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Your Book, Your Brand: The Step-By-Step Guide to Launching Your Book and Boosting Your Sales
You’ve finished your book. That’s step one. Book publicist Dana Kaye now takes you through step getting your book into the hands of legions of readers.
How we read books is changing rapidly, and so is where we buy them. From the rise of eBooks to the impact of online retail sales through companies like Amazon to the wide acceptance of self-publishing as a natural path―countless authors are writing books and then wondering what to do with them. If they decide to bring their book to market themselves, how do they ensure they will reach audiences without a marketing or publicity department and without the budgets and outreach that publishers have? If a house has acquired the rights and promises to publish, how does that writer supplement the work of those publicity managers and develop a direct relationship with everyone from the media to potential fans?
Throughout her career, Dana Kaye has helped authors raise their profiles. As the head of her own independent PR firm, Kaye Publicity, Dana Kaye has succeeded in getting her client’s books into the hands of as many readers as possible. She has been a driving force behind numerous bestselling authors across all genres, from thriller authors like Gregg Hurwitz and Jamie Freveletti to children's authors like Liz Climo and Claudia Gray, and now she brings her insights to you.
Kaye walks writers through all of their options, taking the anxiety out of the pitching process and teaching them how to be their own best promoters. Sharp, intuitive, and user-friendly, Dana Kaye’s guide is a must-have for all authors with bestselling aspirations.
"When it comes to professionalism, hard work and dedication, Dana is the best there is! She has been invaluable in helping me build my brand, and has come up with really inventive ways to promote my books (like fun contests, which help me not only promote my books but also connect with my fans!)" ― Liz Climo, Author and Illustrator of Lobster is the Best Medicine
How we read books is changing rapidly, and so is where we buy them. From the rise of eBooks to the impact of online retail sales through companies like Amazon to the wide acceptance of self-publishing as a natural path―countless authors are writing books and then wondering what to do with them. If they decide to bring their book to market themselves, how do they ensure they will reach audiences without a marketing or publicity department and without the budgets and outreach that publishers have? If a house has acquired the rights and promises to publish, how does that writer supplement the work of those publicity managers and develop a direct relationship with everyone from the media to potential fans?
Throughout her career, Dana Kaye has helped authors raise their profiles. As the head of her own independent PR firm, Kaye Publicity, Dana Kaye has succeeded in getting her client’s books into the hands of as many readers as possible. She has been a driving force behind numerous bestselling authors across all genres, from thriller authors like Gregg Hurwitz and Jamie Freveletti to children's authors like Liz Climo and Claudia Gray, and now she brings her insights to you.
Kaye walks writers through all of their options, taking the anxiety out of the pitching process and teaching them how to be their own best promoters. Sharp, intuitive, and user-friendly, Dana Kaye’s guide is a must-have for all authors with bestselling aspirations.
"When it comes to professionalism, hard work and dedication, Dana is the best there is! She has been invaluable in helping me build my brand, and has come up with really inventive ways to promote my books (like fun contests, which help me not only promote my books but also connect with my fans!)" ― Liz Climo, Author and Illustrator of Lobster is the Best Medicine
237 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2016
24 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Dana Kaye
5 books18 followersDana Kaye is the owner of Kaye Publicity Inc., a boutique PR company specializing in publishing and entertainment. She received her B.A. in Fiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago. After college, she worked as a freelance writer and book critic. Her work has appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times, Time Out Chicago, Crimespree Magazine, Windy City Times, Bitch Magazine, and on GapersBlock.com. This experience has been crucial to her publicity career: she has the contacts and necessary industry insight to form pertinent, widespread media campaigns.
Dana is known for her innovative ideas and knowledge of current trends. She frequently speaks on the topics of social media, branding, and publishing trends, and her commentary has been featured on websites like The Huffington Post,Little Pink Book, and NBC Chicago.
She is also the author of YOUR BOOK, YOUR BRAND, which launches in September from Diversion Books.
Dana is known for her innovative ideas and knowledge of current trends. She frequently speaks on the topics of social media, branding, and publishing trends, and her commentary has been featured on websites like The Huffington Post,Little Pink Book, and NBC Chicago.
She is also the author of YOUR BOOK, YOUR BRAND, which launches in September from Diversion Books.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 16, 2016
I've been waiting for a book like this! Finally, an inside scoop on launching a book.
Writing your book is just the beginning of a long journey. Especially in today's new age of mass publishing. There's probably more writers in the market today than ever before. Which makes it even more critical to be educated on what to do after your book is published. In order to be successful authors we need more than just knowledge of publishing. We need to continually learn how to effectively market and promote our books. So whether you're self-published or traditional, this book is for you.
Dana Kaye does a wonderful job laying out this comprehensive guide. From developing your campaign, content strategy, pitching, media, it's all there. Want to be your own publicist or hire one from the outside? Look no further. This book is a step by step guide for anyone looking for practical advice from a seasoned professional.
Writing your book is just the beginning of a long journey. Especially in today's new age of mass publishing. There's probably more writers in the market today than ever before. Which makes it even more critical to be educated on what to do after your book is published. In order to be successful authors we need more than just knowledge of publishing. We need to continually learn how to effectively market and promote our books. So whether you're self-published or traditional, this book is for you.
Dana Kaye does a wonderful job laying out this comprehensive guide. From developing your campaign, content strategy, pitching, media, it's all there. Want to be your own publicist or hire one from the outside? Look no further. This book is a step by step guide for anyone looking for practical advice from a seasoned professional.
February 5, 2018
GOODREADS:
I just finished YOUR BOOK YOUR BRAND– highly recommend it to authors trying to figure out PR! I ‘knew’ and was even doing many/most of the things she writes about but I haven’t pulled them together STRATEGICALLY. I’ll be planning my 2018 more effectively as a result.
I think she really unpacks a lot of the stuff that scare us (writers) about marketing/PR. We’re all kinda behind the scenes people, right? That’s why we write. I found her approach unintimidating, down-to-earth and practical. Also, she’s really, really clear cut on what works and what doesn’t—where you should focus your attention and where you can pass.(E.g. what Google+, as a failed platform in many ways, CAN do for you, what GoodReads is good for and what to avoid, etc.)
I found the sections on Pitching, In-Person Branding and Sample Campaign particularly helpful. I’m really stoked, which I think is the best recommendation I can give for this book—so much of what I’ve read about book marketing just fills me with panic if not outright distaste.
I am very grateful for this book, and wish I had read it a couple of years earlier in my career! But perhaps then I wouldn’t be able to implement it as effectively? Sometimes you need to bruise yourself a little doing things badly before doing them the right way. (What can I say, I’m an experiential learner.)
I just finished YOUR BOOK YOUR BRAND– highly recommend it to authors trying to figure out PR! I ‘knew’ and was even doing many/most of the things she writes about but I haven’t pulled them together STRATEGICALLY. I’ll be planning my 2018 more effectively as a result.
I think she really unpacks a lot of the stuff that scare us (writers) about marketing/PR. We’re all kinda behind the scenes people, right? That’s why we write. I found her approach unintimidating, down-to-earth and practical. Also, she’s really, really clear cut on what works and what doesn’t—where you should focus your attention and where you can pass.(E.g. what Google+, as a failed platform in many ways, CAN do for you, what GoodReads is good for and what to avoid, etc.)
I found the sections on Pitching, In-Person Branding and Sample Campaign particularly helpful. I’m really stoked, which I think is the best recommendation I can give for this book—so much of what I’ve read about book marketing just fills me with panic if not outright distaste.
I am very grateful for this book, and wish I had read it a couple of years earlier in my career! But perhaps then I wouldn’t be able to implement it as effectively? Sometimes you need to bruise yourself a little doing things badly before doing them the right way. (What can I say, I’m an experiential learner.)
August 3, 2016
A solid book of advice for those trying to figure out what self-promotion looks like and how to do it.
December 4, 2016
This is one of those cool books that provide sound advice on marketing a book. I like that it covers quite a bit about the whole process. I never really had a good understanding for how intense a PR campaign could be (and how important it is). It's a great book that I highly recommend. I'll definitely use it as a reference. Now it's time for me to go implement some of her suggestions and to correct some of the shortcomings that this book has helped me to see with regards to my web site, my social media practices, and in-person interaction with readers.
August 30, 2018
This had some really useful information and exercises to help me figure out how I want to get my book in front of people that might read it. I feel more prepared for any publicity I'll be doing, and I can't wait to talk to my team and use some of the information I've gathered here.
*takes deep breath*
Of course, it's also great for inducing anxiety amongst authors. But at least after reading the book I'll be able to focus on how to control my anxiety - by writing some pitches and connecting with people.
*takes deep breath*
Of course, it's also great for inducing anxiety amongst authors. But at least after reading the book I'll be able to focus on how to control my anxiety - by writing some pitches and connecting with people.
October 16, 2025
I read these books more as reassurance that I'm doing the right things, rather than for tips - they are a very general, one size fits all look at marketing for authors. Don't read this expecting to be given an idea that will send your book rocketing up the bestsellers list. but do read it with an open mind - and be prepared to be called out on things you're doing wrong. Because you will be doing SOMETHING wrong. fix it!
March 25, 2018
Dana Kaye is amazing. She knows everything. I know a lot about marketing (much of which I learned from her through hearing her speak) but there was still more here I needed to know. I realize from this book that I'll have to divide my Goodreads presence somehow... being both a reviewer and now an author puts me in the middle! I've got a lot of work to do before my book comes out. Thanks, Dana!
April 19, 2019
Simply the best resource on book publicity that I've read in more than a decade. Massively informative, YOUR BOOK, YOUR BRAND is packed with genius insider tips and resources. Keep a fresh notebook handy, because you'll find yourself filling it with ideas. By the time you're done, you'll know how to put together a powerful publicity plan to launch your book. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2017
I found this book really helpful. It's super practical and straightforward. Even if you've never thought of yourself or your book as having a "brand" (I certainly hadn't) this book will get you on your way. And it's fun! Highly recommend.
February 10, 2020
Great book!!
Completely overwhelmed me and made me want to crawl into a hole and never ever try to tackle marketing, BUT since that is the cross we bear as authors, I guess I'll have to attempt it. Thank god this book exists to make it easier for me!
Completely overwhelmed me and made me want to crawl into a hole and never ever try to tackle marketing, BUT since that is the cross we bear as authors, I guess I'll have to attempt it. Thank god this book exists to make it easier for me!
May 10, 2017
Concise, practical, and helpful. What more could you want?
August 20, 2018
Dana Kaye's Your Book, Your Brand is chockful of excellent information for authors. I've gone to her website and viewed many of her helpful webinars also.
November 12, 2022
Great starting point for book marketing. Some of the advice is outdated; after all, this was published in 2016. But it still gave me plenty to work with as I consider what’s next.
October 21, 2016
Dana Kaye's Your Book, Your Brand: The Step-by-step Guide to Launching Your Book and Boosting Your Sales (Diversion Books 2016) came recommended by several friends when I was whining about the lack of success I was having marketing my latest novel. While Kaye doesn't have even a decade of experience in publicity, she does have a fresh eye and addictive enthusiasm. Once I got started reading, it was easy to see why her ideas were so valuable to writers.
Rather than the linear approach to marketing as you'll find in some marketing-for-authors books, Dana Kaye writes about typical problems writers might have with marketing and how to fix them using both online and physical solutions. She includes topics such as branding, online media, pitching, social media, in-person branding, promotions, as a worksheet of questions so readers can determine how they fit into the chapter discussion. A nice inclusion is a sample campaign and a suggested timeline for events.
Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
* Book promotion is more of an art than a science. What works for one author may not work for another...
* The first step is to always write a good book.
* All authors, regardless of audience, will need an author website. This serves as your online business card,
* All websites should include the following: [and then Kaye tells you what the critical pieces are].
* ...always pay for your images through stock photo companies; never pull images from the web.
* To stay focused, answer the following questions: Does your audience prefer print or e-books? Where do they get their information (TV, radio, websites)? What else do they read (newspapers, magazines, blogs)? Where do they buy their books (online, grocery stores, chain bookstores)? * What social media platforms do they utilize (Facebook, Twitter...).
* There are many companies that will charge you thousands of dollars to boost your SEO, not telling you about the many easy ways you can do it for yourself. One of those ways is securing online media coverage.
* A press kit is like a highlight reel, an expansion on the one-sheet that encapsulates all aspects of you as an author. It should feature all your books, showcasing the most important titles, as well as a longer bio and more in-depth talking points. It can also include any or all of the following: [and then Kaye lists those for readers]."
* ...Google+ is less about social networking and more about search engine marketing.
Overall, this could be an important part of the professional library for authors who are new to marketing.
Rather than the linear approach to marketing as you'll find in some marketing-for-authors books, Dana Kaye writes about typical problems writers might have with marketing and how to fix them using both online and physical solutions. She includes topics such as branding, online media, pitching, social media, in-person branding, promotions, as a worksheet of questions so readers can determine how they fit into the chapter discussion. A nice inclusion is a sample campaign and a suggested timeline for events.
Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
* Book promotion is more of an art than a science. What works for one author may not work for another...
* The first step is to always write a good book.
* All authors, regardless of audience, will need an author website. This serves as your online business card,
* All websites should include the following: [and then Kaye tells you what the critical pieces are].
* ...always pay for your images through stock photo companies; never pull images from the web.
* To stay focused, answer the following questions: Does your audience prefer print or e-books? Where do they get their information (TV, radio, websites)? What else do they read (newspapers, magazines, blogs)? Where do they buy their books (online, grocery stores, chain bookstores)? * What social media platforms do they utilize (Facebook, Twitter...).
* There are many companies that will charge you thousands of dollars to boost your SEO, not telling you about the many easy ways you can do it for yourself. One of those ways is securing online media coverage.
* A press kit is like a highlight reel, an expansion on the one-sheet that encapsulates all aspects of you as an author. It should feature all your books, showcasing the most important titles, as well as a longer bio and more in-depth talking points. It can also include any or all of the following: [and then Kaye lists those for readers]."
* ...Google+ is less about social networking and more about search engine marketing.
Overall, this could be an important part of the professional library for authors who are new to marketing.
April 10, 2017
Ray Bradbury often recommended some variation on “jump off the cliff and learn how to make wings on the way down.” This is how Dana Kaye claims to have learned book publicity.
This book is a very practical approach to publicity for authors. I can’t say that it works, but it looks like it ought to, and it is very doable for an individual author, whether traditionally or self published. She describes her approach simply, and step-by-step, breaking down building a brand, and then identifying an audience, and then building a campaign based on that.
She has helpful advice on contacting potential outlets in both traditional and new media; there is a nice section in the middle that describes the various kinds social media platforms available when the book was written. I expect that she’ll be publishing regular editions to update this section as different social media platforms rise and fall. (She includes Goodreads in the list, and I’m breaking one of her rules by reviewing a book rather than just rating it a 5.)
If you want to self-publish, and what’s holding you back is worrying about how to publicize your book, this certainly seems like a godsend. I have not seen any other book like it—certainly not one as practical.
This book is a very practical approach to publicity for authors. I can’t say that it works, but it looks like it ought to, and it is very doable for an individual author, whether traditionally or self published. She describes her approach simply, and step-by-step, breaking down building a brand, and then identifying an audience, and then building a campaign based on that.
She has helpful advice on contacting potential outlets in both traditional and new media; there is a nice section in the middle that describes the various kinds social media platforms available when the book was written. I expect that she’ll be publishing regular editions to update this section as different social media platforms rise and fall. (She includes Goodreads in the list, and I’m breaking one of her rules by reviewing a book rather than just rating it a 5.)
If you want to self-publish, and what’s holding you back is worrying about how to publicize your book, this certainly seems like a godsend. I have not seen any other book like it—certainly not one as practical.
December 15, 2016
An excellent guidance for any author looking to improve its readership and brand his or her book. Either you have or not a publisher, this book will help the published author to identify the best ways for promoting the work, through classical media outlets or via social media. Written by an experienced professional publisher, it reveals the step-by-step of a successful launch and media pitch, going through the everyday details that sometimes you need years of trials and errors to manage properly. A valuable resource recommended to anyone interested to create the author brand and successfully position its author's profile on a very complex and sophisticated market.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
August 17, 2023
My usual caveat for business books applies here: take what you like, and leave the rest.
This is an interesting, insider's look at how one publicist works with authors to promote their work. While some of the material is a trifle dated (does anyone really want to be on Twitter/X these days?), it's mostly solid advice.
One of the things I particularly appreciated was the perspectives on whether a given promo tactic was worthwhile for indie authors where ROI was concerned. That is something one seldom sees in books like this.
Overall, a valuable read for those who (like me) sometimes struggle with their marketing plans.
This is an interesting, insider's look at how one publicist works with authors to promote their work. While some of the material is a trifle dated (does anyone really want to be on Twitter/X these days?), it's mostly solid advice.
One of the things I particularly appreciated was the perspectives on whether a given promo tactic was worthwhile for indie authors where ROI was concerned. That is something one seldom sees in books like this.
Overall, a valuable read for those who (like me) sometimes struggle with their marketing plans.
November 5, 2016
I read these books more as reassurance that I'm doing the right things, rather than for tips - they are a very general, one size fits all look at marketing for authors. Don't read this expecting to be given an idea that will send your book rocketing up the bestsellers list. but do read it with an open mind - and be prepared to be called out on things you're doing wrong. Because you will be doing SOMETHING wrong. fix it!
May 1, 2021
Super practical breakdown of everything that an author needs to know to get the word out about a book. The reality is that there's not a quick fix and doesn't seem to be a magical formula to book PR - it's a lot of hustle on behalf of the author, and Kaye gives a pretty clear roadmap for how to do it.
July 13, 2016
Very informative, not just for authors, but for everyone in the book world. I'll be reccomending this to my writers group.
March 23, 2017
Comprehensive and on point. A must read for writers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews