Non-fiction books are typically very well-suited for book promotion because they deal with real-life topics.

Cherry Hill, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/07/2019 -- According to Dan Smith, CEO of book promotion firm Smith Publicity, non-fiction books are the best suited books for publicity. Smith's firm has promoted over 1,400 non-fiction books, and over 3,500 from all genres.

"Non-fiction books cover real topics, and typically provide useful, interesting, controversial, provocative or helpful information, or offer solutions to help readers solve a problem," says Smith. "This makes them inherently 'publicity friendly' because media want to interview or feature authors who provide this type of value to readers, listeners and viewers."

According to Smith, within the non-fiction genre, the most publicity friendly books cover topics such as self-help, health and wellness, business, personal finance, current/recent events, and politics.

"When we reach out to media and pitch a non-fiction book and author, our publicists and book promoters have much to work with, and usually can develop pitches that entice editors, producers and reviewers," adds Smith.

Smith offers tips to get media attention for a non-fiction book:

* Book marketing services and promotional activity should include numerical pitches and press releases. Historically, media respond at a higher rate when a number is in a pitch or press release headline. Examples: "10 Things the IRS Doesn't Want you to Know About Your Tax Return," or "5 Guaranteed Ways to Spice Up Your Love Life."
* Less is more. Reporters and producers are stretched for time. Some receive hundreds and hundreds of pitches every day. If an email is too long, they will be turned off. Whenever drafting a pitch to the media, before sending it, an author or book promotion specialist should trim one-third of it.
* Authors or book promotion agents have about seven seconds to get a media contact's attention. It's essential to get right to the point in the first few sentences.
* Sometimes, the book isn't the most important component of book marketing for authors. Media interview people, not books. Media want authors to provide information based on their experience and expertise. The book is in the background and provides credibility.
* The email subject line is very important. The vast majority of media outreach today is done through email. Many email programs allow users to see only the first several words in a subject line, depending on user settings. This means every word should be chosen very carefully.
* Authors and book publicists should think like producer or editors, and put themselves in their shoes and understand what they are looking for and need. It's not about what an author thinks is important or newsworthy, it's about what media think.

About Smith Publicity
Smith Publicity is the most prolific book promotion firm in the publishing industry. Since 1997, the firm has promoted over 3,500 books. An "equal opportunity" book marketing operation, Smith Publicity promotes books from major publishers as well as quality self-published titles of all genres. Website: www.SmithPublicity.com. For additional information email: info@smithpublicity.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cherry Hill, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/05/2019 -- Smith Publicity, the premier book marketing and book publicity in the publishing industry, is providing authors with important information and guidance about selecting the book promotion firm that is best for them.

"Aside from Smith Publicity, there are a good number of book marketing firms available to help authors promote their books," says Smith Publicity CEO Dan Smith."When we take on authors as clients, we do it after carefully ensuring that we believe we are the right fit for an individual author, and after advising an author to make sure they believe we are best for their book and goals."

"Different agencies are right for different authors," adds Smith. "No single book marketing company is best for all authors. We always encourage authors to speak to multiple firms."

Smith identifies four key elements authors should consider before hiring a firm:

1.) Personality: "This is the intangible consideration," notes Smith. "Beyond results, track record, etc. and author should think about how they 'feel' about the company they're considering hiring. How does their company culture and personality seem?"

Smith says some questions related to personality authors should consider include:

-Did the author connect with the person he or she spoke to at the firm?
-Was the person friendly, too pushy or just bland?
-Did the representative seem genuinely excited about the author's book?

"This is a 'gut' feeling," Smith says. "Authors should pay attention to it and let it play a major role in their decision."

2.) Track Record: "This is a straightforward one," notes Smith. "How successful has the firm been promoting books, more specifically, an author's specific type of book? Do they have many testimonials from happy clients?

Smith notes that authors should ask for some brief case studies of work they did for other authors in the same genre.

3.) Size Matters: "There are pros and cons to both larger and smaller book marketing operations," says Smith. "A larger agency, like Smith Publicity, affords authors a team approach to their project. Additionally, unlike sole operators or two or three person shops, a larger company ensures there is always backup should a publicist become unavailable for any reason."

Adds Smith, "There are many small book marketing firms as well, sometimes just a single person. These can be attractive for authors, because they can feel they will receive very personalized service and will always be dealing with the same person. But there are drawbacks. With a sole operator, that person is an author's book publicist, but also handles billing, new business development, and every other small business function. Agencies with a few publicists can face the same kind of problem."

4.) Be wary of promises and guarantees. Smith says that no book publicist can absolutely guarantee specific levels of media coverage, such as guaranteeing national TV interviews or coverage in a national publication.

"There is an exception to this guarantee rule," notes Smith. "There are firms that sell set 'interview packages' where they will guarantee, for example, a 20 interview radio tour. These are legitimate services and could be a good fit for an author, but it's important for authors to know what type of shows they will be interviewed on. Other agencies have the same 'print coverage' packages."

The bottom line,according to Smith, is that authors should always do their due diligence when selecting a firm, and ultimately, go with their instincts when deciding.

About Smith Publicity
Smith Publicity is the most prolific book marketing firm in the publishing industry. Since 1997, the firm has promoted over 3,500 books. An "equal opportunity" book marketing operation, Smith Publicity promotes books from major publishers as well as quality self-published titles of all genres. Website: www.SmithPublicity.com. For additional information email: info@smithpublicity.com.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4390287#ixzz5vkByMTb7

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Cherry Hill, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/22/2019 -- Book marketing campaigns are dependent upon organization, structure, strategy and discipline, according to Dan Smith, CEO of Smith Publicity.

Based on observations of over 3,500 book publicity campaigns his firm has implemented, Smith has identified some of the most common mistakes that have derailed efforts to secure media coverage and expand awareness of a book.

"Too many authors go into book promotion with a lack of understanding of what's involved, what they'll need to do and have unrealistic expectations," says Smith. "Book publicists are of course key, but authors are also an integral part of a campaign, and can either help or hurt a publicist's efforts."

Smith has identified what he calls 'the seven deadly sins of book marketing:'

1. Sloth
"There is no place for laziness or indifference in book promotion," says Smith. "To be effective, campaigns require authors with energy, passion and determination."

Smith adds, "Lazy authors who expect things to just happen will have books that languish at the bottom of Amazon rankings."

2. Pride
"Every author – even household names – has to inevitably deal with negative reviews, harsh critiques and potentially ego-busting comments," says Smith. "Authors need to leave their egos aside. Rather than enjoying the release of their book – which may be a once in a lifetime event - they're bound for unhappiness and disillusionment if they don't."

He notes that authors should go into book promotion knowing not everyone will like their book and, and that regardless of what happens, they need to stay focused and on course.

3. Envy
Smith says it is common for authors see others on national shows or major publications and become envious, creating major problems for book publicists.

"Envy serves no purpose in book marketing and author promotion," notes Smith. "The key is to learn from what you see or read involving authors and books, and try to emulate what other authors are doing successfully."

4. Lust
Smith believes there are several ways lust can come into play in book marketing, but sees the most common as lusting for fame.

"This happens when authors become so enthralled with media exposure that the book becomes secondary. It can evolve into a near addiction for accolades and for coverage such as national TV," notes Smith.

5. Gluttony
In its purest form, Smith sees gluttony as the insatiable desire to 'consume' as much major publicity as possible, and never being satisfied.

"Book publicity is like a seven course meal," he notes. "You start slowly, testing the waters, then move onto the next course."

"Don't demand all seven courses be delivered to your publicity table at once. Enjoy the entire experience of the meal, be patient, and understand that at some point, it will end."

6. Greed
Smith notes that like gluttony, greed is the offspring of several other sins, and one of the most common sins of book promotion. He says it happens when authors get a taste of publicity and demand more, and more, and more, and become unreasonable.

"Once greed starts, it is almost impossible to control," says Smith. "Greed may work on Wall Street, but it bankrupts book promotion."

"Authors should reflect gratitude and thanks for the good things that happen, and not get consumed with greed."

7. Anger
Over his twenty years in book publicity, Smith has seen anger manifest in many forms.

"We worked with an author who received a bad review of his book, and then drove 300 miles to confront the reviewer in her office," says Smith.

He notes a story that recently caught significant media attention about an author who targeted a Goodreads reviewer in an essay, and essentially ruined her literary career by doing so.

"Authors should understand that they are opening themselves up for scrutiny, and are actually inviting it," notes Smith.

About Smith Publicity
Smith Publicity is the most prolific book marketing firm in the publishing industry. Since 1997, the firm has promoted over 3,500 books. An "equal opportunity" book marketing operation, Smith Publicity promotes books from major publishers as well as quality self-published titles of all genres. Website: www.SmithPublicity.com. For additional information email: info@smithpublicity.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cherry Hill, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/12/2019 -- In the U.S. alone, the personal development industry takes in just under $10 billion annually. As a result, self-help book authors can be overwhelmed because of extreme competition for media coverage, and developing a book marketing plan that will make an author stand out from the crowd becomes more challenging.

Book marketing agency Smith Publicity, a firm that promotes many self-help books, advises authors on the many steps needed to effectively promote their books.

"Too often, self-help book authors begin a self-help book marketing campaign without key elements in place," says Kellie Rendina, Smith Publicity Business Development Associate. "Additionally, some authors are unprepared during a campaign and make common mistakes that negatively impact results."

Rendina offers important tips for self-help book marketing that authors should keep in mind both before and during a book marketing campaign:

1.Establish What Makes You Noteworthy:
Authors should identify their noteworthy credentials, and then:

*Find vertical markets their concepts or strategies apply to.
*Research trending topics in their area of self-help expertise
*Find new perspectives they can offer on popular topics in their field

Says Rendina,"The first step we take as book publicists is to identify a unique or even controversial angle an author that separates a book and author from others. This is perhaps the most important element of creating a path to media coverage."

2.Be prepared to write articles:
Byline articles are pieces written by an author, which are then pitched to run as-is in print and online media. They are not promotional, and focus on offering useful information, tips and insights on specific topics. Promotion comes at the end in the author bio.

"Offering byline or how-to articles to outlets that don't provide traditional book coverage is a great way authors can establish themselves as go-to thought leaders," notes Rendina. "Articles can increase online discoverability and serve as the perfect content for websites."

3. Develop a well-rounded digital platform:

Rendina says, "It's crucial for self-help and wellness authors to have an established author website and active social media presence. Aside from the credibility this offers, a well-rounded digital platform is needed to support amplification of book marketing and book publicity results."

"When an article gets published or interviews conducted, authors should always post these on their website and across social media. This showcases credibility and increases overall visibility online."

4. Avoid common mistakes:
During a campaign, there are a number of pitfalls and mistakes that authors can make which can seriously detract from the impact of media coverage.

"During interviews, authors typically say, 'As I say in my book…'," adds Rendina."It's perfectly fine to do this once or twice, and authors should say this, but saying it too often can come across too overtly promotional and disrupts the flow of a quality interview and conversation."

Another mistake Rendina notes is when authors are too long-winded in answers.

"This is especially true for TV. The average on-air time for national TV/morning shows is just three minutes," says Rendina. "Authors should be as succinct as possible when discussing key points during any interview."

"But it's important to remember, especially for TV, that authors don't go into interviews blindly. Producers typically sit down with a guest beforehand to do a 'practice run' to see what the interview flow and timeframe will be."

About Smith Publicity
Smith Publicity is the most prolific book marketing firm in the publishing industry. Since 1997, the firm has promoted over 3,500 books. An "equal opportunity" book marketing operation, Smith Publicity promotes books from major publishers as well as quality self-published titles of all genres. Website: www.SmithPublicity.com. For additional information email: info@smithpublicity.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cherry Hill, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/10/2019 -- According to the CEO of book marketing firm Smith Publicity, Dan Smith, there are many misconceptions and negative stereotypes about both the craft of book publicity and professional book publicists. He believes authors are often reluctant to engage a book promotion firm because of certain myths about book publicists that are created in part because of the very nature of publicity and public relations work, as well as portrayals of publicists in films and television.

"When authors don't trust publicists because of negative perceptions," says Smith,"they often end up launching their books without adequate support, resulting in dismal sales and no media coverage."

Smith notes five common myths about book publicists:

1.Book publicists aren't trustworthy, operate as shady professionals, take money and offer no guarantees of any results.

Smith believes that publicity and PR face this type of issue more than some other industries, and that it is in large part prompted by the fact that in most cases, publicists actually do not offer no guarantees of results.

"Many professionals including financial advisors, attorneys, and even physicians and psychologists offer no guarantees of results," notes Smith. "Book publicity shouldn't be viewed any differently."

Regarding the overall perception of publicists, Smith points out a February 2019 article in The Guardian that offers insights into how publicists are portrayed in films. Part of the article states:

"Why do publicists get such terrible publicity? Some of the screen's most disreputable characters are press agents, despite it being the profession best placed to improve its own image. In film and TV, PRs tend to be venal and corrupt at worst, damaged or ditzy at best."

2. Book marketing and book promotion never produce significant book sales.

Smith says: "While it's true that industry statistics about the average number of books sold are sobering, and selling huge numbers of books is very difficult for any author or publisher, the fact is, it can happen. Even with major media placements, book publicists can't guarantee a huge increase in sales, but there are in fact many authors out there who have sold tens of thousands and many hundreds of thousands of books due to the work of publicists. Smith Publicity has clients who sell 50 to 100 books a week for many months. While it may not add up to tens of thousands, this type of sales volume on a consistent basis is very, very good."

Smith notes an article The Nonfiction Authors Association published on book sales.

3. Anyone can do book publicity.

"For some reason, some people feel that the work book publicists do isn't really very hard, and that almost anyone can do it," Smith says. "They believe they can write a press release and just send it out, and get as good of results as most publicists. This isn't true. Book marketing is a specialized field that requires in-depth knowledge of many areas including journalism, media operations, media relations, a keen awareness of breaking and general news, and how to capitalize on news and even psychology. It also requires many skills such as persuasive writing, oral communications, marketing communications and much more."

Smith adds, "Sure, there are certainly some very successful self-promoters out there, but authors should not make the mistake of thinking that what we do is easy. It is not."

4. Authors should focus only on the highest-level media, anything else is useless.

"This is what used to be called the "Oprah effect," and it will destroy an author's chances of success," comments Smith. "To use the baseball analogy, the best book publicity campaigns are full of singles, doubles, triples and some home runs. Every hit counts, even bunts."

5. A self-published book will never get coverage by a national newspaper or TV show.

Smith notes that, "This was indeed true at one time. Many years ago it was very difficult to get self-published books and authors major media coverage. But the industry has changed dramatically, and the stigma against self-published books is long gone. Today, media look for quality books, quality content, and expert authors. They no longer immediately turn a book over to see who published it."

About Smith Publicity
Smith Publicity is the most prolific book marketing firm in the publishing industry. Since 1997, the firm has promoted over 3,500 books. An "equal opportunity" book marketing operation, Smith Publicity promotes books from major publishers as well as quality self-published titles of all genres. Website" www.SmithPublicity.com. For additional information email: info@smithpublicity.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cherry Hill, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/14/2018 -- Mike Onorato was recently promoted to the position of Vice President of Publicity Services at renowned book marketing firm, Smith Publicity.

Onorato, who was previously Executive Director of Publicity at Smith, manages a staff of three Publicity Team Managers and fifteen book publicists. He directs client relations, new book marketing service development, promotional strategy for Smith clients, and leads media relationship cultivation and outreach activities.

Onorato joined Smith Publicity in 2016. He has worked in the publishing and publicity industry for more than seventeen years, including twelve years with Wiley, where he was Associate Director of Publicity and worked with numerous bestselling authors.

"In 2016 we imitated a plan to take our excellent book publicity services to an even higher level," says Smith Publicity CEO Dan Smith. "Bringing Mike onboard was central to this, and his personality and exemplary communications and leadership skills were instrumental in us achieving our goals."

"Since I started in the publicity field, I knew about Smith Publicity, and their reputation for outstanding performance was well known," says Onorato. "I worked with Smith while I was at Wiley, and their professionalism and dedication to client service was always clear."

"To have become part of this organization was an honor," adds Onorato, "and leading such an incredible team f publicists has been the most rewarding time of my career."

About Smith Publicity
Since 1997, Smith Publicity has promoted over 3,500 and stands as the most prolific book marketing agency in the industry. Focusing on media coverage and social media, the firm works with both self-published and traditionally published authors as well as publishers. An "equal opportunity" book marketing agency, Smith Publicity has led campaigns servicing clients ranging from first-time, independent authors to bestselling books by major publishing housing.

http://www.SmithPublicity.com

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Cherry Hill, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/08/2018 -- Aside from selling books, if one of an author's primary goals in a book publicity campaign is to use a book and media coverage as marketing tools to get more business, byline articles can be very effective.

First, what is a byline article? The Merriam-Webster definition is quite simple: "a line at the beginning of a newspaper or magazine article that gives the writer's name."

In a book publicity campaign, an author writes an article designed to run as-is in a newspaper, magazine or online outlet. Full credit is given to the author, along with a brief bio at the end that will usually mention the book, credentials, website and other information.

Smith Publicity has found byline articles to be effective for non-fiction, business or self-help book authors because:

1.) They establish credibility for an author as an expert in a specific area

2.) For consultants and business owners, articles can lead to direct inquiries for new business, speaking engagements and other opportunities

3.) If it's well done, the odds of an article getting picked up and run can be quite high as it provides ready-made material for print and online outlets.

4.) Runs of articles provide compelling material for posting on websites and sharing through social media to maximize exposure

Tips for Writing an Effective Byline Article

1. Select the right topic. A byline article is not promotional and is not about an author's book. The topic should be selected based on author expertise and should inform, educate and/or inspire readers. It's about providing great content for an outlet; content that specifically relates to its readers.

Here are examples:

- A business networking author writes an article with tips on remembering people's names. The article should appeal to general and trade business publications and outlets dedicated to entrepreneurs and business owners.

- An author of a health and wellness book writes an article about foods that make skin soft and healthy. Targets for the article include health and wellness outlets, women's publications, etc.

- An author of a personal finance book writes an article explaining the easiest ways to protect investment losses in stock market downturns. Target outlets include lifestyle, men's, and women's interest as well as personal finance and investment advice publications.

2. Include case studies. Use case studies that reflect why the advice given in the article is effective and can help readers.

3. Determine the right audience. Authors should read publications they want to pitch an article to and read other articles, both byline and staff written. Understand the type of information the publication provides and what style they prefer.

4. Choosing the right headline. Again, authors should review print outlets and check out article headlines. They should see how headlines are designed to grab a reader's attention. Examples of compelling headlines:

-10 Ways to Reduce Your Body Fat by 5 % in 30 Days
(good use of numerical alliteration)

-5 Things You Can Do to Never Lose a Computer File Again … and Not Use the 'Cloud'
(offers specific, actionable items, and also goes against popular advice)

-The Surprising, Single Most Common Reason New Businesses Fail
(shows that readers of the article will learn something they likely don't know)

5. Article Length. Typically, articles are between 700 and 1200 words. However, authors should check with specific publications and ask what they prefer. Some online outlets, for example, may allow longer articles.

6. Keyword Usage. Authors should use keywords and phrases that relate to the book and area of expertise. When appropriate, an author can include hyperlinks to sources of information. Keywords help with Search Engine Optimization and can make an article appear organically in topical search results and help media find a book during book marketing efforts.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm