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Shift from “Why Isn’t My Book Selling?” to “How Is My Book Positioned?”
Posted in Marketing with Meaning
It’s Monday, and you know what that means!Time for another simple, meaningful tip to help you sell more books—without feeling overwhelmed.
This Week’s Tip: Shift from “Why Isn’t My Book Selling?” to “How Is My Book Positioned?”
This week’s tip is actually an excerpt from our most recent FUNfiltered: Marketing Talk for Authors episode on YouTube, where we talked honestly about book sales, industry averages, and—most importantly—how authors can rise above them.
Click here to watch the full episode
If your book isn’t selling the way you hoped, it’s easy to spiral into frustration, self-doubt, or quiet discouragement.
But if you take these insights (in this email and our fUNfiltered episode) to heart—AND take action on the shifts we’re encouraging for 2026—your chances of rising well above average increase significantly. Small, intentional changes really do compound.
Here’s an important truth most authors are never told:
The average book sells fewer than 1,000 copies over its entire lifetime—and that number includes
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traditionally published books
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self-published books
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hybrid-published books
These aren’t worst-case scenarios. They’re industry averages.
If your book reaches 1,000 readers, you’re already above average.
3,000 copies? You’re doing really well.
5,000+? You’re officially an exception.
Exceeding the averages isn’t about luck, hype, or hustling harder. It’s about intentional positioning—so the right readers can actually find and recognize your book. And, we want to help you exceed the industry averages!
Here’s What to Do This Week:
Walk through these three clarity questions—then choose at least one to focus on this week.
Clarity Question #1: Who is this book truly for?
Not “everyone.” One specific reader. One real season. One felt need.
Next step:
Write one sentence that starts with: “This book is for the person who…”
If that sentence feels fuzzy, this is your focus area.
Then do this:
Use that sentence once this week—in a social post, email, or conversation.
Let it guide how you talk about your book. Notice what feels clearer or easier.
Clarity Question #2: How clearly can you explain what this book does for the reader?
Not the topic. Not the genre. The transformation. Readers aren’t asking, “What’s this book about?” They’re asking, “Why should I care?”
Next step:
Write one simple sentence that answers: “After reading this book, the reader will…”
Keep it human. Keep it helpful. No polishing—just clarity.
Then do this:
Share that sentence in one place this week—your email, your bio, a post, or a conversation.
Pay attention to whether people lean in, ask questions, or respond.
Clarity Question #3: Where is your book being intentionally shared right now?
If people don’t know it exists, they can’t buy it. That’s not failure—it’s visibility.
Next step:
Choose one place to show up this week—email, social media, a personal message, or a conversation—and share your book with purpose, not pressure.
Then do this:
Share your book with one clear purpose: to help, encourage, or serve—not to sell.
Keep it simple. One post. One email. One reach-out. Then stop.
Why This Works
- It reframes discouragement into clarity
- It replaces guessing with intentional action
- It helps your book rise above average—one consistent step at a time
Hit reply and tell us—which one are you focusing on this week? Audience clarity, reader transformation, or visibility?
With GREAT anticipation in 2026 — cheering you on as always!
Shelly, Athena & Carol
P.S. If your heart is saying, “I don’t want to be average—but I also don’t want to burn out,” that’s exactly why we built Book Marketing Pro Academy. Our goal for 2026 is simple: help our authors become the exception to the industry averages—with clarity, consistency, and real support every step of the way. Join us inside Book Marketing Pro Academy and let’s make 2026 the year your book becomes the exception. Book Marketing Pro Academy.
