Joan Stewart

Before you try to woo the media with a sizzling pitch, or attract potential readers with compelling free content, you must be ready to dazzle them with an eye-popping cover.

The number one question authors ask? “How long do I have to market my book?” Here are the most frequently asked questions I hear about book publicity.

Most authors planning book launches believe press releases will result in phone calls and an onslaught of orders. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The median income for American authors is down. So how can authors create more revenue streams associated with their books or areas of expertise?

Book coaches will say their favorite way to sell books is through public speaking. Here’s 13 places to speak and meet new readers.

You don’t need a book publicist if you’re ready to learn the tricks and work tirelessly to promote your book. If you can afford one, however, a competent publicist can jump-start your publicity campaign.

I thought I knew all the tricks about how to generate news coverage on a shoestring budget until someone told me about the best free media contacts tool.

Local radio station airing a half-hour interview with you? Getting a two-page spread in a national magazine? The challenge is to turn one media publicity “hit” into multiple hits. Recycling publicity is like rolling a snowball downhill and watching it get bigger and bigger.

A reporter from your local newspaper heard about your new book and wants to meet you for lunch. You accept the invitation and have only three days to prepare. What do you do?

One of the best ways to convince readers that they should spend their time and money with you versus the millions of other authors is to become an expert in one or more topics that tie into your book, and then promote that expertise everywhere.

The long process of writing and publishing your book feels like you’ve crossed the finish line after running a marathon. But unlike a road race, you’re not done. The success of your book depends on approaching people, companies and groups and asking for their help to publicize, promote and sell it.

Fiction or nonfiction, your book will make a welcome gift. But how can people buy it for loved ones if they don’t know it exists? They read about it in a holiday gift guide.