From Book to Bestseller
Penny Sansevieri
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
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.)