Readers Don’t Buy Books—Consumers Do. Here’s Why That Matters

Readers Don’t Buy Books—Consumers Do. Here’s Why That Matters

May 15, 2026 · 25 min · Season 6 · Episode 20

About this episode

This episode discusses the critical difference between readers and book consumers, highlighting why this distinction is vital for effective marketing strategies.

Most authors think they’re selling to readers. That’s the first mistake. Because readers and book consumers are not the same—and confusing the two is one of the biggest reasons books don’t sell. In this episode, we break down the critical difference between someone who loves to read and someone who actually buys books, and why that gap quietly derails even the most well-intentioned marketing plans. If you’ve been showing up, posting, running ads, pitching podcasts—and still watching your sale...

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