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Subject:Re: Promoting a self-published book From:"Kim L. Shaw" <103205 -dot- 402 -at- COMPUSERVE -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 6 Sep 1996 12:11:01 EDT
My experience with publishing and promotion is limited, but here are a few
ideas. There's a good book on the subject -- The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan
Poynter, 5th ed., Para Publishing, Santa Barbara, 1989. It includes about 5
chapters on promotion-related subjects.
I've heard from authors I know that it's hard to find agents to represent
nonfiction (not enough $$ in it), but here's someone to try who only does
nonfiction only: Sheree Bykofsky, 212/308-1253 (shereebee -at- aol -dot- com).
Since the target audience is well-defined, try direct mail. Post cards aren't
so expensive to send and they may work well if designed to get attention. You
could try mailing only to medical professionals here in town first (I assume
your authors are in Houston) to see how well a mail campaign works.
Also, have your authors approach bookstore managers directly. I know that some
of the bookstores here in Houston are very supportive of local authors.
Especially try the Borders on Westheimer and obviously Majors.
Hope some of this is helpful.
Kim Shaw
Words & Graphics Inc
Houston
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