Book Publicity and Book Marketing
One of the first questions many authors ask as soon as their new book is in their hands is, “How soon will it be in Barnes & Noble bookstores?” There are 750,000 to 1,000,000 books published each year in the United States. The national chain stores inventory 130,000 to 140,000 books. More than 800,000 books will not make it into the major chain bookstores.
The book reviewers of the major daily newspapers receive more than 50 books a day. At most they may review 10 to 15 books a week.
Your involvement in the marketing is a key to the success of your book. You know the specific audience--professional, academic discipline, or interest group--to which your book is written. You know your local contacts for interviews, news releases, etc.
Developing a marketing plan
The internet `stores` give your book national and international exposure, but for your book to be a success you will have to develop a publicity and marketing plan.
Among other things, you will want to:
- Identify publications and periodicals to which review copies and news releases can be sent.
- Prepare a mailing or email list to which information and order forms can be sent.
- Publicize your book through groups and organizations to which you belong.
- Be actively involved in its promotion and publicity--scheduling interviews, book signings, speaking engagements.
- Develop strategies for getting your book into regional stores and for making it accessible to the stores through the wholesalers.
We will provide outlines and data collection forms to aid in this development.