March 2023 MBR The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Writing/Publishing Shelf

Encyclopedia of Self-Publishing
Thomas A. Williams
Venture Press
c/o William & Company Book Publishers
https://www.entrepreneur.com
9781878853882, $18.95, PB, 262pp

https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Self-Publshing-Fact-How/dp/1878853880

Synopsis: With the publication of "The Encyclopedia of Self-Publishing", Tom Williams completely and authoritatively answers the questions posed almost daily by first-time and even more experienced self--publishers.

A compendium of fact and how-to information, The Encyclopedia of Self-Publishing" is arranged in encyclopedic format for easy use, the personal and anecdotal style of this book, growing out of the author's own 30-year experience, invites browsing into unfamiliar areas that many readers may not even know enough to ask about.

Of special note are the lengthy entries on secondary profit centers that can spell the difference between success and failure in home-based, entrepreneurial publishing. This discussion is unique to "The Encyclopedia of Self-Publishing".

Of particular value are the entries on specialty book projects with fast turnaround and very high potential for substantial, quick profit and the discussion of the profitability of advertising-based periodicals well within the capabilities of self-publishers.

"The Encyclopedia of Self-Publishing" targets not only those readers who want to publish a single book but those who want to convert their publishing enterprise into a sustainable, income-producing, home-based business

Critique: Impressively comprehensive and exceptionally well organized and presented, "The Encyclopedia of Self-Publishing" will go a long way in enhancing the chances for a financially successful self-publishing venture. -- Then there are all those priceless quotes regarding self-publication, such as: 'First you're an unknown. Then you write one book and you move up to obscurity.' -- Martin Myers. A combination of instructional reference and 'how-to' manual, "The Encyclopedia of Self-Publishing" is a very special and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library Writing/Publishing collections -- and ideal as a DIY textbook on self- publishing.

Editorial Note: Thomas A. Williams is the author of a series of books in the writing/publishing field, including Get Paid to Write!, Poet Power: The Practical Poet's Guide to Publication, and How to Publish Your Own Magazine, Guidebook or Weekly Newspaper, now in its fifth edition and the standard in its field. He has owned and edited his own weekly newspaper, regional magazines, and guidebooks. He now directs his own publishing company, Williams & Company, Publishers. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22280.Thomas_A_Williams)

How to Promote Your Book
Dr. Jan Yager
Square One Publishers
115 Herricks Road, Garden City Park, NY 11040
www.squareonepublishers.com
9780757004742, $17.95, PB, 288pp

https://www.amazon.com/How-Promote-Your-Book-Publicizing/dp/0757004741

Synopsis: Whether your book is being released through a commercial publisher or an academic press, or you are self-publishing it, as the author, you can, should, and must play a crucial role in getting your book seen, talked about, and sold.

While you may watch dozens of authors pitch their books on TV, in social media, and in bookstores, they represent only a fraction of the writers who come out with new books each year. What do they know that you don't? They know what to do to get attention for themselves and, more important, for their books -- and as you will discover with "How to Promote Your Book: A Practical Guide to Publicizing Your Own Title" by publishing veteran Jan Yager that you can, too.

"How to Promote Your Book" is divided into three sections.

Part One begins with a look at promotion basics. These include knowing what your book's marketplaces are, who your audience is, how the media is divided, the elements involved in publicity, and how to create an effective promotional timeline.

Once you understand the basics, Part Two focuses on the ways to package and market yourself to the various book and media outlets. It discusses putting together professional looking press releases and media kits. It also explains how to obtain endorsements and reviews, as well as how to generate speaking engagements and interviews with journalists; bloggers; and radio, TV, and podcast hopes.

Part Three provides a plan that covers the first three months of an author's publicity program -- from the day the book is formally released through all the media events that have been lined up. Throughout the book, you will find insets that answer important questions such as, "What are the real costs involved?" and "Should I promote myself or hire a publicists?" Just as important, the author includes a valuable resource guide that provides the names, addresses, and links to many of the key places covered in the book.

Critique: As a self-published author you have 100% of the responsibility for promoting your book. As a mid-list author you have 98% of the responsibility for promoting your book.

Jan Yager has enjoyed an impressive and successful career as both a best-selling author and as a publisher. She has been interviewed by many of the top shows on TV and radio. In the pages of "How to Promote Your Book: A Practical Guide to Publicizing Your Own Title", she provides informative examples what she has done (both for herself and for her authors) to create effective DIY publicity, promotion, and marketing campaigns.

This is an exceptionally well written, organized and presented 'how to' manual for marketing a book will enable even the most novice of authors to successful utilize speaking engagement, social media, book signings, radio/tv/cable, mailings, book fairs, podcasts, conferences/conventions, reviews, and more.

While especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Writing/Publishing collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "How to Promote Your Book: A Practical Guide to Publicizing Your Own Title" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.49).

Editorial Note: Jan Yager (https://www.drjanyager.com) is a sociologist, freelance writer, coach, speaker, artist, and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. She also teaches at Baruch College and William Paterson University. Her 50+ award-winning books, translated into 35 languages.

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