Promoting Books A to Z
Bruce Von Stiers
Francine Silverman is the author of two guidebooks, one on the Catskills and the other about Long Island . Frustrated about her efforts to market her book, Francine began an online newsletter for authors. Now Francine has put together a book that should help authors promote their books. The title of the book is Book Marketing From A – Z. The book was published in March 2005 by Infinity Publishing.
In this book, more than 300 authors give the reader some insight on the who, what, where and when and how of marketing a book. These are authors of both fiction and non fiction materials. There are a few known entities here, but for the most part, the authors in this book don't have the name recognition of someone like Stephen King, John Grisham or other top selling authors. But that doesn't mean that their advice isn't worthy. On the contrary, these folks get to the core of how to get your book out there, published and recognized. From horror stories to cookbooks and a lot of material in between, these authors offer up a lot of sound advice.
After a brief foreword by Cynthia Brian, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul, Francine gives you an introduction to the book. We are told how this book grew out of her online newsletter dealing with getting a book promoted.
As this is an A-Z book, the first segment is on advertising. Fantasy author Margaret L. Carter gives up some advice about “free or low-cost” advertising. Patricia Rasey, author of over 10 novels, tells us to “weigh in the cost of the ad with the sales it brings in.” If the ad doesn't bring in a lot of sales, then it isn't worth the cost.
The book then moves on to sections on Book Covers, Book Reviews, Contests and even Class Reunions. Now this last bit might seem a little too much. But if you have ever been to a class reunion, you will see people throwing out sales pitches, whether it is the photographer for the reunion or one of your most obnoxious classmates trying to drum up new clients for his insurance company. Why not try to plug your book at one of these venues?
As the Internet has helped move a lot of books, there is a pretty lengthy section on it. Authors let you know about using websites, links, ezines and other web based materials to get information out about your book.
You will be told of the importance of press kits, press releases and pitching your book to television, the print media and on radio. You will also get some insight on speaking engagements, promotional tie-ins for your book and even the possibility of not even doing anything to promote your book.
At the end of the book there is an area called Special Sections. One of these deals with publications. In that section, Zumaya Publications is featured. I have reviewed several books from Zumaya. Elizabeth Burton is the managing editor of Zumaya and oversees the acquisition of new material. They release numerous titles each year in a variety of genres. In fact, I just received a handful of new Zumaya Publication titles to review.
The book also provides information from a couple of other authors that I have reviewed. Judith Fertig and Karen Adler have written cookbooks I've reviewed, All-American Desserts and Prairie Home Cooking. Karen tells the cookbook author to find out how the publisher plans to promote and sell your cookbook. Judith speaks of the advantages of having your cookbook being the main selection of a cookbook club.
In a section titled Gimme A Break! various authors tell of some of the writing and promoting pitfalls. Raymond Benson, the “new” official author of the James Bond novels, tells of the highly opinionated Bond fans. He says the “the fans are numerous and very picky.” Some love the novels, but other readers do nothing but try to” tear me down! You had to develop a thick skin.”
Book Marketing A-Z may not have all of what you are looking for in trying to promote your book. But the real world experiences of the authors quoted here will give you a big leg up.
To learn more about the book, or to order a copy, visit www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com
© 2005 Bruce E Von Stiers