Every book and every author is different. There is no way to predict how
many books you will sell because we do not know what type of coverage
you will secure. There are many variables in the publicity process that
are out of our control, such as author performance on interviews and
media reaction to a book. However, we will not take your book on for a
publicity campaign if we did not believe it has good potential for media
coverage which is of course the key to sparking sales.

Given the odds and sheer volume of competition, it is not likely.
However, we won’t know if we don’t try. If we think your book is a good
candidate for her show, we will certainly pitch to her producers. For
Oprah to feature a book, it typically needs to be on bookstore shelves
nationally.

Chances are, yes, we have. Our team of publicists has promoted over 950 books from every genre.

With publicity, we do not have control over who and what the media
chooses to feature, thus we cannot guarantee coverage. However, this is
exactly what makes publicity credible and in many times, priceless.
People can buy print ads and media spots, but audiences know they are
paid. A feature story describing a book or a radio interview with the
author as a guest gives the author and book credibility, which can be
used long after a campaign concludes.

We do not know who will respond, how they will react to a book, or
how and when they will cover an author. While we cannot guarantee you
coverage we know that without self or professional promotion efforts,
people will not know your book exists.

We also rely upon our track record as an indicator of what we are
capable of achieving  in terms of securing coverage for a specific book.
The vast majority of our clients leave Smith Publicity happy with the
results and our service.

Every campaign is different, but by the end of your time with us, your
press materials will be in the hands of thousands of producers, editors,
reporters, writers, etc. across the targeted markets. This is in
addition to the personal pitching and mailings we do based on your
book’s topic and your personal goals. Our extensive personal media
contacts are invaluable, and we have relationships with producers and
editors who cover topics from all book genres.

Since 1997, Smith Publicity has executed over 950 campaigns.

Most of the publicity activity does not require much of your time. Publicists are working daily with the media to present information, answer questions, mail books and press kits, follow-up and schedule opportunities all in an effort to secure coverage for you. Interviews are scheduled around your availability.

Radio interviews can typically be done from your home or office via phone. For magazine, print and Internet feature stories, if additional information is needed from you, we will set up a telephone call with the reporter/editor at your convenience, or they may send you a list of questions via email.

No. The stigma of self-publishing has decreased drastically in recent
years. We’ve placed self-published authors and books in as many as
top-tier media outlets as we have traditionally published.

If you do not continue on with us, we will provide you with the contact
information of all media contacts who expressed interest in you and your
book and who requested a review copy or interview. We encourage clients
to continue following up with all media contacts to secure coverage
beyond their contract. If any leads come in after your campaign has
ended, we will forward the interest to you. This is not an option many
agencies offer their clients, once they are no longer “paying” clients.

Our team of experienced publicists have developed an extensive network of media contacts—cultivated since 1997.

While we will aggressively pursue the “home run” or “ideal”
opportunities, we encourage clients to build their media portfolios with
all plausible opportunities. The more exposure we generate about you,
at any level, simply opens additional doors.

You’ll have 100% final approval over your press materials. We want you
to be completely comfortable with the information we’re submitting to
media and how we are representing you.

We want you to monitor the progress of your campaign along with us!
During a campaign, you receive weekly written updates outlining exactly
what we did for you, details of the media outlets interested in you, and
our plans for the upcoming weeks. You will always know what is
happening with your account. Also, your publicist is available to speak
with you at any time about the progress of your account and to
brainstorm on ideas and angles.

Yes, we regularly deal with controversial topics. Controversy sparks
curiosity and we will use the attention grabbing angles of your book to
our advantage!

No. We work with authors from around the world. Through telephone calls
and email, we will be able to execute your campaign.  Our publicists are
located in various geographic areas.

The only travel typically required is for local, regional, or
national television. You can decide on a case by case basis if you want
to accept the interview.

Unless we are working on galleys, it is important that your book is
published and available for purchase before you begin a publicity
campaign. We do not want to begin to solicit awareness for you and your
book if consumers cannot follow up with the next step – purchasing it! 
When working with Smith Publicity, we’ll need copies of your book, your
agreement, payment and completed author questionnaire before we can
begin.

We have a team of skilled publicists, one of whom will be assigned to
you. We will not know who that publicist is until we know you are on
board as there are several factors that go into client assignment,
including client load.

Typically 3 to 4 authors, depending on the scope of the campaigns.

Each week varies, depending on the stage of the campaign. One week,
your publicist may work extensively doing media list research, sending
out press kits, and personally calling high priority contacts. The next
week the publicist may not put in as many “pitching” hours, but will be
arranging media interviews and performing important follow up
activities.

Publicity is very different than advertising. With advertising, you
are paying for your information to reach readers/listeners. You are in
control of where and when. With publicity, we do not have control over
the media. We do not know who will respond, how they will react to you
and your book, or how and when they will cover you. However, when it
works, it is much more credible and valuable than paid advertising
because you become the news. We cannot guarantee you coverage,
but we can guarantee we know what we are doing and will give your
campaign 100% effort.

As publicists, our main focus is soliciting media interest for you
and your book. If you’re interested in on-shelf distribution, it’s best
to speak with your distributor or publisher. When contacting them,
especially a distributor, let them know if you are investing in a
publicity campaign. This makes your project more appealing.