Comments on: Children’s book publisher needs a ‘big idea’ for publicity

By: Dean Johnson

Dean Johnson — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 03:45:04 +0000

Have you ever considered publishing the works of a celebrity? The media attention would generate interest in your other line of books. My producing partner (a celebrity actress) and I have looked at a number of publishing options through our agent regarding our children’s book series. Perhaps a celebrity client might provide that extra umph needed to draw attention to all of your books?

By: Angie

Angie — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:50:06 +0000

Thanks so much for all of the great ideas — we’ve already started working on a few!

By: garth

garth — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:35:22 +0000

Identify media/celebrity with children on the way and send them a book I know for example that Penelope Cruz is very into having a family right now.

I think tv’s Al Roker has a book review for kids that he does on air so send him a book.

I believe this is National Science and Engineering Week this could be perfect time to tie in a science contest to your books.

By: Mary Shafer

Mary Shafer — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:09:10 +0000

I agree about hitting the homeschoolers hard. They’re the most referral-oriented, and therefore the most likely to create authentic buzz. There are about a squillion websites for homeschooling parents online. Just do a search on that term, go to the sites, sign up and start posting. Don’t be spammy, but actually offer something of value from each book, and let people know there’s more where that came from, and how to find the book. Offer to send a free copy to the first three people to email and ask for it, etc. Also a nice way to build your email list for future product release notices.

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:27:06 +0000

How about creating a read-a-thon for Earth Day? There seem to be a number of titles that would fit into that topic – contact the major book sellers (B&N, Borders, etc) and see if you could work with them to host a national in store event with books as prizes? I would also suggest getting in touch with PTO Today, a resource for PTO’s across the country. They often cross promote products that support education. Another suggestion – Simon Property Management Group is the largest mall management company in the country. They’re based in Indianapolis. Their malls used to implement a Kids Club program. If they’re still running it, maybe you could team up with them for a kids event. Good luck!

By: Cheryl Stroup

Cheryl Stroup — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:33:04 +0000

I immediately thought of the homeschooling community. Many, many resources for homeschooling parents and advertising or sending a sample book or book list to the well-traveled homeschooling resource sites could prove beneficial. Word of mouth is the best press you can get and from what I’ve seen, the homeschooling community is a worthy ally. Since I have no children, I do not homeschool so you will need to research the sites on your own. My apologies for this. I’ve also seen references to “National Homeschooling Month” though there are conflicting dates: one said March, another says September. Good luck.

By: Yvette Stanton

Yvette Stanton — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:53:04 +0000

I suspect that these sorts of books are likely to be purchased by grandparents for their grandchildren. As a grandparent, who could pass up something that will entertain AND educate the grandkiddies? I suggest you work on getting reviews into seniors media – newspapers, blogs, websites.

By: Jason Vaughn

Jason Vaughn — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:36:48 +0000

What about mixing unusual art with your books and lessons. I’m a balloon artist and story teller. I write stories and share them using balloon sculptures. Maybe you could create a series around the Olympics and illustrate it with balloon art. And then market it with large scale sculptures at libraries and other venues. The unusual nature has given me and my association plenty of exposure even to the point of being contacted by Martha Stewart for a dress e-mail that started around.

Just an idea.

Jason Vaughn
866-564-1449

By: Kevin Gaydosh, APR

Kevin Gaydosh, APR — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:07:28 +0000

First thing to come to mind is the TV show, “Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader?” Approach the show’s producers offering books to the show’s researchers or offer supply questions for writers. Offer to provide books as show appearance gifts. Pitch the assignment editors of the top 30 local FOX affiliates with the idea to convene their own studio audience of parents, teachers and children to watch the show, and then quiz parents based on information found in your library. Provide books as prizes or give coupons or discounts to everyone who takes part.