The Complete Guide to Book Marketing

by David Cole

With an intense focus on strategy that won’t be found in any other guide, this invaluable resource will be of immediate help to publishers, authors, and most anyone who wants to succeed in the publishing industry.Completely updated and expanded with an enhanced focus on selling outside traditional channels, The Complete Guide to Book Marketing features systematic, results-oriented approaches to reaching the largest amount of readers for the least amount of money. Readers will find no-nonsense advice for building a publishing identity, cultivating feedback from your audience, and implementing an effective publicity campaign. This new edition also features a brand-new section on marketing to the lucrative education market, as well as new information on e-book marketing, print-on-demand, and marketing backlist and reprint titles.

Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

About the author

David Cole has spent more than thirty years immersed in the book publishing business. An author as well as a publisher, he understands the concerns and expectations that writers bring to the publishing experience. Above all, he has a passion for books, language, the written word, and the process of communication that bridges author and reader.

His career has also included stints in editing, production, publicity, marketing and management. He has also served on the board of several nonprofits including the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Northern California Book Publicity and Marketing Association, Community Alliance for Learning, and the Masquers Playhouse.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has a lot of information, but it's an older book so more relevant information is missing. Also, if, like me, you are a self-published author this book isn't likely to be as useful. It's more geared towards traditional or small press publishing than indies. Still, there is a lot of information in it so you may be able to glean something from it.

[Cori Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuper outdated, this version I read, but I was able to glean a few helpful nuggets!

[Niko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a sales and marketing class for my masters program in publishing. Informative book, but at least a decade out of date.

[Dane Batty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is outdated, but I knew that going in. I'm into the new publishing world, but it's the traditional homework for every book's promotion that hasn't changed much. This book deals with press releases, cover letters and marketing tools very well, and although it's a bit like reading a history book since the industry is changing so quickly it's still very well done and informative. I've read lots of book marketing books, and I still learned a lot of things!
Thanks Mr. Cole!

[Julianne Shapiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really the only thing out there dedicated to traditional book marketing. It's a little outdated with its "new strategies," but has a lot good information about how to reach your library markets and traditional marketing plans. Insightful tips about publicity copy and extensive information about subsidiary rights made this worth the while to read if you're in the publishing industry.

[Jen Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This came out in 2003 so it's not the most up to date thing on internet marketing, but it is a GREAT overview of how publishing and marketing work together. I want all the writers I work with to read this. I wish David Cole would do an updated edition.

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good tips, though some of the websites listed no longer exist. Many good contacts listed.

[Victoria Sandbrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a class. Great text for those breaking into publishing.

[Scott Gill · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was pretty good... better if you are a publisher. It did; however, help me understand the ins and outs of what can make a book successful. Hopefully, for me it will prove profitable.

[Valerie Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty outdated, but still some good basic info for how publishers market books.

[M. Jane Colette]

Last revised in 2003, so really really dated.