Why Book Discovery Advice is Like Weight Loss Advice

In Discussion by Edward Nawotka

As with dieting, a simple principle applies to book discovery…

By Edward Nawotka, Editor-in-Chief

Book discovery advice is a lot like diet advice. It just keeps changing, getting more complicated and increasingly difficult to know what really works. There are a few agreed-upon principles:

  • You need good metadata, but what that is exactly is still being hashed out.
  • You need some form of audience interaction — a web site, active social media stream, something…

But, just like the diet industry, there are hundreds (nee: thousands) of companies, consultancies and advisors who are willing to offer you the illusion of a shortcut to success — provided you’re willing to pay for their particular brand of magic. But just like with dieting, there are no shortcuts.

Here, as with most things the KISS principle applies…

In dieting, it’s:

  • Eat less
  • Move more

In books, it’s:

  • Publish a book people want to read.

Stick with that and success is all but guaranteed.

Let us know what you think in the comments.

About the Author

Edward Nawotka

A widely published critic and essayist, Edward Nawotka serves as a speaker, educator and consultant for institutions and businesses involved in the global publishing and content industries. He was also editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives since the launch of the publication in 2009 until January 2016.