Waterstone’s has seen a 200% increase in the sales of titles about keeping chickens. Growing your own vegetables and other thrifty how-to guides are also on the rise. Christmas books are expected to include everything from cooking frugal food to making your own presents.
US publishers are reporting an upsurge in book proposals about the crisis on Wall Street, whilst in the UK both financial journalists and some City bankers (with a little more time on their hands), are also pitching book ideas.
On the flip side, people need a little escapism. During the recession of the 80s thrillers, romance and even stories about the seriously rich and royalty did particularly well.
The fact is that even during tough times, most people still have enough money to buy books. Compared to other products they are affordable and not so much luxuries, but necessities. I consider them to be as fundamental as oxygen!
For anyone running their own business, it makes great commercial sense to have a book to sell.
A book provides potential clients with an opportunity to sample your expertise (most people can easily justify buying a book) and encourages them to explore other services you may be offering such as coaching, courses or consultancy. You can even add value to your service offering, by including a book as part of the package.
In the short and longer term a book can:
Distinguish you from your competitors
Help to market and promote your business
Generate passive income
Raise your profile and give you credibility
Increase your self-esteem
If you are writing a book, it is also highly likely that you are passionate about your subject matter. Whether your book is designed to inspire, motivate, educate or simply to make people laugh, then it is more relevant now than ever. You have a responsibility to get it out there for the greater good.And talking of inspiring books, check out the following. You may have seen the heart-warming YouTube clip featuring two men reunited with their pet lion after they had left him in Africa with George Adamson of Born Free fame. It has been viewed by over 44 million people. Now Transworld has published an e-book entitled ‘A Lion Called Christian’ by John Rendall and Ace Bourke. A print edition will follow next year. Enjoy!
