How to promote your book

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How to promote your book

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Tuesday, June 9, 2015 · 6:30 - 9:30pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Learn how to attract readers for your book at this interactive evening course

Publicity skills are an essential part of being an author. Whether you’re self-publishing your book or work with a traditional publisher, writers are increasingly responsible for ensuring their book gets the exposure it deserves. This interactive course, led by publicity and marketing expert Ben Cameron, will teach you everything you need to know to promote your book and attract readers.

You’ll learn how to identify the aspects of your book that the media might be interested in, as well as best practice for approaching journalists, producers and reporters. You’ll also learn the basics of writing a good press release, and how to use social media to amplify the publicity of your work.

During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your book and brainstorm publicity ideas with the group. Drawing upon his 20 years of experience in book promotion, Ben will advise you what strategies may or may not work, making it an unmissable evening for writers who are serious about getting their work noticed.

This course is for you if...

  • You’re an author whose book was published in the last six months via self-publishing or traditional publishing
  • You’re in the process of publishing a book and want to learn more about publicity and self-promotion
  • You’re a fiction or non-fiction author who wants to learn how to maximise publicity with a view to increasing sales, exposure and book reviews

PLEASE NOTE: This course is not suitable for writers who have not yet chosen a publisher, or authors who want advice on finding publishers and agents. Attendees should have recently had their book published, or be in the process of making this happen.

Course description

This interactive course teaches authors how to promote their book and attract readers. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss their work and brainstorm publicity ideas with the group, with opportunity for feedback from the tutor. Topics covered include:

  • Publicity skills for authors
  • The differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing – and what’s expected of you as a writer
  • Promoting your book through the media – including newspapers magazines, radio, television, websites and blogs
  • Identifying target media outlets and contacts that are right for your work
  • How to identify the aspects of your book that the media may be interested in
  • How to write a convincing and professionally-formatted press release
  • Best practice for approaching the media to pitch ideas for articles, interviews and reviews
  • Working with journalists, producers and reporters to increase the publicity of your book
  • How to increase publicity using social media
  • Practical exercise: attendees have the opportunity to discuss their books and brainstorm publicity ideas, with solution-based feedback provided by the tutor
  • Q&A and group discussion

Tutor profile

Ben Cameron has over 20 years’ experience in book promotion, publishing and sales for both traditional publishers and self-published authors. In 2006, he founded Cameron Publicity and Marketing to offer the same marketing services that large publishers benefit from to all authors. With his company, Ben has worked on hundreds of campaigns for everyone from big publishers to small independent authors, covering pretty much every subject imaginable. He is also a well-regarded speaker and writer on book marketing, contributing articles to The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, Writing magazine, The Huffington Post, The Self-publishing Magazine and other media. Ben also wrote the entry in the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook on publicity for self-published authors, which can be found in the printed book.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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