#BEYONDINCEPTION:
Don't Write for the Bestseller List, Write Because Books Matter While the statement "Books don't sell" might seem harsh, there's a truth hidden within. Many books, even those traditionally published with a team behind them, struggle to break through the noise.
The sheer number of titles – over 450,000 according to Bookscan, with formats like hardcover and audio inflating that number further – creates a long tail where most titles fall outside the mainstream.
Even major publishers face daunting odds. Of the 45,000 books they release annually, only a minuscule 163 (less than 0.4%) manage to sell over 100,000 copies. This highlights a crucial point: success in publishing isn't measured by the size of a city, but by a much smaller town (think Mavingo, Richard's Bay).
The economics of new books are a different story entirely from the inherent value of books themselves. Books embody a unique blend of creativity and knowledge. Publishing them is an act of faith, and the act of reading can transform cultures. Even low-selling books can make a difference.
The bygone era of scarcity that fueled the publishing industry is gone. Today's abundance means that writing a book should be driven by your own voice and the potential impact it can have, rather than the pursuit of bestseller glory (chances are slim).
So write beyond inception, write because you have a story to tell and a difference to make. Don't let commercial pressures dictate your creative vision.
