Product Description: If you?re an author, the brand new ?From Book to Bestseller?An Insider's Guide to Publicizing and Marketing Your Book? unlocks the door to the ?Publicity Kingdom.? This guide will help you discover the crown jewels of PR and book marketing. Written by media-relations specialist and internationally recognized book marketing expert Penny C. Sansevieri, From Book to Bestseller is the definitive how-to-guide for marketing and publicizing your book. Like many other marketing books in this space, From Book to Bestseller begins by offering tips, insider secrets, and media contact information. But that's where From Book to Bestseller takes off and leaves the others behind. In Book to Bestseller, you?ll uncover pearls that most authors overlook?for example, how to secure special sales and develop spin-off products. Sansevieri shares her extensive experience and know-how to show you how to unearth the right media outlets for your book and how to pitch them to succeed.
Primarily about marketing through personal appearances I admit, most of the contents of _From Book to Bestseller_ were not new to me because I've already read other books on marketing for self-publishers, which contained much of the same advice. I found this book to be rather breezy and fluffy in comparison. I also admit that I'm an editor as well as an author, and this book is in need of editorial work. To get my pet peeves out of the way, it's time for the copyeditor and layout artist to discover:
* Curved quotation marks * That reviewers will not respect a publisher who calls an ARC an " advanced" reading copy (it should be "advance") * A better use of white space in the layout--especially, using less of it * And, that certain tips don't have to be repeated in multiple chapters, because this is a book, not a series of independently published reports
Having gotten all that off my chest: _From Book to Bestseller_ consists of a series of very short, bite-sized chapters, like little reports. Its real strength is its advice on radio and TV appearances, rather than on some other and often very successful marketing methods. There is little information on mailings to consumers, bookstores, and libraries; on the mechanics of writing catalog copy, ad copy, and press releases; or on the use of wholesalers and distributors.
This book makes little attempt to discuss the comparative values of different marketing methods, or on how to analyze whether a given method is working for your particular book. Because an infinite amount of time and money can be spent on marketing, but much of it will not bring results for a given book, this is a significant weakness. _From Book to Bestseller_ sometimes implies that just "getting exposure" automatically sells books. That is not in fact the case.
For example, there is an upbeat chapter on starting a syndicated column. A syndicated column can be a useful revenue stream for a professional journalist. But since it takes substantial time and effort to not only get syndication, but to write column after column after column, it's an exceedingly time-consuming way to just publicize a book. An author can hardly mention his or her book in every column. It is much easier, and just as effective, to do a one-time press release mailing to journalists already writing columns.
I would recommend _From Book to Bestseller_ only to authors and self-publishers who want to market their books primarily through TV, radio, and personal appearances--and who have already done research to determine whether these very time-consuming methods are likely to market their particular book well.
The most helpful book ever! This is the most helpful and comprehensive book on how to market a book. I learned so much from Penny and recommend her book to all my writing students who are seeking publication. These days the author is responsible for marketing her book and it is worthwhile to know what you are doing in order to get the most from your publicity dollars.
I've marked, highlighted and dog-earred this book and I continually come back to it as a reference manual as I am publicizing my book RIGHT TO RECOVER: Winning the Political and Religious Wars Over Stem Cell Research in America. With the advice in this book I was able to put together a marketing plan for pre-publication that my publisher is very pleased with.
Yvonne Perry yvonneperry.net
Absolutely Wonderful How To From Book to Bestseller by Penny Sansevieri is the book you need if you intend to self publish and also if you are published by a major publisher. The author, who has seven other titles to her credit, is an expert in how to promote yourself and your book on Television, radio, book signings and other ways. She discusses the secrets of writing books that sell, creating unique marketing campaigns, budgeting, and more. This is THE book that authors need! Excellent!
Reviewed by Barb Radmore From Book to Bestseller is the full meal, from appetizer to dessert, on the art of marketing a book. Penny Sansevieri has written the definitive guide to the process of self promotion. If she does not cover it, you don't need to know it.
With so many books being published every day (statistic used in the book is 195,000 a year) it is up to the author to find a way to make his book standout from the rest. It is especially true for authors that so not have paid media specialists working for them. This resource guide gives both debut and experienced authors the tools and information to be able to get the word out about their books. The lay out of the book is conducive to easily accessing and processing the information. Large type lets the reader focus on understanding the suggestions, well thought out, complete chapters and sections form a logical progression through all the different stages of promotion. It is extremely thorough in addressing the many facets of book marketing from creating a successful media and press kits, It includes the addresses and contact names for many for radio stations, associated press, reviewers, and tv (even Oprah). Web addresses that cover a wide assortment of needs are also listed throughout the book and under Helpful Web Sites.
Her hints include such interesting information as the best time of year to pitch an idea, the best time of the week to have your book arrive at the reviewer's office and why mass emails are not a good idea. it is the strength of the book that it does cover such ideas that most authors will not have considered. It is truly specialized knowledge. For the simple cost of a book authors receive in depth information they can only get from a professional in the business of marketing and self promotion. Not a bad deal at all.
Although this book was written with authors as the target audience it could also be helpful for anyone beginning to market a new product or or even a new business. Sansevieri has an insiders knowledge about the business of promotion that can be translated into PR for authors or entrepreneurs.
(It is ironic that, with all her expertise, Ms Sanseviei would get her book to a review site she does not include in her book. Oh well- we can assume she will rectify that and add Front Street Reviews in future editions.)
At Last. . . A Roadmap To Success!!! This book solved my problem. It empowered me.
I have started, built and run several successful industry-specific brick & mortar and internet businesses. I knew I had a story to tell with my first book project. Indeed, the book was picked up by a very reputable New York publisher pretty quickly.
My problem was, what road to take next. I could find bits and pieces of marketing information here and there, but no map. I was anxious and uncomfortable outside my knowledge base... That was, until my publisher gave me a copy of Penny's book to read!
From Book to Bestseller is a complete roadmap. It guides you through the valleys of despair into the world of public relations and marketing in easy-to-understand steps. It will empower you too.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
