I started a new Facebook page recently for Beverly Bambury Publicity, and I’ve been using it to share advice, information about my clients’ books and appearances, and information about what my fees are to do it. You can follow the page by clicking like, or I’ll occasionally do round-up posts of the useful advice and info here on the blog. This is one of those posts.
These Facebook items were inspired by questions from clients and potential clients, so if you have any questions at all about publicity or marketing for your book (including comics) feel free to ask me here in the comments or via email and I’ll put together an answer for you that will hopefully be both useful and easy to understand. Here are the first three (slightly edited for this different format):
- Think you can’t afford a publicist? This has been the most frequently asked question I’ve had so far and I think it’s well worth answering honestly and directly.
So… how much does it cost? The short answer is “it depends on your situation and your needs”, but I know you want something concrete, so here it is:
As of this writing basic, à la carte book publicity fees start as low as $80 and premium publicist service fees start with flat-rate packages priced as low as $200. Note that these prices may increase over time.
- I was recently asked, “What about book trailers?” This is a tough one. They are expensive to produce and difficult to get right. But, when they are right they can be a fantastic tool in the publicity arsenal, if only in that they give you something to share beyond text.
On the other hand, there is no evidence that book trailers are a lot of help sales-wise. Trailers seem to be a gamble: if it goes viral–even somewhat–then it’s worth more than you could have spent on it. Unfortunately, no one can guarantee a video will go viral.
So is it worth the expense? The jury is still out on this one. The main advice I can give is this: if you can get it done tastefully, with professional quality, and with an interesting hook, go for it. If not, it may be best to wait to do a book trailer.
- Another common question is “Just what is it you do?” My specialty is media contact/blog tour. This service uses my professional research background to find out which media outlets and bloggers have the best fit for you and your work in subject matter and theme interest, as well as site traffic and likely influence.
I then craft personalized correspondence to each contact and then (depending on which service you’ve chosen) I will field all your replies and handle appearance scheduling on your behalf. I can even provide deadline and topic reminders if you have Q&A or guest blogs scheduled. (It has also been noted that I can provide a shoulder to cry on or a partner for enthusiastic swearing sessions!)
Other services include, but are not limited to: social media advice and coaching, press kit creation, press releases where applicable, and blurb solicitation (with ample lead time).
Have a question about whether or not I can handle your request? Just send me a message and we’ll discuss it. If it isn’t something I can do, I’ll help you find someone who can.
Keep asking those questions and I’ll answer them as best I can, and if you have tips to share with other authors share them below.
(Originally published on my personal blog, http://www.elsewords.com)