By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Often editors state they are looking for a quotable book. For many writers, the idea is confusing. How is a quotable book defined? Does it mean an endorsement? Where do we find the appropriate statements? Is the request applicable to fiction and nonfiction?

A quotable book is one in which the writer naturally places wisdom, humor or spiritual awareness in a phrase or sentence that readers share, value, remember, and can apply to their lives. The content isn’t forced but a part of the story or nonfiction topic that relates to the manuscript. 

A well-developed quote has the potential to reach more readers and increase sales.

The statement can be:

• Catchy
• Easily memorized
• Humorous 
• Haunting 

For nonfiction, the writer develops insights woven deep within the manuscript that are original, unique, sobering, and relevant to life.

For fiction, the writer uses dialogue and narrative in the character’s POV which pertain to the story and show a different perspective of the world or an event. 

Here are 10 ways writers can add distinction to their books and ensure their projects are quotable. 

1. Research all areas of the writing project. Nonfiction and fiction books require extensive research. Those reference points can be reworded into a quote.

2. Develop book proposals and marketing plans with quotes from the project. These catch the editors’ eyes and the marketing team. The statements become talking points that translate into sales copy.

3. Create memes with an appropriate image to reinforce quotes. 

4. Add the book’s quote to your Goodreads account. Within the platform is a section for the writer to place quotes from their books.

5. Design a Pinterest board to reflect the quotes.

6. Study reviewers’ statements about the project and use these statements for quotes.

7. Perfect your story with unforgettable characters who react and respond to their world. Memorable statements occur when characters say, think and interact.

8. Ensure nonfiction material contains reader-friendly phrasing. 

9. Understand the passion for your book project. The author’s feelings about the subject matter that occurred during the writing process translate to quotes: where the idea originated, how the writer’s life changed, and the goals for the reader. 

10. Video yourself talking about the book. Use verbiage that is easily reproduced into promotional material. 

Quotes from famous books

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkein

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

“Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

“Get busy living or get busy dying.” The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Are you ready to create a quotable book? 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Nonfiction, Novelists, and Speakers with social media specialist Edie Melson. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn or her website: diannmills.com