The Power of Online Press Release Distribution
In this age when authors and publishers alike are making every effort to find the most cost effective means for getting the word out about their books, it is vital to consider the value of online press release services. For less than a few hundred dollars, you can upload your news release, and it will be available for viewing to tens of thousands of interested readers, editors, writers, journalists, and buyers.A good example is the press release written and published about the book “Stalked: From Victim to Victory, A Journey to Self” by Sandi Musk and Anita Levine.
Whitmore Publishing distributed a press release introducing the book which first appeared on PR Web this past November. To date, 43,938 persons have read that release. Even more important, the release generated two articles about the book: one in a European magazine titled “Chap” and one in this week’s issue of the “Enquirer.”
This kind of international publicity is very hard to attain and worth a great deal.As always, you need to write clearly and effectively; speak directly to your intended audience; create a compelling headline; and provide useful information. Be sure to let readers know how to contact you and how to acquire the book.There are a number of good online news distribution networks to choose from. PR Web, Newswire Today, Direct-to-Editor, and PRN Direct are some you may want to research when the time comes to get out the word that your book has been published and is available for review and sale.
Whitmore Publishing distributed a press release introducing the book which first appeared on PR Web this past November. To date, 43,938 persons have read that release. Even more important, the release generated two articles about the book: one in a European magazine titled “Chap” and one in this week’s issue of the “Enquirer.”
This kind of international publicity is very hard to attain and worth a great deal.As always, you need to write clearly and effectively; speak directly to your intended audience; create a compelling headline; and provide useful information. Be sure to let readers know how to contact you and how to acquire the book.There are a number of good online news distribution networks to choose from. PR Web, Newswire Today, Direct-to-Editor, and PRN Direct are some you may want to research when the time comes to get out the word that your book has been published and is available for review and sale.
Posted by Elizabeth House at 1/13/2009 11:15 PM 
Categories: Self publishing,Book publishing industry,Book promotion,Niche marketing
Categories: Self publishing,Book publishing industry,Book promotion,Niche marketing
I don't see how anyone could disagree with this. The same thing happened to me when Whitmore published my book about a Confederate soldier's war diary. I was reviewed by three national magazines and gave a radio interview.
I was talking to another Whitmore author, who had published four books on university presses before placing his latest with Whitmore. I mentioned how I was surprized that the publisher had sent out so many press releases both by mail and online.
The other author said, "That's more than any of the university presses did for me!"
In my hard-earned opinion, it's not so much that a publisher sends you on a tour or sets up dozens of signings. Those overly-vaunted "events" really don't sell that many books.
The important thing, IMO, is to get the theme of your books into the right hands. That's what sells books: the content! The plot for a novel or the subject for a nonfiction book. You have to get the word to thousands, not dozens -- like at a signing.
I wrote a history book about a war-torn river valley in Virginia. I placed it with a small but respected press, who didn't send me on a tour nor set up any signings at all. This was in the year 2000.
Well, I didn't have to promote myself as an author. I didn't write the book so I could act cool in public. The press releases introduced the subject of my book and that's what hooked potential readers. I have learned that one good press release is worth a hundred personal appearances.
Of course, if you're young and trying to show how cool you are, then go to those signings and tours. Personally, I'd rather have readers than groupies.
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I agree I'd rather have readers than groupies my self.
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PS: My point about the history book published in the year 2000 is that it's still selling in 2009. It's the subject that sells, not the author's personality. Press releases are worth more than personal appearances. Online releases are a must because they'll be seen by a global audience.
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