How much marketing does a publisher do?

Question

If I get published with a main stream fiction publisher, how much effort will they put into marketing my book? I think I heard from one of my creative writing teachers at University that they will just concentrate their time and money on promoting the cream of their crop, the authors who they think are most worth their effort.

And how exactly are they likely to promote me besides sending press releases to newspapers and magazines and stuff?

Answer 1

It is in the best interest of new novelists to spend some of their advance money in basic marketing of their first novel. Until a writer is established, a publisher is unlikely to spend more than a standard minimal amount on marketing a first novel.

There are a few inexpensive/free things you can do to get the word out about your book:
Set up a website. Spend a little money to have a professional design it. The more professional and attractive it looks, the better. Update it frequently.
Set up an email list (on your web page or blog) for readers to "subscribe" for news.
Conduct contests and give away copies of your book. Word of mouth is a great way to advertise.
Set up a blog and/or a Myspace page for your book. Update frequently.
There are TONS of small book groups and review sites online. TONS at Yahoo. Contact their moderators and ask if you may post a brief synopsis of your story or if they'd like to review it (this will involve giving them a free copy of your novel.)
Send press releases to your local/community newspaper. Totally free!
Buy ad space in writers publications to publicize the novel.
Contact local bookstores and set up book signings.
I know many authors who have bookmarks made up with the cover design of their book jacket. They give them away whenever they can to whomever wants them. It's a good way to get your name in front of the reader constantly.
Attend conferences where authors sign books. Bring your books and your bookmarks.

These are just a few ideas. You'll have to be very proactive in marketing your first novel. Don't assume you'll be able to sit back and let the publisher do it all and then the money will start rolling in. Your work doesn't end with the writing when you're starting out, I'm afraid.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Yes, they do concentrate on the cream of their crop. People like James Patterson and Michael Connelly will get more promotion than a new author. A rare exception was The Historian where an A List Publisher went out on a limb and promoted a new book by a first time author to the tune of 50 million bucks. What a mistake and waste of money.

The main way they will promote you is getting you space on shelves in stores. That's where books sell. Space in bookstores is at such a premium now that stores are charging major publishers a buck a book to place books on the tables near the doors. That's where books sell. C.

Answer 3

"Cream of the crop" is a subjective notion, indeed. Having studied English literature for many years, I don't consider the Harry Potter series to be great literature by any means, but it certainly has marketability! And yes, I am actually reading the books (on book 5, which I'm liking better than books 2-4).

People are marketed well if they make or will make a lot of money for the publisher, or the writer knows someone with pull at the publishing firm.

I don't think it's something to worry about. Write to write. There's no formula for being a rich writer. Speaking from experience, most of us are not at all rich.

Answer 4

your teacher is correct, publishers will work the hardest to promote the cream of their crop. if your book is "the cream of their crop", your book will be prolific and inevitably successful. that is, if they put enough marketing into your book, and sometimes, they do not care to hold the book if the prologue is distasteful. if the publisher feels as if your bok is "the one" they will put days into publishing your book