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Intent to Sell: Marketing the Genre Novel
The first book to specifically address the marketing of genre fiction, INTENT TO SELL, is written by Jeffrey Marks, the award-winning author of mystery novels and short story collections. He shares information as helpful to the novice as it is to the multipublished author.
180 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 30, 2012
If you believe that placing your book on major web retailing sites will permit it to be discovered and let you live comfortably, then don't buy Jeffrey Marks' "Intent to Sell: Marketing the Genre Novel." If you believe that you will reach a much wider audience if you work as persistently at the publicity craft as the art and craft of writing, than you may not need any other book than "Intent to Sell." The table of contents is organized well enough that you can skip around, though I recommend a cover-to-cover read.
Marks does not say "you need a press kit" or "book signings can be good for you." He says exactly what needs to be in the kit and why you need an 8x10 photo instead of a snapshot, or why your bio should deal almost solely with your writing or aspects of your life that relate directly to it. He advises you on who makes decisions in book stores and how this varies with the size of the business. His discussion of the role of social media is helpful, and it puts in perspective that its use is generally only a very small part of a successful book publicity effort.
The most helpful chapter for me was "Us versus Them," a thoughtful discussion of the different ways to use a public relations professional and how much to expect to pay for varied services. The second was that on "Finding Your Niche," which I would describe as integrating the promotion of your novel among your existing networks without becoming a self-proclaiming pain. Overall, the best aspect of Intent to Sell was how to organize your publicity work so an author uses time efficiently.
Marks initially talked in terms of working with your publisher and I was not sure the book would be relevant to self-published writers. He broadens to self-publishing, and both frameworks are useful. Marks writes mysteries, so some of his examples may be more relevant to those who write in the same genre. However, I think the only error in this book is in the title -- you don't need to write genre fiction to learn from "Intent to Sell."
Writing is as much a gift as reading, and you need never sell your work. If you want to do so, buy "Intent to Sell: Marketing the Genre Novel." Now.
Marks does not say "you need a press kit" or "book signings can be good for you." He says exactly what needs to be in the kit and why you need an 8x10 photo instead of a snapshot, or why your bio should deal almost solely with your writing or aspects of your life that relate directly to it. He advises you on who makes decisions in book stores and how this varies with the size of the business. His discussion of the role of social media is helpful, and it puts in perspective that its use is generally only a very small part of a successful book publicity effort.
The most helpful chapter for me was "Us versus Them," a thoughtful discussion of the different ways to use a public relations professional and how much to expect to pay for varied services. The second was that on "Finding Your Niche," which I would describe as integrating the promotion of your novel among your existing networks without becoming a self-proclaiming pain. Overall, the best aspect of Intent to Sell was how to organize your publicity work so an author uses time efficiently.
Marks initially talked in terms of working with your publisher and I was not sure the book would be relevant to self-published writers. He broadens to self-publishing, and both frameworks are useful. Marks writes mysteries, so some of his examples may be more relevant to those who write in the same genre. However, I think the only error in this book is in the title -- you don't need to write genre fiction to learn from "Intent to Sell."
Writing is as much a gift as reading, and you need never sell your work. If you want to do so, buy "Intent to Sell: Marketing the Genre Novel." Now.
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January 19, 2010I’ve been around a while, done lots of book signings, conference panels, and picked up some minor expertise in book promotion. Still, Jeffrey Marks’ book gave me a few pages of notes, ideas, refinements and reminders. Anyone new to the business of promoting books can save a whole lot of grief and perhaps embarrassment by reading this book through a couple times.
February 1, 2016
Mostly for those traditionally published
Although a little dated, the basic information on promoting your book is sound and is a good basis to begin you marketing plan. The ideas are geared toward mass market or hard cover books through NY publishers. There is a dearth of information on electronic promotions, even the newsletter section is about printed and snail mailed items.
Although a little dated, the basic information on promoting your book is sound and is a good basis to begin you marketing plan. The ideas are geared toward mass market or hard cover books through NY publishers. There is a dearth of information on electronic promotions, even the newsletter section is about printed and snail mailed items.
April 30, 2013
Great book! Lots of helpful ideas!
March 7, 2014
Primarily aimed at books published through traditional publishers but many useful hints.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews