**I'M DONE!! SO DISCOURAGED & READY TO QUIT**

[Ryan]

I'm just tired of the industry. Getting the next big "lead" and having hope grow up inside me again, only to be let down again, over and over. Sitting at show after show, watching hundreds of people walk by, see them look at my books and promotional stuff and go "meh" and keep walking. Reaching out and engaging people, starting conversations, asking if they're interested in trying a new book series, getting shut down...OR, actually grabbing someone's attention and thinking, hoping they may be interested...thinking you've almost made that sale and then getting that awkward pause and smile as they walk away...
I know the thing is to get reviews but how we get them!!??
Where are the readers!!!??
Where are people who actually want to read books!!??
Where is the niche market!!??
Book signings haven't worked.
Book shows, conventions, fairs have not worked.
Even fanexpo, where millions of people come through and it's such a huge draw of people, not ONE sale!!!???
It's emotionally draining and just literally sucks everything out of you to sit for 4 days, smiling, saying hello, having conversations, and getting zero interest...
I am so ready to be done with writing, which sucks because I really do love it!

Any advice at all!? Any pointers?

I guess my stuff just sucks! And my content is not interesting to anyone...

RDG

[David]

Are you clean with the Lord? Are you doing what He wants you to do? For a believer, those two questions trump everything else.

If you're not sure, just ask Jesus. He'll tell you and show you what to do to get past this. It's all about Jesus.

[Tori]

Sorry you’re having a hard time. I’d imagine trying to sell books and getting people interested is pretty tough. I don’t have much advice on promo stuff etc. I’m still learning that myself and noting that it’s no picnic. But I do encourage you to not stop writing, especially if it’s something you love doing! I don’t think most writers write to get rich. They do it because they love it. Because they have something to share. Maybe regroup? If something isn’t working maybe there needs to be a change somewhere?

[Stan]

Thought I'd check your Goodreads author page to see what you've written. Doesn't look like your very active on goodreads. Also, looks like you posted this exact same thing in four groups within minutes of each posting. But, it doesn't show any other activity. You're currently reading three books, but I don't see any reviews or ratings of books you've read. Maybe I can't see all you do on goodreads on your profile. I hope I can't. Because, if I can it doesn't appear that you're very active engaging readers and authors here.

Your author page shows two books of a proposed trilogy. What you have there honestly doesn't seem like the kind of fiction I like to read. So, you may have hit a niche that few people like. I don't know. Maybe branch out in another direction with some short stories or a novella. Maybe participate in the review circles in this group where you also read and review the work of some other authors in this group.

My own thought is simple - if you truly love writing then keep on writing. Write whether anyone reads it right now or not. Write and hone your craft. Write and tell the stories that God places in your heart and mind. Write to bring glory to God. Let Him worry about the readers.

[Stoney]

First, don’t give up. I get it that it’s discouraging. I’ve only published a non-fiction book so I don’t know that I have any real experienced advice but I can tell you what I think.

Give one of your book away to as many people as you can and ask them to write honest reviews. If you can build reviews that will help sell the book.

Interact with other authors here on goodreads and isn’t the twitter #writingcommunity. I have tons of people that want to read my WIP (a sci-fi novel) solely on the basis of my ongoing engagement on twitter. They know me and therefore want to read what I write.

Read books and write reviews for fellow authors in your position. We all want love so give a little to get a little. Start finding reviewing other indie authors and they’l start buying your books to read.

Finally, keep honing your craft. I haven’t read your books so I don’t know anything about your writing but I do know that there is always room for improvement. Always be improving. Sometimes it takes several books to get the traction you want especially if you keep getting better with each one.

[Thomas]

Have you tried Kindle or other ebook platforms?

[Lara]

I have found that in marketing and networking, one has to turn your perspective completely backwards. Instead of trying to get everyone to support you and your writing, one needs to go out and support everyone else. You also need to think "what does my book give to these people?" All marketing starts with meeting a need. My books are primarily about give young people hope through a fun, light fantasy read. I hope that my books makes a person's life a little better. I also give out lots of free ebooks, but honestly, I still have just a handful of reviews. Those who love my books, at least that's what they tell me, don't tend to write reviews. I have also read that the more books you write, the more traction you get. Online, I have heard that 5 seems to be the turning point. At confrences, I have heard that twenty different books on the table gets sales going. Many people I have talked to partner with a group of people at confrences tp get those twenty. I have also seen that the average attendence to book signings is eight people. Statistically, most indie authors never sell more than 200 books in the life of their novel. If you are doing better than that, then you are beating the average. Very few writers, even traditionally published ones, can live off of writing. Those who do often teach and speak at writers workshops to fill out their income. Don't give up. Just realize, your experience is actually not uncommon at all, even for good books. It is a long hard road of experimentation and endurance. Try new covers. Redo your blurb. Support other authors. This what I would suggest.