With over 130,000 new books being published in the UK alone every year, and an ever growing number of magazines, television and radio stations and online entertainment available, capturing the attention of the reader becomes ever more challenging, especially for new writers. Marketing expert Alison Baverstock, who has extensive experience of the book trade both as a publisher and author, looks at why authors need to know about what marketing is and how they can contribute. This practical guide covers how to set about marketing your book, working with your publisher, writing effective copy, spotting opportunities and building your confidence. There is a template for writing a press release and suggestions for further reading.

Alison Baverstock worked in publishing for many years and has written extensively about the industry from both publisher and author's point of view. She is the author of Marketing your book, an author’s guide and How to market books, which is commonly referred to as the 'bible' of book marketing, as well as the bestselling Is there a book in you? which examines the resources writers need to get published. She is Course Leader for the MA in Publishing at Kingston University and in 2008 won the Pandora Prize, awarded annually to a woman who has made a significant contribution to the publishing industry.

http://www.alisonbaverstock.com/

This briefing sheet is based on a seminar delivered for the literature development organization Spread the Word in April 2010.

The Writer’s Compass Briefings - ‘how to’ factsheets to support the creative and business aspects of being a writer

Other titles cover online marketing, time management, fundraising for projects, the creative art of blogging, creative co-mentoring, writing and regeneration, and how to
make an effective submission.