
Click Here To Purchase From Amazon From Book to Bestseller
Author: Penny Sansevieri
ISBN: 1-600370-8-96
"From Book to Bestseller" has been called "the roadmap to publishing success." This author can see why. Divided into eight sections, Sansevieri walks you through everything you will need to take your book from idea to bestseller.
Section I -- Introduction to Book Marketing, takes even a novice first-time author easily through different ways to market your book to finding out who your market it and even discusses the publication date (crucial because some book reviewers want the book 3-4 months before the book hits the market). Sansevieri also talks about the seven secrets of writing a book that sells -- 1) know your readers; 2) know your market; 3) read similar books; 4) get and stay current; 5) follow the media; 6) talk. teach. listen; 7) timing is everything. She even explains "ethical bribes" and how to use them. It's okay, really!
Section II -- Creating an Exception Press Kit. In this chapter, you will become an expert, know exactly what is in a press kit, ponder interview questions, understand an author bio, and all the rest of the necessary paperwork that goes along with getting from book to bestseller -- including the all-important "postcards."
Section III -- Book Reviews. Now this was a chapter I sunk my teeth into! Do you know what mock reviews are and how they are used? Do you know your niche? When do you follow up with a reviewer? You will after reading this section -- and the information is vital. However, I was sad that BookPleasures.com was not mentioned as a wonderful place to get your book reviewed. At least she sent her book and I was lucky enough to select it for review.
Section IV -- Outside the Book. "Thinking outside the bookstore box!" means knowing that publishers buy book space in bookstores and that "93% of all books published sold less than 1,000 copies." This means you must be creative -- "E. Lynn Harris left copies of his self-published books in beauty salons. Why beauty salons? Because at the salon people have a lot of time to read." Sansevieri also discusses book clubs, QVC, catalogs, celebrity endorsements, and "spin-off products."
Section V -- The Media. This, to me, is the tough part of the marketing process. Rarely does anyone know a producer or interviewer personally. So then how do these authors get noticed? It's all in "the pitch." There are "seven media myths that will kill your campaign" -- 1) a good news release is all you need to get "ink"; 2) mention your book every chance you get; 3) you must answer every question the media asks you; 4) you can use advertising dollars to influence media interviews; 5) use big, complicated words; they'll make you sound savvy; 6) Emotion is a bad thing; 7) you should never even consider an interview without media training. One great tidbit -- Junglescan.com is one of the easiest ways to track your book sales. There is even a sub-section about getting on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Section VI -- Buzz, Bragging Rights, Book Signings, and More. The buzz is something I had forgotten. Did you ever hear, 6-12 months out, that a new restaurant or, as in my case, an office supply store was going to opening in your town? The buzz is maddening and the throngs of people who are tired of driving thirty-miles to get office supplies go crazy with talk! How can that work with regards to your book? Book signings are a big part of an author's life and Sansevieri presents it beautifully.
Section VII -- A Few Final Marketing Strategies. Networking, making the most of the resources, "one minute marketing," and timelines are essential. Perhaps your book isn't selling well -- it's time to "re-launch!" Is the New York Times list right for your book? The one-minute marketing is an ingenious idea!!! A must read if you are an author and have anything else going on in your life!
Section VIII -- Resource Guide. This was a bonus to an already outstanding guide. Most everything you need, in addition the previous sections, will be found here -- events, organizations, newsletters and newsgroups, and publishing information.
"From Book to Bestseller" is due out early Spring 2007.
The above review was contributed by: Sue Vogan, Writer & Author of NCO-No Compassion Observed: To read more of Sue's reviews Click Here
Click Here To Purchase From Amazon From Book to Bestseller