Books Quote by William Dean Howells
““It's the whole country that makes or breaks a thing like this. New York has very little to do with it. Now if it were a play, it would be different. New York does make or break a play; but it doesn't make or break a book; it doesn't make or break a magazine. The great mass of the readers are outside of New York and the rural districts are what we have got to go for. They don't read much in New York; they write and talk about what they've written. Don't you worry.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on publishing, 1910s
Success of a work depends on broad audience, not just a cultural hub; regional readers matter more than elite city circles.
In simple terms: Broad readership matters more than city fame.
Key Takeaway
Target diverse markets beyond major cities.
Themes
publishing
audience
regional focus
Mood
reflective
strategic
Type
advisory
analytical
When to use this quote
- book launch
- magazine distribution
- regional marketing
- author tours
Key Concepts
market dynamics
cultural diffusion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can authors reach readers outside cultural hubs?
- What strategies expand regional influence?
A Different Perspective
Urban bias can overlook niche audiences.
