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Publicity From The Trenches: For Published & Self-Published Authors

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Giving published and self-published authors great advice on the basics of publicity from a veteran publicist who has been in the business for over 25 years.

125 pages, ebook

First published May 1, 2015

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4 people want to read

About the author

Sherri Rosen

5 books9 followers
I've had my own publicity firm in NYC for the past l8 years giving a powerful message from folks doing good things in the world. My very first client was on The NY Times Bestseller List for 63 weeks. Being in the business so long I realize what a phenomenon it was!

I am a performer creating a solo performance pieces and doing improvisational theatre.

Coming out with my third book in 20l5. "Publicity From The Trenches For Published And Self Published Authors"

I love what I do!

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Fran.
Author 57 books148 followers
May 5, 2015
Publicity From the Trenches: Sherri Rosen

Jon Taffer and Robert Irvine both create miracles for both failing bars and restaurants. Jon creates a new bar, with a perfect brand, realizes the demographics of what is needed and focuses on the target population where the bar is located. Robert Irvine with his design team will come in and do the same with a failing restaurant. Providing hands on help to improve customer service in the front of the house and creating a menu that will target the population where the restaurant is located. Both of these men create something for bar owners or restaurant owners and a great publicist can do the same for an author who has written his /her first novel, memoir, inspirational book, book with a message or self-help book. Creating a campaign that would match your target audience, your potential readers and much more is the job of someone who is dedicated, caring, honest, trustworthy and smart. Publicity From the Trenches by Sherri Rosen will not only introduce you to a first rate publicist but will help you the writer, the author and the reader understand what you need to know when hiring a publicist and making sure you choose the right one.

So, what should you look for when you decide to hire a publicist? According to Sherri there are 19 things. I will only highlight a few because the way you are going to learn and understand what you need to know is by reading the book yourself: First you need to leave a message for the person on his/her phone and see how long before the publicist returns your call. Next, check out the publicist’s website. Does the website “Resonate with you?” Think about your budget and speak to the publicist about what charges are required. The publicist should have taken the time to read your book so when you ask questions about his/her feelings about your book he/she should have some valid responses. If the publicist does not take time with you: DO NOT HIRE THAT PUBLICIST. The rest I leave to you the reader. The author discusses if your work has meaning to you followed by something no one can really know: “Can you give me a guarantee? Being honest and open Sherri’s response is No, I can’t. No one can guarantee that you will hit the bestseller list. But, with the right publicist you have more of a chance for success. Read page 17 to understand more. What is the Bottom Line of Publicity? “Whether for an eBook, hardcover, or soft cover, you need someone who cares about doing publicity for your book. Page 21 clarifies that for the reader. Questions to ask that are definitely valid and important: Will the publicist make custom campaigns lovingly crafted for your project? Do you need a PR person which ix discussed beginning on page 27? Facebook, blogs and twitter help to widen your circle but there are many other places you can explore. One statement that I can totally agree with: “No amount of social networking can compare with a professional review, radio interview or television interview.” So, free yourself of all of this and focus on your writing as Sherri states: Writers should be able to write. They should be free to pursue the craft they love.”

What are five powerful tips if deciding to self-publish? Point one the author states is Target a Niche Market. Two: Get yourself a Knockout Editor. Choose Digital over print and Invest in cover design and finally GET YOURSELF A KNOCKOUT PUBLICIST!

Within pages 39- 43 she discusses inspirational publicity. Starting on page 45 Social Media and how it works for you. Should you use it to promote your book and how? Which social media areas are tailor made for your project? On page 49 something vital: Following through and keeping your word! If your publicist is not on time, does not call on time or does not at least phone you with updates and cannot assure you that certain conditions will be fulfilled, that your book will be publicized to the best of their ability they at Sherri Rosen Public Relations will not make that formal promise. Honesty is everything and vital!

How to be a successful author requires that you, the author make time every single day TO WRITE! You read, edit and revise. When you finally have a manuscript you try and look for an agent to sell your script. She describes within pages 54-55 just how difficult this is. As a reviewer I know that every book including this one has a message that the author wants delivered to readers and if the publicist does not get it you need to find another one. If you are the author in question you need to be honest with both your publicist and publisher about your vision for your platform. Reading pages 58- 59 will clarify it more. Dealing with emails is followed by all or nothing publicity. Here is where we get down to business when Sherri explains what to look for in a good publicist on pages 68- 73. Honesty, Reliability and positive results are the three components needed!

How many aspirin or pain meds do you take in a day? Do you count on self-promotion only? Are you stressed out? Your publisher suggests that you get a website, facebook page, start blogging and join twitter and get moving on promoting your work. But, there is much more that can be done and when you finally get a royalty check or you think you are on the way to success you realize that after the first set of accolades there are no more. So, the remedy or solution is to hire a publicist and get rid of the aspirin and pain meds. You need to construct a successful brand for yourself as described on pages 81- 83 and the most crucial question: Is investing in publicity worth it? She focuses another section on what makes a great book publicist on pages 90 – 93 and then how to build your online platform. Developing a home base or website and blog, use pinterest which is a great social outlet. Email marketing and of course there is more but you need to read it for yourself. Is Traditional Media Dead is followed by five advantages of personalized publicity as opposed to guerilla publicity and both are defined in detail. But, within pages 109- 110 Sherri’s advice and guidance on how to choose a great editor is vital. As a reviewer it is difficult to fairly review a title with grammar, syntax and spelling errors that are numerous or detracts from the plot. So, a good editor can eliminate that for an author. But, that does not mean that you, the author should not edit and read over the manuscript each time the editor sends it back to you for story changes, grammar errors or more. You never know you might catch some other errors too. The final section deals with guest bloggers and their experiences, television interviews and much more. Finally Facts Client and Publicist need to know but the most vital is HONESTY! Read what Edie Weinstein has to say about Sherri and being invited to play in Sherri’s year with her mental meanderings and musings.


From implementing an entire campaign, to arranging appearances, getting followers and reviews, setting up national shows and book television interviews, lining up potential customers Sherri Rosen Publicity does it all. Book designs, magazine write ups and book reviews, setting up club readings, consultations and working on your manuscript and providing editing services if needed plus press kits and much more Sherri and her team strive to help their clients achieve their goals. Check out her website. Find out about all of her services. Better yet: As those in need of a Bar rescue open up the books and the doors and call Jon for help or Robert Irvine to create a new restaurant: Get the manuscript in order, pick up the phone and contact Sherri Rosen for your very own Book Publicity Campaign and make sure your read this helpful resource!
Fran Lewis: Just Reviews


Profile Image for A.C. Fuller.
Author 29 books141 followers
February 4, 2015
Great, short introduction to what authors need to promote their books. I love the design and layout, which is pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate. The writing is crisp, clear, and straight to the point.
Would definitely recommend to those seeking to understand the basic requirements of book promotion.
Profile Image for Janette Fuller.
216 reviews36 followers
February 6, 2015
Sherri Rosen is a professional publicist and owner of Sheri Rosen Publicity Int'l, NYC. She has written this book to inform published and self-published authors about the benefit of hiring a publicist.

The author provides a list of nineteen things to look for and some questions to ask when seeking a publicist. She explains what a publicist can do for an author, but makes it clear that there are no guaranteed results.

"What distinguishes a great publicist from a mediocre one is getting the word to the right people, in the right venues, at the right time".

Ms. Rosen believes that publicity must be based on honesty and integrity. She has coined a term, "inspirational publicity", to describe publicity that isn't about making big money but is instead honest and real.

Self-publishing has opened the door of opportunity to many new authors. This is an informative and inspiring guide to help authors choose the kind of professional support they need to get the word out.

This book is illustrated with beautiful color illustrations and sprinkled with motivational quotations.

Ms. Rosen describes the high standards that she holds herself and her associates to as they work with authors. Publicity must be custom designed for each client and honesty is emphasized in all communications.

If you are an author, I think you will find this book very helpful. If you are going to invest in publicity, you need to know how to find the best professional service available.

Profile Image for Ayn Sullivan.
Author 24 books27 followers
November 30, 2015
Explore the fun and vibrancy of publicity!!!

In Publicity From The Trenches, Sherri Rosen masterfully explains why authors need a publicist and how to find the right one. Sherri Rosen touched my heart. She made me re-think publicity and understand that it can be an enriching part of the success story of an author.

I recommend Publicity From The Trenches to anyone who is writing a book and wants to know how to create an audience for their work. Publishing a book takes more than pen and paper! It also requires believing in your message and then finding a team that is willing to help you manifest your dreams.

Publicity From The Trenches is also for authors who have published a book and are wondering why it has not started selling. Sherri Rosen explains that authors need publicists. After all, if an author has a good publicist then the writer can engage in what they love to do, which is write!

Finding a naturally talented publicist who loves what she does, like Sherri Rosen, is rare. I have learned a great deal from these pages. The book is visually stunning and the colors fit perfectly with her blog called Redhead’s Rap. The rich reds and pinks on the cover invite the reader to explore the fun and vibrancy of the world of publicity. This is a great read, full of interesting stories and wisdom earned through time and experience.

Publicity From The Trenches is a book both new and experienced authors need to have on their shelves. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews32 followers
February 5, 2015
Sherri Rosen started her own Publicity Firm 18 years ago. Publicity from the Trenches is her guide to publishing your work and finding a publicist to help get it out in the world. Everyone has a story to write and have the potential to be on the New York Times Best Seller List. But you have to be realistic and honest about your product and the target audience.

Once you have decided what you would like to write you will need to find a way to publish it. You can go the traditional route and find a publisher or you can self publish. There are many things to think about when finding a publisher. This book gives you lots of things to think about with what you want to accomplish with your writing, who you are going to target for publication, and many other things.

This is a quick guide for getting your work published and finding a good publicist. It is done in a simple format but is filled with lots of thought provoking information. This is not going to be a quick, get rich even and there is a lot you will have to plan for. But if you get everything planned out you will go further than flying by the seat of your pants.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Millenia Black.
Author 7 books342 followers
June 14, 2015
"The bottom line in successful publicity can be summed up in a word—care."

And personalization. A good publicist cares enough to personalize and tailor her publicity efforts for maximum effect. In order to do this, a publicist must be invested in more than just their fees, but also invested in YOU.

Sherri Rosen is a good publicist.

As I read PUBLICITY FROM THE TRENCHES (a gorgeously stylized visual feast-fest for the eye), I was most impressed with the passion that emanates from each word. Sherri shares a collection of articles in which her passion for guiding and promoting both traditionally and self-published authors shines through. Everything from why writers should write and invest in an experienced, well-connected publicist, to navigating the daunting waters of social media hell, to scoping out key traits for finding the right publicist, this book is a valuable tool for any author, seasoned or green.

I can't recommend this book enough. It's chock full of great advice and insight to being a truly successful writer! And who doesn't want to be that?
Profile Image for F. T. Camargo.
2 reviews17 followers
February 19, 2015
“Publicity From The Trenches” it’s a great book with much important information and many tips for authors to improve their careers and promote their books, and it also tells the readers how to find the right publicist to work together as a winner team.

The language is very objective and the text flows connecting the interesting content with beautiful images, from the impeccable contemporary graphic design.

It is a great reading with an honest approach in which Sherri Rosen has opened her heart showing beautifully, how important it is to have a purpose behind the book content, where the authors can express their dream to inspire readers to do their share helping the world.

Also, another important point of view by Sherri is that authors must find time to write, to do what they really love to do, while the publicist is the one responsible for promoting their careers with enthusiasm and professionalism.

Fantastic reading for a large audience and, as an author, I truly recommend it! By the way, Sherri and I have worked together and it was amazing.
2 reviews24 followers
February 5, 2015
Sherri Rosen has penned an e-book entitled Publicity From The Trenches. She leads the reader on a guided tour of the sometimes bewilderingly overwhelming arena, with wisdom gained and seat of the pants lessons learned over 30 years.

Rosen encourages educated risk taking, acknowledging that there are no guarantees of specific outcomes. She speaks of the leaps of faith that authors need to take as they birth their 'baby' out into the world.

This is not for the feint of heart. Believing in oneself and one's creation are stepping stones that can lead to the desired success, according to Rosen. She uses the term "Inspirational Publicity" to spread the word about what she refers to as "books that bless" and make a difference in the world.

Publicity From the Trenches can be of assistance in dream building and team building in service to one's creation.

For complete review: http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/b...
Profile Image for Gail Harkins.
Author 19 books10 followers
June 2, 2015
Publicity From the Trenches is a highly polished piece stressing the need for authors to hire publicists to promote their work. Readers expecting advice on how to leverage electronic media or generate publicity themselves will be disappointed. The overarching theme is that publicity is work, and that it requires a large network of targeted contacts – book reviewers, bloggers and editorial sites – that most authors typically lack. Posting on social media, the author points out, reaches friends who quickly tire of the sales pitch. Key sections discuss what to look for in a publicist and what to expect of the relationship. The points are valid, but writers affiliated with professional organizations are likely to already know them.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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