Review by Booklist Review
Yager brings her extensive experience to this comprehensive guide to book promotion. A coach, speaker, and author of more than 50 books in many different disciplines, Yager writes clearly and authoritatively, providing sound advice. The material is targeted to all authors, whether indie/self-published, hybrid, or traditionally published, including aspiring authors. Yager explains what these different types of publishing entail then moves on to promotion, defining print, broadcast, and internet media. Next, there is a treasure trove of promo opportunities, including blogs, podcasts, events, and much more. The information on library signings is particularly helpful, as Yager is accurate and respectful towards librarians and library workers. She provides a sample marketing time line leading up to publication as well. The content will vary in usefulness depending on the reader; much of it is basic for seasoned authors, yet newer authors may feel overwhelmed. The book is best used as a reference tool so readers can choose what they need. Recommended for libraries suburban to urban and those with strong local-author communities.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this flawed manual, former book publicist Yager (Help Yourself Now) provides guidance on how authors can get the word out about their titles. "Through your promotional efforts, you are the one who is going to make the greatest difference in the success of your book," contends Yager, explaining the basics of the bookselling world, how to prepare for publication, and what to do afterward. She notes that traditional media coverage is likely reserved for high-profile authors and that most readers will have a better chance at drawing attention via online platforms. However, she undercuts this pragmatism with such pie-in-the-sky suggestions as "it may be worth a try to get... featured in People, Time, Newsweek, or Woman's Day," though she provides little guidance on how authors with small platforms might get noticed by these outlets. She fares better when catering to first-time or self-published authors, as when she breaks down how to write a cover letter to potential reviewers and details how to secure speaking engagements at book stores and libraries. Yager's attempts to appeal both to independent authors and to those signed with major publishers means some recommendations come across as basic while others feel unrealistic. Indie authors will get the most out of this. (Feb.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Writing an interesting book and getting it published are things to celebrate, but they don't guarantee wide readership or sales success. Former book publicist Yager (How To Self Publish Your Book; How To Finish Everything You Start) distills her years of experience in publicity--and the many lessons she's learned while promoting over 50 books of her own--into well-organized sections on the basics of book publicity, both pre- and post-publication. Yager explores self-advocacy techniques crucial for driving sales whether as an independent author or under the wing of a publishing house. Along with the importance of knowing a book's audience, leveraging traditional publicity and social media, getting blurbs, soliciting interviews and exhibiting at book fairs and trade shows, Yager advises on what to include in a publicity packet, how to extend audience reach, the importance of metadata, and how to manage personal expectations. Extensive resources (book fairs, website builders, translation services), sample letters, a glossary, and a timeline add to utility. VERDICT A beneficial purchase, of particular use for self-published and small-press authors, with information that will be helpful for anyone seeking to boost the visibility of their work.--Maggie Knapp
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
