Boost Your Book's Sales

When I first picked up this book, I wasn't sure it was right for Resources for Writers. A quick glance at the contents and a brief scan of the first chapter had me convinced that this title was geared toward professional publicists who were new to book marketing. Then I noticed on the back cover that the book was billed as "the perfect primer for publicity staff, for authors and self-publishers, and for experienced professionals who need a refresher course."

It was the "authors and self-publishers" part that caught my eye. Had I missed something in my quick glance-through? So I picked it up again and started reading more carefully.

The first chapter does seem to be very basic information, definitely not written for the experienced professional, as it details the differences between publicity, promotions and public relations. This is something most pros should have mastered, no matter what field they normally cover. But then author Jodee Blanco starts showing how publicizing a book differs from other types of publicity, as well as covering some of the similarities.

Perhaps the most valuable section for authors is chapter two, which considers how the genre and format of a book affect publicity, PR and promotions. Although Blanco keeps harping on questions you should ask the author, which is what made me think this was intended for a different audience, my second read-through convinced me that most of these are really questions an author should be asking herself if she's doing her own publicity. And these days, most authors have to pitch in if they're going to get the kind of publicity their book deserves.

"Every book launch is different. Each has a particular set of circumstances that need to be considered before finalizing a blueprint of action for publicity," Blanco says in the intro to Chapter 7: The Different Types of Campaigns and How to Choose the One That's Best for You. This is the real nuts and bolts of book publicity. She uses the analogy of building blocks to show that a book campaign can be built up piece by piece, using only those blocks you need for your particular book.

Of course, after showing you the ropes, Blanco also delves into the big issue of MONEY. She walks you through the budgeting process in easy steps and suggests cost-cutting methods that will help you promote your book without breaking your budget.

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