Book Quote by George R. R. Martin
“The vast majority of writers out there, they finish their books, and no one cares whether their book is late or ever comes out at all. And then it comes out, and two reviews are published, and it sells 12 copies.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussion on publishing challenges, 2020
Many writers finish books that receive little attention, low sales, and minimal reviews.
In simple terms: Writers often get ignored and sell few copies.
Key Takeaway
Focus on finding an audience and marketing.
Themes
publishing
recognition
sales
effort
audience
Mood
frustrated
hopeful
Type
advice
realistic
When to use this quote
- self‑publishing
- indie publishing
- book launches
- author platforms
Key Concepts
marketing
distribution
author visibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can authors increase visibility before release?
- What strategies improve sales for niche books?
A Different Perspective
Even with a finished book, success depends on promotion and market fit.
![“The best writing advice I had was [in] ‘Heinlein’s Rules for Writers’ by (American science fiction author) Robert A. Heinlein. His first rule is that you must write, and I was already doing that, but his second rule is, ‘You must finish what you write,’ and that had a big impact on me.” quote by George R. R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/14d/george-r-r-martin-2-926_advice_the-best-writing-advice-i-had-was-in-hei_51395.jpg)
