Customer Reviews

Book Promo 101: Learn the basics of Book Promotion

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Book Promotion 101, the first in a series from author Nikki Leigh, is clearly a book written by an author with that rare blend of writing talent and keen business savvy. The book starts out by introducing the basics of promotion and tricks to help the reader develop what the author calls the "Marketing Mind" - something that doesn't always come easily for authors. Interspersed with meaty "how to" chapters, are advice from professionals in the world of book promotion, as well as tips and tricks from Muze, her cat and writing companion. Each chapter ends with exercises to reinforce the concepts it introduced and to help you dig deeper in your promotional efforts.

While all that is great, what makes Book Promotion 101 really unique is the depth and breadth of the subject matter covered: when to begin promoting your book, ways to promote through the development and presentation of your book, hiring and working with a publicist (and deciding if you need too!), how to develop a marketing plan, write an effective biography, build a press kit, get press coverage and book reviews, develop a brand and a website that reinforces it, ways to build your credibility as an author and why that's important, and even where to look for markets to sell it. By the time I got to the end, it didn't seem possible that Ms. Leigh could have more tricks up her sleeve. She does promise more, however, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment.

There are a lot of web sites listed. In general, I'm in favor of listing web sites; however, anything can be overdone.

There are so many web sites listed that you feel more overwhelmed than anything. - In fact, some web sites are listed more than once. I imagine the author herself got so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of sites listed that she didn't realize it.

Geocities is mentioned more than once. - This is a now-defunct service. - This part of the book needs to be upgraded.

I believe that references to Yahoo Groups are made too frequently.

E-books are mentioned; however, unless I missed it, Kindle is not. I read this book on my Kindle (so apparently they are aware enough of it to make a Kindle version available). -- Kindle books can be revised easily.

It's interesting to note that this book (2007) is available on the Kindle, as I stated in the previous paragraph; however, the "next in series," Book Promo 201: Harness the power of the Internet with Web 2.0 and Social Media Marketing (2009) is NOT available on the Kindle.

In my opinion, too much time is spent saying what WILL be covered instead of simply firing in and COVERING it.

It seems to me that the author's own material is reference too frequently, as well as the material of those who contributed to the book. A reference or two here and there would be fine; however, to me, it's too much the way it stands.

I don't like the format of having a series of many questions at various intervals throughout the book. - Just skip that and go straight to it. You can use brief subheadings for easy reference. The listing of multiple questions is tiring and not helpful, in my opinion.

I found a few mistakes. These were obviously typographical errors. I'm sure the author knows better; however, they aren't rampant.

I believe too much reference is made to romance writing. - This book is promoted as a general resource.

That said, there are some perfectly fine general tips. For me, there was not a lot of new material; however, I have now read several books on this topic.

I am big fan of Nikki Leigh's proven skills in guiding writers toward success. Nikki Leigh's Book Promo 101 is an excellent tool that lays out her experience and method of getting an Author's name and literature available and accessible to readers.

I have benefited greatly in my writing career as a result of following Nikki Leigh's advice. If you are a writer who has written a great story that no one knows about, then you have to read this book and learn how to get your story into the hands of the public. I can say from experience, it works.

Author Steven Clark Bradley

An author can never get too much information about promotion. Book Promo 101 is a great starter. I can't think of a single aspect of promotion it doesn't address.

As a disclaimer, I didn't feel comfortalbe rating this book because I am quoted in it. I hope authors will forgie me for the indiscretion. I just know that Nikki's experience can make a difference in any author's campaign.
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Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of the HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers

Nikki Leigh has done an outstanding job of covering numerous aspects of book promotion any author needs to know. Here depth of knowledge is apparent from page one.

The book is an excellent resource for the most novice of authors on up to the most seasoned.

Anyone who is serious about marketing and promoting their book would benefit greatly by reading Book Promo 101 from cover to cover more than once. It will be like a good movie that reveals more with each viewing.

Book Promo 101 is a must have for any author's personal library.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketing
Bestselling author

I went into this book with reservations. I've purchased a lot of books trying to teach me how to promote my books and authors, but most fell short of the mark.

Book Promo 101 is a breath of fresh air. Nikki Leigh has a flair for talking to people and not writing at them. She explains each item clearly, she offers excellent tips from authors and professionals who have made them work, and she lets the reader think on their own when structuring plans using her ideas and information.

The in depth clarification of various steps of the promotion process is clear and concise and authors and professional can be assured that they will get their money's worth on this one.