Susan Weinstein – Publicist

TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING, SMALL PRESS, ACADEMIC

RESEARCH-WRITING, I am a public relations professional w/a specialty in in-house writer for a major publisher, I gained experience publicizing books for traditional publishers. My press kits have successfully branded authors and small presses. I have worked with university press trade & academic books. Subjects ranged from science and social issues to politics, photography and art. I research media for specific books,

FOLLOW-UP. Small-press publishers often need follow up on advance mailings of ARCs. RESEARCH by category;as science, history, psychology. SOLICITATION I have worked with authors using content from their books on some social media, occasional radio, podcast.

SELF PUBLISHED. I can write press kits (release, Q&A, bio, pitch, bio, IT IS ESSENTIAL authors get quotes or endorsements. These are used on back of books and to INTEREST REVIEWERS. They can be authors, professionals, friends. Blogs can expect a book 3 months BEFORE pub date. In categories such as fiction there may be more outlets but there is also a preference for mainstream publishers' releases. To compete you cannot send most after it's out. You can send a written press kit w/ pub date.

PLACE EXCERPTS AND COLLABORATION

Before self-publishing, place excerpts or stories in lit magazines, enter contests. These raise your profile as a writer and build credibility with local stores and it realistic for nontraditional books to expect reviews or sales from these activities? Interest is more likely if you start local. Read at libraries, cafes, and local stores that have interest in Indie authors.

You will have Amazon ads and algorithms, the Good Reads giveaway program. But you will be competing with traditional publishers, established university and small presses. Think creatively about how to reach your audience. As a publicist, I charge for time. Reedsy takes a share of my fee & charges authors. I can provide presentation-writing, lists to receive press materials/books. But I have no magic "contacts" that review and interview my authors, In fact editors and producers change and are inundated with solicitations. I research blogs and contact with a press release. I do some social media, using content from the book, after it's available.

GIVE YOUR BOOK THE BEST CHANCE

Hire an experienced manuscript editor and a copy editor. A manuscript editor looks at the construction of the entire book. (Does it lag in the middle) Copy editor looks at grammar, typos, paragraphs--How does it read. I have seen books that "read" perfectly and needed major cuts to be readable.

GHOST WRITERS

If you are employing a "ghost" writer, consider having both names on your cover. Many celebs use "as told to….” or acknowledge on an interior page. Truth comes out.

HOW TO PUBLISH

Authors rush to self-publish without being aware they might traditionally publish. Such books are rarely reviewed by mainstream reviewers. Traditional publishing delivers editorial, marketing, publicity, chance at awards, library, university sales. DISTRIBUTION beyond Amazon. Consider, you cannot republish a published book, It can take years for skill to catch up with concept.