Authors: Don’t Sit on the Sidelines!

It can feel overwhelming to consider doing any of your own book publicity. There are so many potential avenues to explore, so much contradictory advice about book promotion online, so many ways to waste your precious time. It can seem like a better idea to just let the pros handle it all.

We’ll let you in on a secret—tons of opportunities are missed when authors don’t help out with their own promotion.

Here’s why: no one knows your story or your angle quite like you do. Your publisher’s PR team won’t necessarily have the insider knowledge about who the prominent voices are in your field or genre, and they likely won’t have the bandwidth to do that research.

Additionally, publishing companies have an hours-in-the-day problem. In-house publicists often juggle promoting a dozen books at a time. The unfortunate fact is, even with the best of intentions and top-tier time management, potential coverage can fall through the cracks.

The good news? There are tons of simple and effective ways for you to pitch in— 

• Make sure your website presents the most compelling and up-to-date case for journalists to learn about and cover your book.

• Point your in-house publicist to niche journalists and outlets that might be interested in your book.

• Use your existing connections to garner online reviews, speaking invitations, and ensure robust attendance at your book events.

• Pitch an essay or op-ed around your publication date on an evergreen topic, or that has a timely connection.

If you’d like to learn even more ways you can give your book its best shot and best practices for each method, join us for our free monthly workshop or consider our 6-week or 6-month programs!