As a publicist, whenever I write a column, I am always looking for the sexiest way to present my material, because people catch fire with enthusiasm and sexiness. But sometimes the plain vanilla—back to basics—is the what I am called to share. Whether you have been traditionally published or have created your own imprint Who, Why, and What are the key questions. There are controversies…
Formula One for Books – Rules of the Road
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing and has a set of rules to which all participants’ cars must conform. Just as in racing there are rules or elements for creating a successful book. And, make no mistake, writing and publishing a book today is a race to success. Does your book have what it takes? The elements are the book’s appearance,…
Money May Not Buy Love, But…
“Money can’t buy love, but it can buy us time to write, and that’s pretty close to love.” Mari Selby In addition to buying you time, money can buy you recognition in advance of publishing through contests and crowdfunding, as well as the funds needed for marketing the book once you are published. Most artists and authors need money to accomplish their dreams. It’s hard…
Like a Super, Blood, Blue Moon, Timing is Everything When Promoting a Book
Skywatchers saw a rare treat on Jan. 31: a Blue Moon, a total lunar eclipse and a supermoonll at the same time! It’s the first total lunar eclipse since 2015 and the first Blue Moon Blood Moon visible from the U.S. since 1866. People were talking about this event all over the globe, and entrepreneurs found a way to use that buzz to capture the attention….
Timeline for Marketing a Book
For over 20 years I have watched authors blindly stumble from manuscript to published book and then wonder why they aren’t making sales. Probably no one, besides friends and family know about your book. And a common mistake has happened. There is not enough money for professionally producing the book and for marketing. Investment of time or money is required in building any business. Your…
Where Will Your Books Be This Holiday Season?
Bookstores are not your only option. Think outside the box. It’s October, if you start creating an action plan now, you can still take advantage of Holiday gift giving. All books qualify as potential gifts – nonfiction for students and seekers, and fiction for those who want a good read. There are craft fairs, corporate gift giving, and gift guides you can submit to. You…
Secrets to Securing Reviews
First, there is no secret that book reviews sell books. Most readers at least scan the back cover before purchasing a book. The more reviews you gather, the more general public awareness grows of your book. Greater awareness directly translates to better sales. I have been asked so many times about how to go about getting reviews. Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula. There may be…
From Author to Super-Speaker
How do you feel about public speaking? For introverts it’s like standing naked in front of a crowd of strangers. Conversely, extroverts love the stage, the applause, the chance to share their thoughts and visions. No matter where you are on the introvert/extrovert scale, find your comfort zone regarding being in public. Unless you want to go the way of the dinosaur, you need to…
Ten Ways to Make More Money with Your Book
Everyone wants to make money. And writing a book can be a great way to accomplish that goal. Books allow you to showcase what you do, how well you do it, and how your customers benefit from what you offer. However, book sales are only the tip of the financial flow you can create. Create a career, or line up speaking engagements, webinars, or workshops….
Press Kits: Separating the Amateurs from Professionals
Marshall McCluhan said, “We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us.” Your press kit – or media kit – is a tool. It’s your chance to shape how you want to be perceived and received. Media kits are sent out along with your book to reviewers, interviewers, for possible speaking venues, or even book signings. Professionals take the time to develop a kit…