A lesson to my detractors

There is an old saying that is a trueism – Never judge a book by its cover!

Over the five days of the giveaway of my latest novella The Forgotten People, several individuals voiced their opinion on it, even though they hadn’t read it. I’m talking about those who believe they know what, according to them, sells a book – the cover, not the contents!

Nothing could be further from the truth! What actually sells a book is positive reviews from people who not only read it, but also give it glowing reviews.

There are a few who firmly believe that a book’s success is solely down to its cover. What utter hogwash!!! The other day on a book group in Facebook, I was castigated by one such person, who stated that they wouldn’t contemplate even availing themselves of the opportunity I gave them to get a free copy. Why? Because they didn’t like the cover. When I replied to their illogical response, suggesting they seriously need to think again, they immediately continued to attack my novella by saying that in their ‘professional opinion’ as a book cover designer I was catering for young to middle age men. Once again – what a load of codswallop!!! Funny how certain clueless individuals claim to be professionals when challenged, don’t you think?

No one can get away from the fact that in the end, the story is what sells, not the cover, or how much money some spend on advertising! Regarding advertising, the internet is awash with individuals only to willing to take your money, promising that they will sell your book to hundreds of thousands of people looking for a book to read. Lately many of them hail from India. Always be on your guard with anyone wanting to be paid for anything to do with your book, particularly these days…

PS – Take a close look at the pic above. The Forgotten people reached fifth in Alternative History here in the UK