Hi

I have a new client who has asked me to help her promote her book and get it distributed.

She knows that I am just starting out and I'm not an expert yet. Does anybody have any suggestions on what sort of questions I should be asking, or what I should be thinking about.

Your help is much appreciated.

Thanks

There are many questions that you should be asking. If you Google book tours, book promotion and book distribution your will find many articles that should help.

There are basic things that you need to know: who is printing, will it be available in e-formats, does she want a book launch, will she be looking for speaking and signing opportunities, is she utilizing social media, does she have a book trailer. These should at least get you started.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I'm assuming from the tone of your post that the client's book is already written and that she has a publisher or a plan to self-publish but just to add to Lee's list (and if you're really interested in learning about the publishing industry) you could look into how to obtain ISBN #s, listing a title with the Library of Congress, obtaining a copyright with the US Copyright Office, etc.

These are all things I learned 'on the fly' when working with authors and it's great information to have.

Good luck! I think it's great that your client is willing to work with you as you learn, it's a wonderful opportunity and if you make the most of it could really enhance your business.

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Thanks you for all of your suggestions. I do know a little about the publishing industry in theory, but when it comes to the practicalities of publishing I wasn't sure what sort of questions to ask upfront. You have both been a great help.

I currently work with an author and I've learn alot about the book process. John Kremer he has a great website, http://www.bookmarket.com/ that can give you a lot of information. I even ordered his book because it has most of the things that you are going to need.

Angela Samuels

I swear by Google products. Here is a link with information on how to promote with Google Books for free:

http://books.google.com/intl/en/goog...ublishers.html

I self-published through www.createspace.com, which automatically posts to Amazon (got my first sale through them last week! Yay!) I already had an ISBN and LOC # through a small publisher, but you can also get the ISBN through them; a google search will get you the info to obtain a free library of congress number.

My only outlay to createspace, since I had the isbn/loc has been the expense for the proof copy and then the actual books I purchased to sell. They also have some good resource information on their site.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"