Seekerville Welcomes Guestblogger Julie Gwinn of B&H Publishing

Cheryl here yet again.

We are fortunate to have Julie Gwinn, Fiction Manager of B&H Publishing Group as our blog guest today. She's the marketing director for many authors you know and love. She has some great advice. Without further ado, here's Julie with sound advice on how authors can partner with their publishers in the realm of marketing.

Marketing Advice from Julie Gwinn

The book is written—now the real work begins!

Marketing can be a four-letter word for some authors. Either they dread it, don’t know a lot about it, are unsure of their role or love it and don’t want to step on their publisher’s toes. So how can an author successfully partner with their publisher to help market the book?

First, ask to see the marketing plan for the book. That way you have an idea of what the publisher is going to do and can start thinking of ideas to supplement their plan.

Secondly, most publishers will work to with national media outlets (tv, radio, magazines) to generate reviews and exposure for the book and author. The author can dovetail their efforts by tackling local media. Ask for a copy of all press releases and do your homework on media in your area. You can email or fax the same press release they are using to your local, state and regional media to try to garner additional attention for your book.

Thirdly, publishers will want you to connect with your fan base through events and social media. So as soon as the contract is signed, start developing your website, Facebook fan page, blog, enewsletter, etc.

You can offer contests, freebies and additional content building to the release of the book. You can also work with the publisher to place Facebook ads that will help direct new readers to your page and/or website.

Lastly, keep shooting ideas to your publisher. I receive emails almost every day from my authors giving me ideas of new blogs to check out, websites they like, contests a fellow author is having, etc. Effective marketing cannot happen in a vacuum. It is a team sport and takes communication between the author and the publisher.

EXCELLENT advice Julie. Thanks for being with us today!

If you have marketing questions for Julie, now's the time to ask. She's graciously agreed to hang around the island today and answer any questions that come her way.

Julie Gwinn has been a professional in the public relations, advertising industry
for more than 20 years for organizations such as The American Red Cross,
the YWCA and Dye, Van Mol and Lawrence public relations and advertising
agencies in Nashville. She joined B&H Publishing Group in January 07, in the
trade marketing and publicity department and is responsible for marketing their
fiction line.

B&H'S FICTION IMPRINT SITE: http://www.pureenjoyment.com



Some upcoming releases from B&H that you won't want to miss: Fiction books on B&H's Web site.




Among my favorites are suspense books by Robin Caroll, Kim Woodhouse as well as genre fiction by John Olson and a fabulous new industry voice, Ginny Yttrup.











There are tons more!

Check out the link and don't forget to leave a comment or question for Julie who has the most adorable southern accent. So, to that end, I cooked us up some southern grits for breakfast. Butter them up and add milk and sugar if you like, or eat 'em over your eggs which are fried over-easy today and served with grilled ham steaks and whole grain toast. Mixed with Helen's signature coffee, yum, yum!

Dig in!


Cheryl Wyatt & Julie Gwinn