Smith Publicity, a book publicity firm, has shared advice on turning the holiday season into a strong period for book promotion. The tips came from a recent post on the firm’s blog, announced from Philadelphia on December 19, 2017.
The holidays keep most people busy. Even so, many authors believe that the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are a dead zone for promotion. Smith Publicity argues that this belief actually helps the smart writer. Since so many authors step back, the ones who keep pitching face less competition for some of the most valuable outlets.
The firm points out that magazines, newspapers, radio and TV shows still have space to fill at this time of year. Producers often plug those gaps with the same tired holiday features. That is why, in the firm’s view, authors should offer fresh ideas that stand apart from the usual seasonal coverage.
Giving books away is another tactic. Authors can send new copies to radio and TV producers, who then hand them out to callers and viewers. As a result, the book lands in the hands of many readers while the author joins in the holiday spirit.
The last tip is about timing. Instead of waiting until January, authors with books tied to resolutions should pitch them before the new year starts. According to the firm, the quiet weeks work well for both ebook marketing and book publicity aimed at the year ahead.
Smith Publicity also notes that writers who want a larger audience can gain a lot by hiring an author publicist.
The agency calls itself the most prolific book marketing firm in publishing, with nearly 3,000 books promoted since 1997. It works with self-published and traditionally published authors alike, as well as with small and major publishing houses. Its motto promises to make good things happen for authors. In practice, the firm says, that means top-level client service and as many media chances as possible for each book. Smith Publicity has offices in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Toronto, Canada.
