Why should I buy your book instead of paying for endless movies and series at nearly the same price?

Muwado Ad by Muwado - Africa's Storytelling Platform

I’m Scared.

On my socials, I asked this question:

Your book is UGX 50,000. A Netflix subscription is about UGX 40,000. I can only afford one this month.

Convince me—why should I buy your book instead of paying for endless movies and series at nearly the same price?

What scared me is that I got ZERO comments. ZERO. Yes, I got emoji reactions – likes, loves, laughs and light bulbs – but no words.

I expected authors to jump in and passionately defend the power of books. I expected fiction storytellers to talk about how their stories can transport readers to new worlds, ignite imagination, and build emotional depth that no movie can replicate. I expected non-fiction authors to explain how their books provide deep insights, well-thought-out lessons, practical knowledge – something that lasts beyond the fleeting entertainment of a screen.

Instead, silence.

And that made me wonder: Is this part of our marketing problem?

Are we, as authors, struggling to articulate the value of our own work? If we can’t convincingly explain why someone should choose our books over other forms of entertainment, how can we expect readers to?

If you’re an author:

– Do you believe your book is worth reading?

– Do you believe it offers something unique, something valuable?

– Would YOU buy it if you weren’t the one who wrote it?

If you hesitate to answer “yes,” then maybe that’s where the problem starts. Maybe the issue isn’t just about marketing but about the strength of the book itself. In a world filled with distractions – social media, streaming services, endless entertainment – you have to write something irresistible. Something so powerful, engaging, and necessary that a reader wouldn’t think twice about choosing it over another form of entertainment.

And once you have that, you have to learn how to communicate its value. You have to be able to say:

– This book will change how you think about [topic].

– This story will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

– This book gives you knowledge that could transform your life or career.

Marketing isn’t just about selling – you need to believe in what you’re offering and make others believe in it too.

So, I’ll ask again, but differently:

Authors, what makes your book worth choosing over a Netflix subscription? Tell me in the comments.

Written by

Crystal Butungi Rutangye

I delight in the power of the written word to share ideas, thoughts, stories, memories, and other aspects of humanity. With over 14 years' experience, my expertise includes editing fiction and non-fiction trade books, ghostwriting, book production management, and training new writers/editors. I lead a team of zealous book editors, graphics designers, and illustrators at Scribe House.

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