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Rob Eagar

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Dec 05 2016

I Was Wrong

wrongFor the past 10 years, I’ve trained over 400 authors how market their books more effectively. And, I’m one of the rare consultants to help create three different types of New York Times bestsellers. Many of my clients nickname me the “value statements guy,” because I’ve always harped on the importance of creating value statements.

A “value statement” is a one-sentence description of a result that your book will provide for the reader. The first chapter of my popular book, “Sell Your Book Like Wildfire,” is dedicated to the necessity of value statements.

However, after 10 years of consulting, I’ve concluded that I was wrong. There is something more important than value statements. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying to avoid creating value statements. They are still essential to every book marketing plan. But, the most important marketing element every author needs is a HOOK.

Without a hook, no one will be interested to read your precious value statements. I’ve written about how to create hooks here. But, I’m writing this article to delineate the difference between a hook and value statement. A value statement is NOT a hook. They are two different elements, and every book needs both.

  • A hook is meant to generate curiosity in your book to know more about it.
  • A value statement is meant to explain how your book will educate, entertain, or inspire the reader.

If you skip the process of creating a hook, you could find all of your other marketing efforts wasted – because no one will listen to you in the first place. If you skip the process of creating value statements, your hook will sound shallow.

So, keep writing value statements, but change my nickname to the guy who says “every book needs a hook.”

 

“Wrong” image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Written by Rob Eagar · Categorized: Author Tips, Marketing Tips, Monday Morning Marketing Tips

About Rob Eagar

Rob Eagar is the founder of WildFire Marketing, a consulting practice that helps authors and publishers sell more books and spread their message like wildfire. He is one of the rare consultants to help both fiction and nonfiction books hit The New York Times bestsellers list. Rob has consulted with numerous publishers and trained over 1,000 authors. He is the creator of The Author's Guide Series, a comprehensive collection of resources that teaches authors how to sell more books. Find out more at: WildFire Marketing and follow Rob on Twitter.

Publishing Predictions for 2023

January 1, 2023 Posted by Rob Eagar

As we enter 2023, let’s look ahead to the major issues that will affect authors and publishers. Here are five predictions that deserve your attention…

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