Smith Myths: 3 Myths About a Book’s Potential, Post-Publication

By Katie Schnack, Publicist at Smith Publicity

Writers often work for years to get a book published. From coming up with the concept, writing and editing,  to finding an agent, and then finally securing a contract or finding an indie path–it’s a long, hard road! With that there is pressure and energy focused on the lead-up to that big, exciting pub date. In the months and weeks before, authors concentrate on pre-launch activities: marketing, social media posts, media appearances, all in the hopes that their new book will make a big impact. 

Then, it happens–the big day arrives. The official publication date. The book is officially out in the universe, available for sale. Published!

So…now what?

While it’s easy to find resources on what to do before your book comes out, what about afterward? Let’s tackle three common myths we frequently hear about life post-publication and reveal the truths behind them in order to help your book become a valuable asset for you for years to come.

MYTH #1: All your media placements should happen before or on publication day

In an ideal world, of course, you’d have a trade review go live, a feature in The New York Times, and a perfect interview on TODAY with Hoda Kotb all in the week or so leading up to your publication date. A dream!

But even with meticulous planning, it’s unlikely to happen that way. And that is OK! If your pub date comes and goes and it seems like you didn’t get the accolades you dreamed of, should you give up? Absolutely not! 

While it’s advantageous to start gaining media coverage before or around the book’s release, SO MUCH potential still happens afterward—weeks, months, or even years later. Publication day is a great milestone, but it’s only the beginning of your book’s journey. Celebrate, pop some champagne, but be ready to continue spreading your message.

Media placements offer credibility and visibility for an author/expert that last for years. We encourage authors to add media logos, outlet names, blurbs, and awards to their website, social media platforms, bios, on Amazon and other retail pages, speaker profiles, and to regularly reshare media links via social media posts or newsletters—especially when the theme becomes timely in the news again.

MYTH #2: Your book is irrelevant a few months after the publication date

I’ve worked on promoting the same book for clients for multiple years – YEARS! In many cases, their media coverage only grows with time.

The key is to move beyond the initial “new book” angle. Because the media angle never is that “a new book is out.” Instead, the story and message we pitch to the media goes much deeper. We focus on the inspiring, insightful, problem solving, expert perspective, entertaining and/or thought provoking topics the author can share with the media outlet’s listeners, viewers, and readers. The author’s book then becomes a valuable part of their bio. 

Plus media coverage often has a snowball effect. You start small, do well, and then build toward larger and more prominent opportunities. As the author’s message sharpens and they keep sharing reviews and coverage, their media appeal increases.

For example, as a book publicist, I had clients focus their book’s publication date before a specific awareness month, such as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. They may have launched well, but after the awareness month ends, they continue to push their message. The following year, when the awareness month rolls around again, they’re prepared with a collection of fresh media clips and examples that reinforce their expertise. Or after the book’s release, as breaking news arises, the author is able to quickly step in to comment. Creativity and persistence extends your book’s life and messages far beyond the publication date

MYTH #3: If your first book isn’t a massive success, you should probably retire as a writer

Rarely does a single book launch someone into massive success. But your motivations behind releasing a book should go far deeper than getting clout. If you’ve written a book that helps people, grows your expert or thought leadership visibility, or a novel that captivates readers, that’s a success in its own right. Enjoy the process, and keep growing your audience and building your brand–and then write the next book.

Publishing is a marathon not a sprint. Keep working on your craft and building your career. A publication date worth celebrating, but it’s just the beginning of your book’s life. Good things take time. Give your book a chance to be read, reviewed, and appreciated by your audience. Get creative in finding ways to tie your message to current events and trends, and most importantly, help the investment you’ve made in your book last for years.

If your non-fiction book is past its publication date and you’re interested in learning how book publicity can help continue to bring visibility to your ideas and your platform, we encourage you to reach out to Smith Publicity at moc.yticilbuPhtimS@ofnI.