17 crucial tasks for the run-up to your book’s publication date

17 crucial tasks for the run-up to your book’s publication date

You’ve completed and turned in your manuscript to the publisher. Congratulations. Time to have a well-earned break, right? Well, maybe for a day or two. There’s typically at least a 5-month gap between when the manuscript is done and your publication date. (That can be shorter if you’re self-publishing, but there’s still a gap.) What…

“American Dirt” publisher steps in it, and admits mistakes
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“American Dirt” publisher steps in it, and admits mistakes

American Dirt is an Oprah-recommended novel about Mexicans fleeing violence to find asylum in America. It’s also hugely controversial. The publisher and author are dealing with the blowback. It’s instructive to see how they’ve written about that experience. The unexpected challenge here is coming from Latino communities, some of whom feel that the author Jeanine…

Why you should draft copy for your book publicist

Why you should draft copy for your book publicist

If you’re fortunate enough to afford a book publicist, the chances of your book succeeding go way up. Publicists are experts at language that persuades reviewers, bloggers, and influencers to write about your book. But I’m convinced that you, and not they, should write the first draft of the marketing copy. Marketing activity for a…

My publicity strategy: personal messages and the power of “No”
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My publicity strategy: personal messages and the power of “No”

Today, I’ll share some insight into how I do outreach to influencers . . . and the power and courtesy of the answer “No.” I am going to reveal how I’m doing publicity and how it feels. I’m doing most of my own publicity outreach for the new book. The publisher has a list, but…