Comments on: 28 book marketing tips from authors, publicists, and marketers

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 20:21:28 +0000

In reply to William A. Gordon. Thanks, William. In the interest of transparency, friends, William has linked to his own site, where he sells a list of radio stations. It's a lot easier than compiling your own, believe me. Sandy

By: William A. Gordon

William A. Gordon — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 17:45:11 +0000

There are some great tips here. Another tip–for those of you who write nonfiction and have limited budgets–is to go after radio interviews. It is much easier to get on talk radio than it is to book TV appearances or get publicity in major newspapers or magazines. Check out http://www.radiopublicity.net and other options, compare the prices, and see what gives you the most bang for the buck.

By: 28 book marketing tips from authors, publicists, and marketers

28 book marketing tips from authors, publicists, and marketers — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 20:11:13 +0000

[…] Hilary Jastram, J. Hill Marketing and Creative Services […]

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 00:43:48 +0000

In reply to Janet Ruth Heller. Thanks for your contribution, Janet! Sandy

By: Janet Ruth Heller

Janet Ruth Heller — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 22:29:46 +0000

Dear Sandra Beckwith,

Thank you for including my advice in this article. You have many good ideas here for people who have books to market.

Best wishes!
Sincerely,
Janet Ruth Heller
Author of the award-winning book for children about bullying, How the Moon Regained Her Shape (Arbordale, 2006; 4th edn. 2014), and the middle-grade book for kids The Passover Surprise (Fictive Press, 2015).
My website is http://www.janetruthheller.com

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 21:11:57 +0000

In reply to Kathy Steinemann. Thanks, Kathy. There are so many gems in here! I'm glad you found it useful. Sandy

By: Kathy Steinemann

Kathy Steinemann — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 15:51:58 +0000

Thanks to Sandra and all the authors who shared their valuable advice.

I especially like:

“Don’t waste time, money, and expectation energy trying to sell your book, your topic, to the world.”

and

“Tell other people that you’re writing a book. Answer questions about it, talk to people, ask about ideas or their opinions. Have them vote on different cover options.”

A targeting pixel sounds intriguing, but might be beyond the expertise of many technophobes.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 13:29:01 +0000

In reply to Don Reed.

Excellent tip, Don! Thanks!

I always advise authors with a traditional publishing contract to ask the in-house publicist what the publisher will be doing to support the launch. That way, the author can be certain to supplement, rather than duplicate, the publisher’s efforts. You really want to collaborate. What do they do best? What do YOU do best? Each should focus on its strengths, but you need a conversation about the marketing plan for this to work.

Thanks!

Sandy

By: Don Reed

Don Reed — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 13:16:56 +0000

Work closely with your publisher. Share the chores, be active, and let them know what you are up to. This is both courteous to someone helping you, and also practical. If your publisher is big, you don’t want to get lost in the pile, and an update on your activities reminds them you are alive. If your publisher is small, they may be encouraged by your efforts– and may surprise you in a positive way.

For instance, my last book, “STEM CELL BATTLES” was originally intended to have only black and white illustrations– but when I opened the pages of the first copy, to my delight it was in full color throughout. Whenever I think of World Scientific Publishing, Inc., I will remember that Technicolor surprise.

Would it have happened if I had not worked hard on the promotion and kept my editor informed? Maybe. But for me, the publisher is a friend forever, someone fighting by your side to advance your mutual goals.