One of the biggest mistakes authors make is sending a press release about their new book to the media, but failing to mention where people can buy the book.
I know this because I feature books in my subscription newsletter, The Publicity Hound. At least 7 out of 10 releases, even those sent by major publishing houses, leave out this critical information. Authors are frequently content to let their customers buy their book from Amazon.
Even stranger, self-published authors who sell their books from their own websites omit this information. So I have to call the author, leave a voicemail message and wait for a return phone call before I can use the item. Most other media people wouldn’t be so patient.
When I complained about this to an offending author, she said, “I didn’t include it in the press release because everybody knows you can walk into almost any bookstore and order any title,” she said.
“Everybody knew that but me,” I said.
I welcome your books that deal with any aspect of publicity or self-promotion. Send them to Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound, 3434 County KK, Port Washington, WI 53074. And don’t forget to let me know where readers can buy your book.