Know-How Exchange : Other

The biggest favor you might do for you neighbour is NOT try to represent him.  Guide him in choosing someone ELSE who's got experience marketing books, and help him evaluate their proposal or contract with him.

This may be in your own best interest.  Business relationships aren't easy between friends.  No matter how airtight your own signed agreement with him might be, if either of you perceives that something is wrong then you've got an awkward situation on your hands (especially if he lives next door!).

I know that's not the answer you came here for...  but my experience is that it's not worth the risk!

Best of luck,

Shelley

Good input from above. I agree with Shelley to “.. NOT try to represent him.” This is a special area of marketing where experience and contacts really matter.

That said, I have two thoughts –

- Look for print and online editors currently writing commentary about the draft and related issues. Send them a copy of the book and follow up. They might reference it in future writings.

- Look for college professors who would be most likely to incorporate your book in a class with related to social issues.

Hope this helps,

- Steve

I have learned the publishing business the hard way ... as an author and marketing consultant, then as a publisher. There is so much to say and so little time.

Let me start by saying that despite many years of hands-on marketing experience and a couple of books (as author), book marketing is another thing altogether. I took a seminar (from John Kremer) on book marketing. Here's my take on that:

First, about 1/3 of the material is basic marketing that I could have taught as well as Kremer -- maybe better.

Second, about 1/3 of the material is stuff I could have picked up over time -- perhaps after the 3rd or 4th book.

Third, 1/3 of the material is so specific and unique to book marketing that I might never have figured it out.

Net, you really need to have your neighbor consult with someone who knows the ropes when it comes to publishing. There are a couple of books I would suggest:

"The Complete Guide To Self-Publishing," by Tom and Marilyn Ross -- Get the 4th edition.

"1,001 Way to Market Your Book," by John Kremer.

These two books are "must reads" if you're serious about marketing books.

There are also a couple of truths you need to understand: (1) Books only sell when they are promoted; and (2) Only the author can effectively promote a book. Promotion is not the publisher's job, it's the author's job.

I created and teach a course for wanna-be authors, and it's grown to a two-session, 5-6 hour workshop ... and even then it's hard to get all the relevant material crammed into that time. There's a lot to learn/know, and it's all important.

I've also found a couple of very good book publicists, and I have stumbled into a few very effective promotion approaches that have proven successful for me. Not sure they will work in every situation, but worth considering. (Let me know privately, and I'll be glad to help if I can.)

Finally, there is a great organization called the Publishers Marketing Association (PMA -- www.pmaonline.org) that every new author and/or self-publisher ought to join. They have a number of good programs, a great newsletter, and a community of folks who have been through the learning curve already.

That's my quick overview answer. If you want more, let me know.