen is #1 BESTSELLER plastered on the cover of a book. Then I’ve looked at the book’s ranking, and it’s at two million and odd. That’s not a bestseller and I don’t appreciate the attempt to con me. I’ve read several comments from Indie authors saying that it’s the truth because at some point their books have been number one on a free list. That’s just way beyond wrong so don’t do this. We’ve all been in the paid bestseller lists at some point or another, but if you honestly want to put that on your book it must have been number one on the main list, and if it reaches that beautiful spot everyone will already know what it is.
I always use the Look Inside feature on Amazon before I buy any book. A huge mistake some Indies make is to put pages and pages of reviews in their front matter. Often you haven’t got to the end of them before the preview ends. No book purchase from me in that case. I don’t have a problem with a few lines from good reviews on a single page, but more than that – yes – again seems desperate to me. Readers will read the book reviews anyway, both the good and the bad, so the reviews in the front matter aren’t going to mean anything except that they’re taking up too much space. The last thing about using reviews in your book is actually using them on your book. Fine for if the book has reviews from Kirkus or something like that, but putting one of the three reviews that the book has on your actual cover is not a good idea at all. The last time I saw this I cringed in shame on behalf of that author.
As self-published authors we have to act professionally, respect our readers, and credit them with the savvy to spot things like this. We should trust in our own authenticity and have the patience for it to be seen for what it is, and hopefully enjoyed for its own sake.
Reblogged this on Jo Robinson.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True words. Couldn’t agree more. X
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Christoph. You are the epitome of authenticity and honesty and your books really are bestsellers, so it just shows that it can be done. X
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aw, thanks. It’s a fine balance between marketing and stretching the truth. Modesty always appealed to me more. Great post. X
LikeLike
Thanks for the advice, Jo. A speaker at a writer’s conference once told me I should compare my book to someone’s people would recognize – but I believe you! Also breathing easy – kept the comments on the previous book to one page. Whew!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Noelle! I reckon that readers should be able to see from the blurb and genre alone if a book is something they want to read and that comparing a book to a specific author is bad from the perspective that it gives the impression that you’re trying to write like them. Of all my favourite authors in the same genre, no two of them write alike. 🙂
LikeLike
Great advice! I prefer that the author includes reviews in the description of the book, than plastering tons of it in the first pages (as I also like the ‘look inside’ feature!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Natacha! I’ve seen so many books that looked a bit meh from some of the reviews, but then looking inside swayed me, and I bought them on the strength of that. Look Inside is a much bigger selling tool that we give it credit for.
LikeLike
desperation dose sell, look at the world we live, and we all say we love by the way o desperation, look at all the death and people say they can make a better world, flawed world at its best
LikeLike
The poets agree. 🙂
LikeLike
we reflect the world,
LikeLiked by 1 person
You do, and we love you for it.
LikeLike
nature makes the thought real, and thank you for noticing
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for that comment, I needed to hear that
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great advice! I totally agree . . . now on the flip-side, I’ve had reviewers constantly compare the “spirit” of my book to Monty Python. So I let people know if they’re a fan of such things they would probably like this, but I’d rather have the book discovered for its own unique qualities. So, I’m a little torn on whether or not to make that comparison.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I reckon your writing is yours, but a comment like that from readers are gold. I love Monty Python and everything John Cleese, so seeing that from a reviewer would definitely encourage me to buy your book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I tend to use Monty Python memes to advertise it indirectly. Trying to make ads fun for my followers, not spammy. Such a fine balance. But yeah, my reviewers started it. lol
LikeLike
Nice Kylie.
I love it when reviewers make the comparisons. Especially because I wasn’t trying to emulate anyone.
I guess being compared to Monty Python must be very satisfying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to admit it, it is. Being compared to Terry Pratchett would be better . . . but kind of glad not. It’s nice getting praised for my own unique voice.
LikeLike
Great advice. I hadn’t put much thought into it either way, but your advice is convincing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Craig!
LikeLike
Every writer should read your post for good information!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings and commented:
A couple of things worth noting.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Michaelphelps1's Blog and commented:
JO ROBINSON, a Member of the LIT WORLD team has made a very important point for Authors to STAND on YOUR OWN!
LikeLike
I enjoy reading these “Things You Shouldn’t Do” type of posts and realize that I don’t do them. It confirms I’m heading in the right direction. Thank!
LikeLike
I always wondered about that, comparing your book to someone other author’s book. I want my book to be recognized for its own qualities.
Very informative.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on relationspdbeverly.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on writerchristophfischer and commented:
Great advice
LikeLike
So true. At the end of the day if you lose your integrity, what do you really have?
LikeLike
Sound advice, thanks
LikeLike
…great stuff, m’Lady, Jo 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Author P.S. Bartlett and commented:
Thank you Jo for as always, providing common sense, intelligence and experience, and laying it so eloquently over sage advice! You rock!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
On point article by Jo Robinson on Lit World Interviews about the code of conduct that all writers, Indie or otherwise should be wary of ignoring..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent messages, Jo – thanks for your great advice. 😀
LikeLike
Yikes! I meant to write: I always wondered about that, comparing your book to some other author’s book. I want my book to be known for its own qualities.
LikeLike
Important information that every Indie author should note before publishing a book. Agree with you Jo, 100%!!
LikeLike
Love this post. Wonderful advice, Jo. thanks for it.
LikeLike
i’ve read in several writing manuals that editors/publishers want to know what other books already on the market are most like yours, and how yours is different. So I’m guessing it may be important to compare in that sense in your query/marketing strategy sent to the agent/publisher but definitely not with the reader/book reviewer,/marketing people. Is this correct?
LikeLike
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
LikeLike
Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike