Getting a book written and publishing is an amazing achievement and anybody who does it deserves a big pat on the back.
Sadly, that first copy of your book arriving in a Jiffy bag is just one step on your path to fame and fortune as an author and that retirement to a life scribing on a Caribbean island. You have another mountain to climb and that’s to tell potential readers about your book.
“When you get your book published you are 50% of the way there but still have another 80% to do.”
Yes, I know it doesn’t add up !!!
It doesn’t matter if you are self-publishing or if you have a publishing contract either – there is only one person who can sell a book and that’s the author. It is also important that you think about how you are going to promote and sell the book pretty much at the same time you start writing your book. Somewhat ironically, this especially applies if you are aiming to get a publishing contract as publishers are looking for authors to take initiatives in this area.
Getting press coverage is an art and getting speaking opportunities is all about serendipity and being in the right place at the right time. We are delighted for PR expert and author in her own right, Catherine Mansel Lewis to be joining our team.
About Catherine
Catherine Mansel Lewis is a successful professional PR and events consultant with experience gained over the years representing clients within the arts, literary and lifestyle sectors, creating publicity opportunities as well as managing events and conferences. With an MA in Creative Writing Catherine is particularly supportive of fostering creativity in new writers. With excellent interpersonal skills and and a well-honed network Catherine is adept at looking after the PR
and seeking opportunities for both new writers and established authors.
Tatler magazine quote, November 2011: “Business woman, PR and journalist – Catherine manages to ace whatever she turns her hand to.”
Author Promotion Packages
Bronze – £199 pcm – Automated PR
Targeted automated press release email-shot sent to over 25 titles including literary and creative writing magazines and e-zines, also to editors on publications relevant to the author’s subject
Author to provide press release, which will be ‘tweaked’ as needs be
Silver – £499 pcm – Targeted press release email-shot
Includes Bronze automated service
Emails to editors on publications relevant to the author’s subject, which will be followed up.
Research into local literary festivals for reading opportunities
We will arrange for copies of the author’s book to be sent as requested by editors and festivals
Author to provide their biography and information for a press release
Gold – £999 pcm – Bespoke campaigns
Includes Bronze automated and Silver service
A highly-focused service that includes calls to editors to see what opportunities may be available for the author within specific publications
Emails to local writers’ groups, national literary festivals and industry bodies for opportunities such as talks and readings
We will also plan a programme of promotional activities such as book signings and coverage in regional press and local radio
As this is a bespoke campaign it includes meeting with the author to look at promotional ideas and media targets
Platinum – POA – Book launches and Book Tours
Note agency rates @ 15% apply for any paid opportunities that come about as a result of PR, such as after-dinner talks, workshops and broadcasts
Note, in the event that expenses such as cost of travel and accommodation be incurred on the author’s behalf these will be notified in advance and be refunded by the author
If you would like to discuss any of these services in more detail, email Catherine in the first instance at:
“I have worked with Catherine Mansel Lewis for many years and have always found her to be exceptionally professional in all her dealings with the press. She has a delightful personality and is great fun to work with.”
Ian C D Scott – Managing Director – Ian Scott Communications“In her role as Director of Sales and Marketing at Fusion Entertainment Catherine Mansel Lewis has proved herself to be an extremely valuable asset to the company. As we are a small company Catherine has a handle on all aspects of the business. She has a wide range of skills, from her ability to motivate and lead a team right through to her ingenious ideas in marketing and promotion. She also has a very impressive little black book of contacts. Catherine is always positive and upbeat and indeed doesn’t see problems, only challenges. I would thoroughly recommend Catherine and cannot speak highly enough of her both professionally and personally.”
Ben Douglas – Founder – Fusion Entertainment“I have known Catherine for at least fifteen years, originally when I was a contributing editor at Conde Nast publications and over the past decade writing travel features for FT How To Spend It. You will know what a difficult lot we are, so it says much for Catherine’s inventiveness – and charming persistence – that her clients have gained the coverage they have.
I was happy to recommend her to publicise the first conference held by the Anthony Powell Society. This resulted in the attendance of high profile literary figures like A.N. Wilson and good coverage in the nationals. She has retained her expertise in arts and lifestyle as well as literary PR.
As you will have gathered Catherine is intelligent, well educated and blessed with an inventive sense of humour, all useful qualities. Less obvious is a candour that has sometimes steered me away from a poor angle to search out a better one.
Like the better class of elephant she does not forget and the follow up is consistent and reliable. Pity cloning remains an undeveloped technology.”
Julian Allason -Travel Correspondent – www.FT.com/HowToSpendIt
