Checking my Gmail spam folder, I came across a solicitation, from a book promotion service, inviting me to advertise my work on their website. The following paragraph particularly caught my attention:
“The (name of site redacted by me) specialize in making
sure that your book gets seen by readers
as well as media on major platforms to force
sales and with clear visibility”.
I am a simple soul and struggle to comprehend how one can “force” sales. As anyone with a rudimentary grasp of the English language knows, the word “force” implies coercion, compulsion etc. The use of the word “force” conjures up images of readers being frog marched to virtual check-outs and being compelled to part with their money. A virtual version of “stand and deliver” if you like. Surely this is not what the company in question mean by their employment of the word “force”.
One can not “force” another to do something against their will without the employment of blackmail, and/or the threat of (or actual utilisation of) violence. I am sure the organisation in question are not in any way advocating the use of such methods. None the less their use of the word “force” is sloppy in the extreme and does not inspire me with confidence regarding the service on offer. Consequently I wont be signing up with this outfit.
K Morris - Poet 
Thought provoking post, Kevin. I guess these types are more after YOUR money first and wonder how much exposure they give any books advertised with them. Sigh.
Thanks for your comment Tess. I must confess to being extremely sceptical as to the claims of book promotion sites. Happy new year to you. All the best, Kevin
You are more than welcome, Kevin. All the best in 2017.
Let me guess, it originated in Mumbay. 😉
Thanks for your comment Jack. I dont know where it originated but I certainly wont be availing myself of their services! Happy new year to you. All the best, Kevin
As much as I love when I get sales, I’d rather have none, than feel people were buying my book(s) because they were forced to do so for some reason. I want people to choose to buy my book(s) and hope they enjoy it/them when they do. Any suggestion of forcing potential readers to buy my book(s) would immediately put me off too.
I agree with you 100 percent Tori. Kevin