How Much Should an Author Spend to Promote Their Book?
Do you think it’s a good idea for an author to send copies of his/her book out to reviewers (in addition to those that the publisher may contact) to help create a buzz about the book? How much should...
View ArticleStorymakers: Two Panels
Notes from the 2008 LDStorymakers Conference Workshop: Publishers PanelPresenter: Chris Bigelow, Zarahemla; Lisa Mangum, Deseret Book; Kammi Rencher, Cedar Fort; Kirk Shaw, CovenantSubmitted by: Shy...
View ArticleElements of a Good Book Cover
What are the elements of a good book cover? There is only one purpose for a book cover—to make you pick up the book. When someone is browsing in the bookstore, you’ve got a matter of seconds to grab...
View ArticleMore on Author Promotion
If an author wanted to get word of mouth out about their book, like you mentioned, what are some ways they can do that, without reflecting negatively on their publisher, who may or may not have tried...
View ArticlePlatforms for Novels
A platform for a non-fiction title makes sense, but is there such a thing as a platform for a novel? Yes, although it’s sometimes harder to define. A platform is a topic or area of expertise that is...
View ArticleMarketing and Branding Your Name
Note: I did not go to every class at the Storymakers conference. Obviously. But I did attend several and was very pleased that much of the information given out was exactly what publishers hope new...
View ArticleFollow Your Bliss
Hello LDS Publisher, I am a BYU student and an aspiring writer who loves your blog. [thank you] I have a question: I’ve heard rumors from my friends in the sf&f writing scene here in Utah that...
View ArticlePress Kits
I’m about to self-publish a book and an author friend suggested I put together a press kit. (And when I say suggested, I mean strongly insisted that I had to have one.) So what exactly is a press kit?...
View ArticleCreating the Buzz
My first novel was just released and I’d like to get some buzz going (my publisher doesn’t do much) but I don’t know where to start? Any ideas? Can you give me some step-by-step suggestions? If I had...
View ArticleLet’s Talk About E-mail
If you’re submitting stories, you need a “professional” e-mail address. I was reminded of this as I was sending out e-mails to those who submitted stories for the Christmas contest. Some of you have...
View ArticleGetting Into DB
How can you get a book in Deseret Book? Into the catalog? Your publisher or distributor has to do this. Unless you’ve self-published a run-away best seller and people are coming into the stores...
View ArticleLDS Publicists
Do you know? Is there such a thing as a publicist in this LDS literature market? Or marketing specialists? I need some serious publicity and marketing help. Thanks for all you do. I don’t know of any...
View ArticleHELP ME Find Your Books!
And by “ME,” I don’t just mean LDS Publisher—I mean every single reader out there who accesses the Internet! If you’re a published (or about to be published) author, you need an Internet presence and...
View ArticleDo I Have to Have a Launch Party?
Do I have to have a launch party, or can I just send out announcements? No. You don’t have to have a launch party. However, book sales are greatly benefited by the human connection—the more you...
View Article
