Comments on: Sales Secrets from a Novel Writer

By: "Sales Secrets from a Novel Writer" by John Forde » Copywriters Clearinghouse - Home

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:32:55 +0000

“Sales Secrets from a Novel Writer” by John Forde…

Do rules of writing great fiction come in handy when you…

By: jackforde

jackforde — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:52:52 +0000

Thanks… yes, I definitely think “get to the message” quickly is part of the insight. Still, there’s a tension in the telling that can’t be sacrificed every time. For instance, anyone selling information products or services has a more abstract challenge than, say, selling a gallon of milk, a printer, or something more material. I think that’s where knowing how to pace a story or reveal a sales pitch one tantalizing bit at a time really comes in handy. It can be overdone too, of course. But I’m always amazed at how close the parallels can be.

By: John Gamble

John Gamble — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:13:14 +0000

Jack,

That’s an interesting analogy. And one I’d never thought of before. Probably from living near the Left Bank, eh?

I don’t know if it’ll help me to write better fiction or copy, but it’s reassuring to know that the underlying structure of these forms is somewhat universal.

Which explains why it’s a good idea to stick with the tried-and-true (or the “gun-to-the-head” just sell the damn thing! formula) most of the time.

Thanks for your insightful posts. i really enjoy the blog.