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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Primarily about marketing through personal appearances, May 14, 2008
I admit, most of the contents of _From Book to Bestseller_ were not new to me because I've already read other books on marketing for self-publishers, which contained much of the same advice. I found this book to be rather breezy and fluffy in comparison. I also admit that I'm an editor as well as an author, and this book is in need of editorial work. To get my pet peeves out of the way, it's time for the copyeditor and layout artist to discover:
* Curved quotation marks
* That reviewers will not respect a publisher who calls an ARC an " advanced" reading copy (it should be "advance")
* A better use of white space in the layout--especially, using less of it
* And, that certain tips don't have to be repeated in multiple chapters, because this is a book, not a series of independently published reports
Having gotten all that off my chest: _From Book to Bestseller_ consists of a series of very short, bite-sized chapters, like little reports. Its real strength is its advice on radio and TV appearances, rather than on some other and often very successful marketing methods. There is little information on mailings to consumers, bookstores, and libraries; on the mechanics of writing catalog copy, ad copy, and press releases; or on the use of wholesalers and distributors.
This book makes little attempt to discuss the comparative values of different marketing methods, or on how to analyze whether a given method is working for your particular book. Because an infinite amount of time and money can be spent on marketing, but much of it will not bring results for a given book, this is a significant weakness. _From Book to Bestseller_ sometimes implies that just "getting exposure" automatically sells books. That is not in fact the case.
For example, there is an upbeat chapter on starting a syndicated column. A syndicated column can be a useful revenue stream for a professional journalist. But since it takes substantial time and effort to not only get syndication, but to write column after column after column, it's an exceedingly time-consuming way to just publicize a book. An author can hardly mention his or her book in every column. It is much easier, and just as effective, to do a one-time press release mailing to journalists already writing columns.
I would recommend _From Book to Bestseller_ only to authors and self-publishers who want to market their books primarily through TV, radio, and personal appearances--and who have already done research to determine whether these very time-consuming methods are likely to market their particular book well.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Barb Radmore, February 24, 2007
From Book to Bestseller is the full meal, from appetizer to dessert, on the art of marketing a book. Penny Sansevieri has written the definitive guide to the process of self promotion. If she does not cover it, you don't need to know it.
With so many books being published every day (statistic used in the book is 195,000 a year) it is up to the author to find a way to make his book standout from the rest. It is especially true for authors that so not have paid media specialists working for them. This resource guide gives both debut and experienced authors the tools and information to be able to get the word out about their books. The lay out of the book is conducive to easily accessing and processing the information. Large type lets the reader focus on understanding the suggestions, well thought out, complete chapters and sections form a logical progression through all the different stages of promotion. It is extremely thorough in addressing the many facets of book marketing from creating a successful media and press kits, It includes the addresses and contact names for many for radio stations, associated press, reviewers, and tv (even Oprah). Web addresses that cover a wide assortment of needs are also listed throughout the book and under Helpful Web Sites.
Her hints include such interesting information as the best time of year to pitch an idea, the best time of the week to have your book arrive at the reviewer's office and why mass emails are not a good idea. it is the strength of the book that it does cover such ideas that most authors will not have considered. It is truly specialized knowledge. For the simple cost of a book authors receive in depth information they can only get from a professional in the business of marketing and self promotion. Not a bad deal at all.
Although this book was written with authors as the target audience it could also be helpful for anyone beginning to market a new product or or even a new business. Sansevieri has an insiders knowledge about the business of promotion that can be translated into PR for authors or entrepreneurs.
(It is ironic that, with all her expertise, Ms Sanseviei would get her book to a review site she does not include in her book. Oh well- we can assume she will rectify that and add Front Street Reviews in future editions.)
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mayra Calvani--Midwest Book Review, December 14, 2006
From Book to Bestseller, written by book publicist and media relations specialist Penny Sansevieri, is an amalgam of useful information and a must-buy for authors who are serious about marketing and promoting their books practically and efficiently.
In her friendly, engaging, yet no-nonsense writing style, Sansevieri shares the secrets of successful book marketing based on her own personal experience as the author of an Amazon bestseller, as well as her experience working with other authors and the media, including her work as instructor for the popular "Get Published Today!" workshops.
Everything from how to handle book signings and pitch to the media, preparing media kits, creating a marketing campaign, getting into catalogs and book clubs, developing spin-off products, branding yourself as an expert can be found between these pages, and more. Sansevieri includes lots of links and resources, making it easy for the author to begin marketing a book right away.
The book is well structured, clear, and easy to navigate. Besides its practicality, it is written in a very `personal' style, giving the reader the feeling that she is chatting with a publicist. So have your highlighter and Post-its ready, as this is a book to be dissected and kept on the desk at all times. Highly recommended.
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