As you enter into the world of publishing, you may ask experienced authors, “How do you promote a book?” or “What’s the best way to promote a book?” When someone asks me that question, I typically answer, “It depends on the book and it depends on you.” Anyone who responds differently could be leading you astray.
Just about every journalist and periodical editor has received countless press releases by email, fax and mail. While at WritersWeekly.com we don’t publish press releases, and never have, we are still inundated with them on a daily basis for everything ranging from publishing services to insurance for the self-employed. But, we get far more “new book release” press releases than anything else. And, let me tell you, even though I’m an avid book reader and buy several books each month, it is very rare that I receive a new book press release that keeps me interested past the first sentence.
Let’s say that you followed the advice of several publishing professionals and prepared a complete book proposal. Good for you! It’s clear to anyone reading your proposal that you have a handle on your target audience. You did a good job of showing that there is a need for your proposed book. Your synopsis and chapter outline are superbly written. And your promotional plan is impressive, indeed, except for one thing. It’s fake, counterfeit, phony, bogus.
