Best Sellers Aren?t Written ? They?re Made - It?s All About Promotion

Writing a book is becoming more and more of a trend these days. In fact, an estimated 5,000 mystery books were published last year in the United States alone, and that number is expected to grow. With so much competition, making the best-seller list is no easy task. So how is it that out of the thousands of mysteries published each year, some become best-sellers while others never get past the publisher's front door? The answer is simple ? promotion.

Strategy is Key

Many authors are so confident that their book will sell itself, but unfortunately, that simply isn't the case. To hit the best-seller lists, you need to devote a lot of time to marketing. Promotion is important, because even if you think your book is destined to be a best-seller, no one will buy the book if you don't market it and set up the appropriate distribution outlets.

At this point many authors proclaim: "But my publisher is supposed to market my book, not me." That's not entirely true. While the publisher does want your book to sell (that is, after all, how they make money), with all the books a publisher represents, their PR department can't possibly give your book the attention it deserves. They're often promoting multiple books at once and must spread out their time and resources fairly between everyone.

That's where the author comes in. By taking charge of your book's promotion, you can make it to the best-seller list.

The first step in devising a promotion strategy is to create a powerful media kit. You can be the most brilliant book promoter in the world, yet fail at making your book a bestseller if you do not have a strong and persuasive media kit. Why? Well, you may be able to talk a good game and get people excited about your book, but when they ask for your press kit and see a measly, uninformative packet with a few clippings and nothing more, all your build-up will fall flat.

What's in a Media Kit?

Think of a media kit as your book's resume. If it doesn't look good, it certainly won't attract the interest of media, distributors, or bookstores. The kit should contain:

1. A cover letter ? A one-page letter that entices the reader to open your kit.

2. A press release ? Usually one page long, the press release describes your book and its timeliness.

3. A mock book review ? A one to two-page overview of your book that gives the highlights.

4. An author biography ? A one-page document that introduces your credentials for writing the book.

5. A book sell sheet ? A one page flyer for your book that gives ordering information and sell copy.

6. A book catalog sheet ? A one page information piece that gives the technical details, such as how many books come in a case, the book's sales handles, the author's publicity campaign, etc.

7. A novelty item such as a postcard of the book's cover, a bookmark, a counter card, etc. ? Including a novelty item makes you memorable. It also showcases some of your marketing efforts.

You Can Do It!

With a powerful media kit, you can keep the momentum strong and get people begging for more. This, in turn, will lead them to buy the book, which could ultimately lead you all the way to the top of the best-seller list.

Dawn Josephson is president and founder of Cameo Publications, an editorial and publishing services firm based in Hilton Head Island, SC. She is also the author of Putting It On Paper: The Ground Rules for Creating Promotional Pieces that Sell Books and the co-author (with Lauren Hidden) of the new book Write It Right: The Ground Rules for Self-Editing Like the Pros. . For more information, please call 843-785-3770, e-mail Dawn@CameoPublications.com, or visit http://www.CameoPublications.com

---

Top Ten Basics on Internet Article Writing to Promote your Book

Whether you have already written articles and published them or... Read More

Book Talks: What to Say and How to Say It

Great! The Chamber of Commerce, or a similar group, has... Read More

Titles (and Subtitles) Sell Books!

Does a title really sell a book? The short answer... Read More

Extend Your Books Life With a Sales Letter

Authors, publishers and business owners are great at getting their... Read More

FSBO Author believes in Bookswaps

Hi Noel,I absolutely love your website, As an MS sufferer... Read More

Make your Book Stand Out From the Crowd: Know your Audience

Most authors say, "Everyone will want my book, and when... Read More

Successful Book Marketing The Natural Way - Part 1

Is your mind muddy on book marketing? Do you wake... Read More

Five Book Back Cover Mistakes and How to Solve Them

Did you know that your back cover information is, after... Read More

The Lecture Experience: Part I

During the past year or so, I have done nearly... Read More

Successful Book Marketing The Natural Way - Part 2

Is your mind muddy on book marketing? Do you wake... Read More

Best Sellers Aren?t Written ? They?re Made - It?s All About Promotion

Writing a book is becoming more and more of a... Read More

Interview with Book and Marketing Coach-Judy Cullins - Part 1

To know what to do at the right time in... Read More

Promote Your Books on Talk Shows and Make More Money

Successful authors are convinced that radio interviews are the very... Read More

10 Reasons Why People Attend Book Signings

This is the survey result of 325 people conducted by... Read More

Colour and Book Covers - What You Should Know if Youre Self-Publishing

Color is tricky at the best of times. If you... Read More

Looking to Sell Your Book for a Good Price?

Many self-publishing authors plan on eventually selling their book to... Read More

Book Marketing 101 for the Self-Published Author -- Getting Started

No matter what any publisher or marketing company tells you... Read More

Marketing Virus ? Every Writer Needs to Catch It

For you writers aspiring to greatness, you might need a... Read More

Secrets to Selling Books by Mail

This is intended for informational purposes only. Selling books by... Read More

Plain Speaking ? 4 Secrets For Getting Your Book Purchased

What can be more infuriating to a potential purchaser of... Read More

Publishing Your Book?What Way is Best For You? - Part 2

Your print or ebook is nearly finished. You wonder if... Read More

The Book Signing

Tomorrow night is my first Local Writers Fair. I've been... Read More

How to Market Your Unsold Books on the Internet: Its Easy

Your book expresses your wondrous information, your creativity, and your... Read More

Discover 3 Easy Ways to Promote Your Articles

Are you using these methods to promote your articles?If not,... Read More

Marketing Your Book on Radio

Have you listened to radio lately? If you have, chances... Read More

How To Promote A Book

Nowadays it's no longer a matter of whether or not... Read More

Comments From A Book Reviewer

For the past several years I have been reviewing books... Read More

How Many Ways Can You License Your Tips Booklet?

You've been thinking about writing a tips booklet. After all,... Read More

Media Events for Book Promotion

"How do I set up a media event?" -- As... Read More

19 Ways to Secure Non-Returnable Book Sales and Sell More Books

Surprisingly, book stores are not always your greatest source of... Read More

Spend a Little Time, Get Free Books Online

There's just something so gratifying about owning your own books... Read More

Sell More Books With an E-mail Newsletter

NOTE: Because many words in this article are likely to... Read More

How to Make Money With Your Short Stories, Poems, Essays, and Novels

Recently, someone rated my "Online Book Marketing" article a 2... Read More