I’ve already reserved May 5 for Raleigh Pinskey. She’s one of my favorite Publicity Hounds, and she’ll be in Wisconsin to present a half-day program to the Wisconsin chapter of the National Speakers Association that morning. It’s called “How To Joint Venture With The Media For Power & Profit, Fame & Fortune.” I can’t think of anybody… Read More
Authors & Publishers
Selling books on ‘Oprah’ harder than it looks
Dan Janal of PRLeads says no authors came forward to prove they made at least $10,000 in book sales after one appearance on “Oprah.” Thousands of authors read this newsletter and some of them have been on “Oprah.” So I’m not quite sure what to make of it. “I am so sick of hearing authors… Read More
Does a gig on ‘Oprah’ guarantee book sales?
Does an author’s appearance on “Oprah” automatically guarantee fame and fortune? My good friend Dan Janal, president of PR Leads, a company that provides leads from working journalists, and a former journalist himself, is skeptical. Last week, he blogged here and said he doubted whether any author could sell more than $10,000 worth of books after just one… Read More
How to piggyback onto the “Million Little Pieces” controversy
Good for Oprah for finally admitting she was wrong and standing up to James Frey, the author who embarrassed her by fabricating parts of his book “A Million Little Pieces,” the story of his recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. The book zoomed to top of the best-seller’s list and sold 3.5 million copies after… Read More
Press releases about new books should explain where readers can buy them
One of the biggest mistakes authors make is sending a press release about their new book to the media, but failing to mention where people can buy the book. I know this because I feature books in my subscription newsletter, The Publicity Hound. At least 7 out of 10 releases, even those sent by major publishing… Read More
Dan Poynter adds second ezine for authors
Publishing expert Dan Poynter, who every author should be watching and following closely, is starting a second ezine for authors. The current monthly ezine, titled Your Publishing Poynters, has 25,000 subscribers and is packed with information for authors and publishers. “Last November, we started a new section in Publishing Poynters:ParaWants-Reviews (on Amazon and B&N wanted),” Dan writes in today’s… Read More
How to promote a book for writers
C. Hope Clark of Phoenix, Arizona writes: “I am author of THE SHY WRITER: An Introvert’s Guide to Writing Success. The thrust of the book is “Sell your words, not your soul” and it is designed for people who cringe at getting up in front of people. It helps them come up with alternatives to… Read More
Books wanted for book review website
Irene Watson is looking for books to review for her new book review website called Reader Views . “As a new author, I struggled to get reviews,” she said. “Considering there are over 200,000 books published yearly, most books don’t get the proper review they should. I gathered a team of reviewers throughout U.S. and… Read More
Don’t pay for book reviews
A reader emailed me just now, asking if I think it’s ethical for him to charge authors in return for him reviewing their books in his new book review newsletter. “I’d like to pass my costs on to publishers or authors who want their books reviewed,” he said. That’s a horrible idea, for several reasons.… Read More
How to promote a book about inexpensive toys that bring out your child’s creativity
Publicity Hound Tim Martin of Corona, California writes: “I am working with Rex Bowlby, the author of the book ‘Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box?…101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, Children, with the Least from Your Wallet.’ It provides a treasure chest full of ideas on… Read More