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Archives for November 2014

Quick Question*
Should I buy the Xlibris marketing package?

November 5, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

publishing questions
Q. I am currently self-publishing with Xlibris and they have been aggressively marketing for me to spend additional money on one of their marketing packages. I haven’t even seen the final product yet. Should I take them up on their “special offer?”

A. We can’t speak specifically to the Xlibris packages, but can tell you generally that there is NO one size fits all when it comes to book marketing, and generic packages are rarely a good idea. Books must be promoted and marketed to succeed, of course. Most books disappear. So spending time and money on marketing is essential. But the type of marketing that works, whether you’re publishing fiction or nonfiction, is marketing that reaches people who are predisposed to purchase your book. Targeted marketing to people who have demonstrated a willingness to buy similar books in the past, and to people who are interested in your subject matter. It’s hard to reach those people through a generic press release that gets sent out to a thousand media outlets who will delete it before they read it. You won’t find your readers with generic review package, either, or [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Quick Questions Answered

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Praise

Jody actually takes the time to digest and understand what it is the writer is attempting to do before offering well thought out input. She has a more creative “big picture” mindset than most. (more)
Joe Lieberman
Jody is the consummate professional; she’s creative, a pleasure to deal with and her knowledge of book publishing is profound. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough. (more)
Madeleine Morel
Jody strives for the best, sets the bar high, and encourages others to do the same. Her success in the world of book publishing reflects her high standards. She knows the business inside and out–and her clients benefit! (more)
Dr. Lucy Spelman
Working editorially with Jody Rein and her team at Author Planet is like getting a graduate degree in writing… (more)
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Kudos to Jody! She provided the substance and valuable information we sought. Jody has such an open, upfront approach; it was perfect for our casual atmosphere. (more)
Bonnie F. McCune
Jody’s suggestions are clear and concise, and effectively point me in the direction I need to go with my project. I’ve had a most instructive and enjoyable time working with her! (more)
Louise Hauck
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Mark Kistler
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Bill Nesbit
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Author Planet, Jody Rein News

Looking forward to the upcoming 2018 San Francisco Writers conference February 14-17, 2018. Jody will be teaching many classes, and offering free coaching sessions.

Hey, hey, teaching again at the wonderful 2018 Willamette Writers Conference, August 2-5 in Portland, Oregon. This time taught a SIX HOUR Query Master workshop–super fun!

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