Book Marketing - Help! - Writers Forum

evadri · 08-21-2005, 02:19 AM

I'm doing an assignment for which I need to know some advertising costs.
I've looked all over the net, but can't find anything, so...

I need to know:

Does it cost a publisher anything to have a book reviewed by a newspaper?

If a bookstore is selling a book, does it cost the publisher anything to have that book in the bookstore's catalogue?

General answers are more than welcome, but if anyone has any specific knowledge relevant to Australian publishers, that would be brilliant.

Please help me.

mammamaia · 08-21-2005, 12:05 PM

Does it cost a publisher anything to have a book reviewed by a newspaper?

...not beyond the cost of sending the reviewer a copy... reviewers are on the paper's staff, or paid by the newspaper, if freelance...

If a bookstore is selling a book, does it cost the publisher anything to have that book in the bookstore's catalogue?

...no... nor for any other listings, such as amazon and b&n's websites... the stores make their money on selling the books, so it's to their advantage to both list and promote them...

...this info relates to the northamerican industry, but i'm sure it's the same anywhere... hope this helps...

love and hugs, maia

evadri · 08-23-2005, 05:09 AM

Thankyou maia! That is a great help.

Uh, one more question - how about TV spots? Commercials cost of course, but what about an appearence on a talk show or current affairs type program?

midlandsmuse · 08-23-2005, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evadri

Does it cost a publisher anything to have a book reviewed by a newspaper?

If a bookstore is selling a book, does it cost the publisher anything to have that book in the bookstore's catalogue?

As Mammamaia said the review would just be a copy sent to the newspaper.

Bookstores are interesting. I know there is an issue in the UK at the moment with a very popular outlet almost killing off small publishers because they are demanding a bigger cut in profits (usually 33% for the retailer I think but this big chain are asking for 50%). I now refuse to buy books from this big chain because the costs to small publishers mean they make very little on 33% mark up and sometimes run at a loss on 50%.

Quote:

Originally Posted by evadri

Uh, one more question - how about TV spots? Commercials cost of course, but what about an appearence on a talk show or current affairs type program?

All I would say with TV is that it's about advertisers and therefore viewing figures or audience demographics (a smaller audience but tighter demographic is better than a big audience and split demographics). So in a way you need to find a television programme who has the same target audience as the book. Technically if you are on the show (as opposed to the audience) then you should get at the very least expenses for turning up but I would expect a fee. They are, afterall, buying your time for a commercial project. They will make money from it (from advertising) so you shouldn't be expected to give your time for free.

mammamaia · 08-23-2005, 10:23 AM

in an ideal world, mm!

but the money-grubbing world of tv talk shows isn't one, by far... guests don't always get paid... their travel expenses may be covered, but they don't generally get paid for appearing... exceptions are major 'names' who think they should be paid for breathing...