Foolproof Writing Methods That Help You Sell Books

Writing a book is challenging enough, however, no matter how much blood, sweat, and tears it has taken to finish your novel, selling it is another enormous challenge altogether.

There are, of course, numerous ways you can market your book to help it sell. But the one thing that makes more difference than anything else is writing it well.

Having a mega marketing budget can only get you so far. If your book isn’t structured correctly, you can’t expect people to buy it.

Successful novels, whether they are revered literary fiction or cheesy but fun romance novels all have similar elements in the way their stories unfold. In fact, when you read widely enough, you start to see patterns emerge and no matter the genre there are similarities that popular books all share.

So what are these methods that must be included if you want your book to sell?

The setup

The setup is the first part of your story. This is where you entice readers in and make promises to them of what to expect if they continue to read your novel. A setup should give readers clues as to what kind of story it is, and what might happen. You can’t start your story, for example as a comedy and then decide to turn it into a serious drama at the end. You should invite readers into the world you have created, introduce them to your main characters and give them insight into their challenges, passions, desires and so on.

Without correctly setting up the story readers can end up feeling let down and might give up on your book or, worse still, leave a less than glowing review!

A dramatic occurrence

Early on in any good story, something needs to happen. Something big. Wait too long to include this or let it unravel too gently and your readers may feel as though your story isn’t going anywhere. An incident needs to happen, one that somehow changes the course of the protagonist's life and starts them on a new journey, one that your readers will follow with intrigue. The incident needs to be big enough that the hero is forever changed, and makes it impossible for them to return to the life they once knew.

The obstacles

Every good writer knows that a protagonist must set out to do something. Whatever that may be it must be obvious what they want and what they need to do to get it. However, this journey must not be easy, and the main character or characters in your story must overcome several challenges and make sacrifices to achieve their goal. In a good story it is important to note that there is not just one challenge or one obstacle, but many. A protagonist must fall and get up several times before the story is over - the harder they fall, the more your reader will be urging them to get up and willing them to reach their goals. This is how a reader is kept on the edge of their seat and turning those pages.

The climax

A book that sells should take the reader on an exhilarating ride. There should be ups and downs, moments of tension and action and drama and resolution. As you near the end of the novel these all need to come together in one great big finale. The climax. A climax needs to be the most significant and most dramatic moment in your novel where everything your hero has been fighting for is at stake. A good climax will have your reader desperate to see your hero succeed, and then in the final pages of your book you can bring it back down, tie up loose ends and end your story in a truly satisfying way.

Nothing is more critical when it comes to selling books than good writing. Use these foolproof methods to help you write a story that is sure to leave readers leaving you rave reviews and clamoring for more!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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