The Book Publishing Series: Key Questions to Ask At Every Stage – The Marketing Team

Every single week we are contacted by aspiring authors, first-time authors and even seasoned authors with questions on how to take their best next steps toward publishing a book. There are so many aspects to the book publishing process that can feel overwhelming and burdensome, especially if it is your first time. And, can we be honest? It’s painful for us to watch well-meaning writers become victims because they don’t know what they don’t know. 

It’s crucial for you to have a full grasp on the overall process, knowing what to expect and what is to be expected. What better way to avoid being the victim than educating yourself? So, we’re starting a series of blog posts that answer all the questions you should be asking along that journey to be a published author. One of the most common misconceptions is around the marketing of your book. If you’re considering a traditional publishing house or even if you opt to go the self-publishing or hybrid route, you need to know the following:

1. Who is my internal team? Marketing? Publicity? Sales? Etc. Who will serve as my champion to the rest of the company? 

2. What will the communication look like from the internal team? How will I receive updates?

3. Will the publishing house be spending any money on marketing? If so, how will that be allocated?

4. Will a marketing plan be developed? How far in advance will I receive this?

5. Will outside support be brought on as a partner for any aspect of the campaign? If so, will I have input in who is selected?

6. Will I be responsible for supplementing marketing efforts? If so, can introductions be made to pertinent companies, teams, freelancers or contractors, that can help with specific marketing services?

7. Will galleys or Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) be printed? If so, how many and how will they be utilized? Will I get any of those for my own efforts? When can I expect these to be ready for distribution?

8. Are advertising dollars being spent? If so, where and when?

9. Who is the target audience attempting to be reached? How will we go after them?

10. What is the main focus of marketing efforts? Do you believe one area is more important to our success than another?

11. Will any money be sent at retail for placement and promotions?

12. How will my own personal network be utilized? Will I be responsible for outreach to these parties?

13. What is required of me as it relates to marketing and promoting the book?

14. Will there be an influencer outreach strategy? If so, what will be the ask of those targeted?

15. Will awards, book clubs, trade shows or any other recognition efforts be pursued?

16. Will I be responsible for securing endorsements for the book? Can the publisher utilize their network and relationships to solicit endorsements?

17. When will my book be presented to the sales team? May I be a part of that presentation?

18. What are sales goals for the first month, 6 months and year?

19. How can I be most helpful during the process?

20. How much time do I need to block off, hold or expect during the course of the campaign? Will there be any travel?

Your story is important and deserves to be told. Don’t let chaos, transition or uncertainty paint you into a corner and jeopardize what you’ve worked so tirelessly to create. Stay proactive and hold all parties accountable. One of our five core values at Choice is “We Believe Accountability Sustains Partnerships,” and we stand by this wholeheartedly. For more questions, notable conversations to have with your publisher, and ongoing communications expertise, sign up for our monthly newsletter. And, stay tuned for the next blog post in our Book Publishing: Key Questions to Ask At Every Stage series. We’ll be tackling Publicity, Literary Agents, and more.