[00:00:00] Have you ever wondered why selling a book feels so challenging, even though it doesn't come with a very expensive price tag?
[00:00:07] I was thinking about this the other day and came across some interesting statistics from you. gov.com. In 2023, only 54% of Americans read one book. So that means 46% didn't read any books at all.
[00:00:25] So the challenge isn't just about getting your book sold. It's about having someone buy it and actually read the book in the first place.
[00:00:33] I'm Zach Kristensen, and this is Beyond the book presented by Juxta book.
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[00:00:47] Let's expand on these stats a little more. YouGov.com surveyed 1500 people and asking them about a variety of their reading habits. And as mentioned 54% of Americans read at [00:01:00] least one book in 2023. Now based on these stats, if if you read at least five books, you belong to the top 33%. If you read 10 books, you're on the top 21%. And if you manage to devour 50 bucks, congratulations, you are a part of the top 1%.
[00:01:20] I don't necessarily believe that this means reading has declined altogether because we are reading a lot on our phones, through our computers and through other means.
[00:01:30] It just means that the way that we consume content is continually evolving.
[00:01:34] So let's think about some different questions as you continue to move forward in your author journey. When someone buys your book? will, they actually read it from cover to cover. Will they feel compelled to recommend it to someone else. Word of mouth marketing is the most effective kind of promotion that you can get.
[00:01:51] Furthermore, your book is not just a standalone product. It's an extension of you the author represents your brand and the content that [00:02:00] you've produced. Now, whether it's all compiled in your book or it's published elsewhere through your social media, your newsletter or your podcast or whatever you're working on.
[00:02:10] It's a reflection of your identity as an author.
[00:02:13] So don't just focus on your book, consider your entire content strategy. The statistics we've discussed can offer some really good insight on how your content can better resonate with your audience so they will tell you people about it, but not just tell people about your book that they'll want to tell other people about what they read through other avenues that you've published through.
[00:02:35] So here are four ideas to think about.
[00:02:38] First your readers need multiple interactions with your content before they fully engage with your brand. Second, you need to be clear on what you offer. You only have a few seconds to showcase your expertise and how you're going to be able to help those that come in contact with your content and your book. Be clear.
[00:02:59] Third [00:03:00] create an engaging book that readers will want to keep reading or come back to time and time again, with the ultimate goal of recommending it to others. So, yes, that means you need to write a good book.
[00:03:13] And forth. Remember that your brand and book have a symbiotic relationship. They support each other's growth. Every time you publish something, whether it's on social media an email newsletter or a podcast you're nurturing your author brand.
[00:03:26] So while selling your book might be tough, with the right strategies and having consistency, you're going to be able to increase the reading habits of your readers by the content that you produce.
[00:03:39] So your action today is to think about how can you create compelling content that people will want to share.
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[00:03:52] To discuss how to increase the engagement and word of mouth marketing of your book.
[00:03:57] Visit juxta [00:04:00] book.com. To set up your author coaching session today.
[00:04:04] If you have any questions about a recent episode, I'd love to hear from you. Visit juxtabook.com/beyondthebook and click the appropriate button to leave your question and we will include it in our weekly Q&A episode.
[00:04:20] Your book is just one chapter in your author journey. Think beyond the book as you craft your path. Thank you for your questions and thank you for listening.
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