The Savvy Author's Guide To Book Publicity: A Comprehensive Resource—from Building the Buzz to Pitching the Press

by Lissa Warren

Here is an essential reference for writers -- from the self-published to those published by major houses -- written by a leading book publicist who pitches books to media every day of her working life. Tapping into her years publicizing such authors as pediatrician Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, poet Mary Oliver, and economist John Kenneth Galbraith, Da Capo Press Senior Director of Publicity Lissa Warren covers book promotion with a publicist, without a publicist, and when a publicist isn't getting results. Each chapter details what happens to a book once it's off press, and how authors can be helpful in the promotion process -- or even spearhead it if need be -- to get the coverage they deserve. Warren's advice is buttressed by her stories of authors -- the enterprising, the shy, the well-prepared, and the novice -- relating tours gone awry, best-sellers made and nearly made, and great and not-so-great author/publicist collaboration. The Savvy Author's Guide to Book Publicity covers everything from how to write press material, targeting the right shows and publications, following up effectively with the media, and hiring people who can help ensure that every bookseller and consumer has a chance to hear an author's message loud and clear.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2003

Reviews

[Camila Fagen]

I believe in Lissa Warren supremacy

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An updated version of this book would get 5 stars without a doubt. Still relevant, though, and still very useful.

[Maggie Anton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This 2004 book is sadly out of date. Some of the info about working with, and not alienating, a publicist is still relevant, but the lack of useful info for online publicity in this internet age is a big shortfall. Maybe there's a newer edition, but if not, I wouldn't recommend this book. Book publicity, like how books are packaged and sold, has so rapidly changed in the last 10 years that almost any book on the subject is likely to be out of date almost as soon as its pub date.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this after hearing the author speak at a writers' conference - this book is incredibly helpful for both the peak behind the curtain at book marketing/publicity at traditional/big six publishers (and helps authors understand what they can expect in terms of marketing) and the tips on how to effectively market their own book. I highly recommend this to all aspiring and published authors!

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for SCHOOL and it was great and informative! It counts towards my Goodreads total!

[Rachel Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm on the road to publication, and I'm feeling like i need to educate myself about what to expect from this part of the process--the part that happens between "I signed with a literary agent!" and "My book's released!"

So i guess i should start this by saying, this is not going to be a useful book if you are an author intending to self-publish your book and then self-promote it. It MIGHT give you some ideas for things you could do, but it's mostly aimed at authors going the route of traditional publication, explaining exactly what the roles of a publicist and the marketing department of a publishing house are, and how you can help them do their jobs (or at least not hinder them).

The book is fairly dated now and could use a new edition--it makes mention of Borders, and some aspects of publicity that aren't part of the playing field anymore. For example, i'd love a new edition that addressed social media like Facebook and Twitter, and that had been edited to include promotional opportunities like Goodreads, or that strategized a bit about the fact that there just aren't many remaining professional book review columns anymore.

But, i'm glad i read this book and i'd still recommend it to first-time authors, because it does illuminate a lot about things like book tours, interviews, press releases, chains vs indies in bookseller structure, etc.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Savvy Author's Book Publicity is a guide to help authors make the best use of their book publicist and publicity opportunities. The author, as professional publicist, has seen first hand a lot of the mistakes that authors make when promoting their book. Often in an attempt to help their publicist, they actually hinder their efforts. The Savvy Author's Guide gives authors ideas on ways that they can work with their publicist to make the best use of his or her skills. This book also gives tips on how to make the best use of any potential promotional opportunities and what to do once your publicist starts to focus his or her attention elsewhere.

The Savvy Author's Book Publicity is somewhat unique among books about promotion. Many such books focus on the things that authors can do to promote their books themselves. Rarely do these books mention anything pertaining to publicists beyond a sentence stating find a good publicist. However, this book states in a straightforward way not only what you can expect from your publicist but also how to actually use his or her skills to better your promotional efforts.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed, thorough, experienced guide to book promotion. A must-read and great reference for authors getting ready to launch. Though written for the age of "dead trees" press, the medium may change, but the "savvy" part remains. The author has great examples of successes and failures in book promo that could save an author from costly mistakes. Not just for first time authors, this has a lifetime of lessons.

[Lori Verni-Fogarsi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very excited when I ordered this book, but disappointed upon receiving it. While I did glean a greater understanding of the publishing process, I felt that the overall tone of the book was: Hire a publicist and don't interfere with what they're doing. Which may have been fine in the past, but in todays publishing industry--where authors are expected to be writer, publicist, travel agent, and more--I felt it didn't give me the tools to move forward as much as I'd hoped it would.

[Susan Wingate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every writer, whether emerging or established, should read this book and keep it close at hand.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains great tips if you're working with a publicist.

[Tone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given it four stars but the information about the Internet is starting to show its age.

[Marcie Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably helpful. I have tape flags on half the pages. The appendix contains lots of useful samples, including letters, press releases and bios.

[HadiDee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat out of date (published 2004) but still a very useful summary of the processes and stages of publicizing a book.