Let\u2019s discuss the difference between features and benefits this morning. \u201cWhat?\u201d you say, \u201cthat\u2019s for salespeople. I\u2019m a writer, after all!\u201d<\/p>\n
Well, if you have written or are writing a book that you hope to offer for sale, guess what? You are a salesperson with a product to sell, and there are a couple of things you\u2019d better know: your audience (who is likely to want to buy and read this book?) and how to present your book to this audience\u2014salesmanship. Part of this is understanding what is a feature and what is a benefit.<\/p>\n
We buy benefits. We want to know, \u201cWhat\u2019s in it for me?\u201d \u201cWhat can this product do for me, give me, afford me?\u201d \u201cHow can it help me to be better at something, be more accomplished, gain something\u2014whether it is an outlook, health, a reality or riches?\u201d Novel readers want to know that they will receive the entertainment value they\u2019re paying for in time and money.<\/p>\n
As authors, most of us without much sales experience, we tend to spew features when facing a potential reader\u2014\u201cIt\u2019s compact, pocket-size, large print, has 250 tips and techniques, includes a time-line for self-publishing, etc.\u201d That\u2019s all nice. But we haven\u2019t answered the potential reader\u2019s burning question, \u201cWhat\u2019s in it for me?\u201d \u201cWhy should I read this book?\u201d \u201cWhat will I get out of it?\u201d <\/p>\n
Benefits might include:
\n\u2022\tYou can lose weight easily without starving and without surgery.
\n\u2022\tLearn the secrets of world famous chefs and become the envy of your friends.
\n\u2022\tBe slimmer by summer.
\n\u2022\tAdd three figures to your annual income in six months or less.
\n\u2022\tSell more copies of your book this year.
\n\u2022\tTriple your number of book reviews.
\n\u2022\tGet more blog visitors.
\n\u2022\tWin more writing contests.
\n\u2022\tNever feel left out again.
\n\u2022\tGain more confidence.
\n\u2022\tYou can\u2019t stop laughing.
\n\u2022\tYou\u2019ll never look at cowboys quite the same again.
\n\u2022\tThis story will touch you and entertain you for hours.<\/p>\n
Sit down today with your book and separate out the features (which are probably what you present to potential readers) and benefits (those points that respond to, \u201cWhat\u2019s in it for me?\u201d).
\nIn the meantime, check out my two latest books\u2014they both have features and benefits that are important to those of you who visit this blog. That is, authors at any stage of writing or promoting one or more books. <\/p>\n
Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author What can these books do for you? What are the benefits? They will make you more savvy about the publishing industry, giving you a definite edge in the fiercely competitive publishing climate. They will help you get published, show you how to sell more books and make you a more successful author\/bookseller. Imagine yourself collecting more checks and your bank account growing. Also visualize your book being read and enjoyed by thousands and thousands of people. These are the benefits you can glean from studying these two books and referencing them often.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Let\u2019s discuss the difference between features and benefits this morning. \u201cWhat?\u201d you say, \u201cthat\u2019s for salespeople. I\u2019m a writer, after all!\u201d Well, if you have written or are writing a book that you hope to offer for sale, guess what? You are a salesperson with a product to sell, and there are a couple of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16,5,22],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nPromote Your Book, Over 250 Proven Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author<\/em>
\nAvailable at amazon.com and other online and downtown bookstores. Can also be ordered at the publisher\u2019s website (Allworth Press) and the author\u2019s website: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n