Books Are Not Bought...They Are Sold

During a recent conversation, Tate Publishing founder Dr. Richard Tate and I discussed the fact that books are not bought...they are sold.

As I've pondered that idea this week, I believe it really is true. Buyers at major retailers like Barnes and Noble, Family Christian, and Mardel don't just "buy" books for their stores. The books are "sold" or pitched to them by publishers.

The true reality is that all authors must work hard to sell their books. There is no "magic bullet" in this industry for first-time authors. Even placing books on the shelf of every major bookstore does not mean they will be bought...not without someone actively selling them.

A few months ago I saw former President Bill Clinton on the Late Show with David Letterman. He was there promoting - or selling - his new book. If a former President must work to sell books, how much more does the first-time author have to work? And while the platform may not be the same (most authors do not get a shot on Letterman), the principle behind it certainly is - every author must work hard to sell books. The good news is that at Tate Publishing, each author is assigned to a Marketing Representative that will partner with you to sell your book, so no Tate author must "go it alone."

Selling books is not an easy thing to do. But our Acquisitions Department only signs books that we believe are marketable, and Tate Marketing is then proud to get in the trenches and work hard with our authors to sell their books in a variety of ways.

If you are a Tate author, I would encourage you to not sit back and wait for your book to be bought...instead, roll up your sleeves, partner with your Marketing Representavie, and SELL your book!