Publicity and Marketing

 

What are publicity and marketing?
The teams responsible for spreading the word about your book through things like advertisements, interviews, and tours. 

What’s the difference between publicity and marketing?
Publicity: all the free methods of spreading the word about your book. Interviews, blogs, articles, appearances at events, etc.

Marketing: All the advertising the publisher pays for. Things like posters, the fancy displays in big bookstores, and spots in catalogues.

Does every book get the same attention from publicity and marketing?
No. A publisher wants all their books to succeed, but they have to allocate their resources differently based on their sales predictions about each book. Sometimes books get a lot of fanfare, then quietly vanish. Sometimes a book emerges quietly, but gets really popular through word of mouth. So it goes. 

Will they send me on a book tour?
Probably not, sorry - but you're not alone! Most authors aren’t sent on book tours. It’s a lot of time and money – besides which, the entire concept of book tours is shifting; instead of one new author on the road alone, it’s becoming common to see events where new authors are paired with veteran authors in their genre to help build an audience. That way, the new author isn’t left out there in a strange city, hoping people show up to hear from an author they don’t know about. Your team can also help you plan events in your hometown, or in places where you’re fairly certain to get a crowd. That’s not to say book tours don’t happen – they definitely do! But don’t go in expecting one.

What if I feel like my publicist isn’t doing enough?
Talk to your publicist about it – politely. Communicate your concerns and see what can be done. In some cases, people also hire an outside publicist to help – but this isn’t a requirement for success, and before you jump to spending your own money, share your thoughts with your team.

What if there’s a platform where I’d love to be interviewed?
Great! Tell your publicist. Make suggestions. You know the most about your book and where it might resonate in the world. Any extra ideas you’re willing to share or work you’re willing to do is helpful.

I’m really shy and I hate the idea of having to talk to anyone. Do I have to?
Nobody can make you. But your participation does help.

I’m not shy, I love talking to everyone, and I think I should be headline news – why am I not?
Be reasonable, friend. Not every writer can be everywhere they’d like. Awesome as you are, there’s very limited space on the covers of those dream magazines and on those popular shows – and there’s a long line.

I have a ton of ideas about swag to make, blogs to write for, interviews to do. I shall do them all!
Great! If you have the resources, time, and energy, go for it. But be sure to check in with yourself, be honest, and remember that this stuff is also taking time away from your writing. Balance it all, and feel free to say no to things when you need to.