by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Book Title Generator, Christian Book Marketing
Amazon offers valuable space on your sales page to showcase graphics, blurbs, and powerful visuals that help sell books. Don’t leave it empty. Start building your A+ Content now!
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Writers spend years crafting a manuscript, refining their messages, and preparing for launch. But once your book is live on Amazon, one of the most powerful sales tools available to you is often overlooked.
Amazon A+ Content.
If you’re not using it, you are leaving opportunity on the table.
What Is Amazon A+ Content and How Does It Help Sell Your Book?
Amazon A+ Content allows authors and publishers to enhance their book’s product page with rich visuals and expanded marketing sections. Instead of relying only on a standard book description, A+ gives you space to add:
- Custom graphics
- Comparison charts
- Branded imagery
- Additional text blocks
- Visual storytelling elements
This content appears below the main book description. It transforms your Amazon page from a simple listing into a more engaging, professional presentation.
Why Amazon A+ Content Increases Book Sales
Most authors focus heavily on getting reviews. And that matters. But when a potential reader lands on your Amazon page, they are asking one key question:
Is this book worth my time?
A+ Content helps you answer that question quickly and visually. It gives you the ability to reinforce your message, highlight key themes, and show readers what makes your book different.
Amazon SEO and Discoverability: Why A+ Content Matters
Amazon is a search engine. And like any search engine, it rewards content.
A+ Content gives you more indexed material tied to your book, which can help reinforce discoverability. While it does not replace keywords, categories, or metadata, it strengthens your overall presence.
More importantly, it increases time on page. When readers stay longer and engage with your content, it sends positive signals that your listing is worth paying attention.
Visual Content That Converts Readers into Buyers
Readers do not just read. They scan.
Strong visuals communicate what your book is about in seconds. A compelling graphic can do what several paragraphs cannot.
A+ Content lets you visually reinforce your key ideas, highlight benefits, and guide the reader toward a buying decision.
Amazon A+ Content Gives You Premium Sales Real Estate
Think of A+ Content this way:
Amazon is handing you premium shelf space in the world’s largest bookstore.
But there is a catch. You have to supply the graphics or let their AI do it.
Amazon provides the structure. You provide the message. Authors who invest in A+ Content stand out immediately. Those who ignore it blend in.
Here Are Authors Who Use Amazon A+ Content:
James Patterson’s ROCKET’S RED GLARE: https://a.co/d/01TTK6B8
Here Patterson showcases a dozen of his other books, includes a quote from FOX NEWS on a graphic and shows a military chopper flying. His potential readers knows EXACTLY what they are buying.
Gad Saad’s bestselling book SUICIDAL EMPATHY. https://a.co/d/0dTcQZDY
He simply uses the blurbs he’s received for the book, amplifies the best ones, highlights the prominent names and fully utilized the free real estate.
Cyrus Ellison’s 101 Foundations for the Unstoppable Christian Young Athlete. https://a.co/d/03lEeHlP
He has used every possible ‘module’ layout offered by Amazon + and has executed it well.
Scott Lorenz (that’s me) author of Book Title Bible: How to Title Your Christian Book https://a.co/d/0dmCH9wC
I used large images and took advantage of the real estate.
Who Can Create A+ Content?
- Your graphic designer
- Chat GPT
- Designers on Fiverr
- Let Amazon do it by using AI to generate A+ content. https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G8EP5W6H9CY7T8GS#genAI
To submit A+ Content go to the KDP Marketing page. From there, you’ll go to the A+ Content Manager to layout and submit your content. When you create A+ Content, you can choose between modules to create a layout. After you’ve added modules to your layout, you can re-arrange and remove modules, add images, and add text. Learn more about creating A+ Content here: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G8EP5W6H9CY7T8GS
Bottom Line
Get going on Amazon A+ Content today. Don’t leave that valuable real estate empty!
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net. His newest book for Christian authors is called Book Title Bible: How to Name Your Christian Book with Faith and Inspiration.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book
By: Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Getting your voice heard off the page is essential for any author looking to expand their reach. While the college speaking circuit slowed down significantly during the pandemic, it has come back stronger than ever. Speaking gigs offer invaluable visibility, but what truly matters is who is in the audience. When it comes to influence, few audiences are more valuable than college students and university staff. So, how can authors break into the college lecture circuit?
Get Your Foot in the Door with NACA
NACA stands for The National Association for Campus Activities. It’s a nonprofit organization that “serves as the central hub for campus professionals, student leaders, entertainers, agents, vendors, and other entities involved in the planning and execution of campus events and activities.” While its mission may sound broad, NACA is one of the most effective pathways for authors looking to enter the college speaking world.
According to NACA Executive Director Jameson Root, “NACA helps bring the collegiate market to you. Through in-person conferences and an online directory, authors can access the largest network of campus activities talent buyers and decision makers. Additional opportunities to showcase your work include presenting educational sessions, getting published in Campus Activities Programming® Magazine or the peer-reviewed Journal for Campus Activities Practice & Scholarship, writing for the NACA Blog, or hosting webinars. NACA strives to foster environments where everyone belongs and can thrive in their careers.”
Membership opens the door to networking with universities across the country, and gives you direct access to decision-makers who book campus events. To join this community, simply visit their website, become a member, and take advantage of the contacts listed for questions or guidance.
Here are a few additional agencies and organizations that help authors book college talks:
Be Persistent and Find Your Niche
Finding the specific audience interested in your book can be challenging, but colleges make this easier by organizing students into majors, departments, and clubs. Identify the group that best aligns with your message. Use platforms like LinkedIn as well as university websites to locate the right contacts. Once you connect with a professor, department chair, or student organization leader, tailor your talk to that specific group. Don’t wait for a prescheduled event; create your own opportunities! Step outside the box by proposing workshops and guest lectures. The speaking industry is competitive, so having a clear and compelling message can set you apart from everyone else and spark interest.
Speaking to the Future
Booking the college lecture circuit can be transformative for your book sales. Speaking directly with students allows you to get your book in front of the next generation of adults. Don’t hesitate to reach out to students and staff directly. Engage them by connecting your book’s themes to their academic and personal interests. Create a professional author page that you can send out to provide a short bio of who you are and what you want to say. When you’re speaking at colleges, your job is simple: inspire students. Whether students buy your book or start conversations about it, both outcomes help amplify your reach. Check out my article about media training tips here!
Speaking from Experience
Back in the day I was director of Student Activities at UNLV. Our committee booked all kinds of speakers, and many were authors. We booked people such as: Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek), Lee Bailey (OJ Simpon’s defense attorney), Vincent Bugliosi (Charles Manson’s prosecutor), David Frost (Nixon interview) and Carl Bernstein (Watergate). We were members of NACA and used booking agents to get our next big guest speaker. Not all were celebrities, but they all had a message and most had a book.
The Bottom Line
Want your book to reach the next generation? Get on campus. Speak. Inspire. Sell. The college lecture circuit is your launchpad, start now and make your message unforgettable.
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Book Marketing, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net. Then for Christian authors, check out Lorenz’s new book called Book Title Bible: How to Title Your Christian Book with Faith and Inspiration. www.BookTitleBible.com.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Publishing, Book Reviews, Writing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Editorial reviews are one of the few true third‑party endorsements an author can get, trusted signals that your book is credible, worth reading, and taken seriously by people who evaluate books for a living. While organic reviews carry weight, paid editorial reviews also play an important strategic role, giving authors access to respected outlets that can elevate visibility, authority, and market reach.
When authors start exploring editorial reviews, the first question is almost always: “Which service is the best?” The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The “perfect” review partner depends on your book’s genre, your target market, and what kind of credibility you actually need. A business book aimed at corporate buyers has different needs than a memoir, and a sci-fi novel plays in a completely different ecosystem than a leadership article. But even with all those variables, there’s still a clear hierarchy in the review world- and understanding that hierarchy helps you spend your money where it actually matters.
Here’s how to choose editorial reviews that actually work for your book and your brand.
Start With Your Book’s Strategic Goal
Before selecting reviewers, get clear on why you want editorial reviews. Ask yourself:
- Do I want media coverage?
- Do I want Amazon conversions?
- Do I want speaking or consulting credibility?
Clarity here prevents wasted time and mismatched reviews.
As Debra Englander, a consulting editor at Post Hill Press and publishing consultant, recently told me: “The right review strategy always starts with understanding your audience. Once you know who you’re trying to reach, you can choose the outlets those readers and gatekeepers actually trust.” She’s exactly right. Credibility first, amplification second. That’s the formula that works.
Prioritize Relevance Over Prestige
A glowing review from a niche yet respected authority often outperforms a vague endorsement from a well-known but unrelated source. The strongest editorial reviews come from publications that cover your specific genre or topic, experts trusted by your target audience, and organizations that align with your book’s subject matter. The key question is: Does this reviewer influence the people I want to reach?
Evaluate the Quality of the Review Itself
Not all reviews are created equal. To assess the usefulness of a review, ask yourself if it contains compelling, substantive commentary or just a one-line summary. A quality review is specific, highlights benefit for the readers, reinforces your expertise, and uses quotable language.
Editorial Review & ARC Service
At the top are Kirkus Indie Reviews and Foreword Clarion Reviews- the two outlets that consistently carry real weight with librarians, booksellers, reviewers, and media. Right behind them sit Publishers Weekly (via BookLife) and Booklist, both of which can meaningfully influence library and trade-market visibility if your book is selected. After that, you’ve got the indie and ARC-driven services- IndieReader, NetGalley, and others- which are great for building early momentum, generating reader reviews, and filling out the ecosystem.
Using Reviews Strategically
Choosing the right editorial review is only half the battle. Now it’s time to decide the best way to use it. Effective placement is where the real power lies. This includes the Amazon Editorial Reviews section, back cover and interior pages, press releases and media pitches, website landing pages, and speaker one-sheets and proposals. A well-placed editorial review continues working for your book long after publication day.
The Bottom Line
The right editorial review will build your buzz and drive your sales. Find the one that tells the world why your book matters.
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Book Marketing, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net. Then for Christian authors, check out Lorenz’s new book called Book Title Bible: How to Title Your Christian Book with Faith and Inspiration. www.BookTitleBible.com.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Book Title Generator, How to title a book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
In a publishing world crowded with voices, genres, and endless scrolling options, authors face a challenge that goes far beyond writing a great story: being remembered. It’s not enough to rely on a book cover or a single title to stand out. Readers connect with people, not just pages- and that’s where a strong tagline and moniker become invaluable.
These two branding tools act as quick, powerful anchors in a reader’s mind. They help define your identity, communicate your promise, and create emotional resonance long before anyone sees your book description.
Award-winning author and holistic health guide Natalie Sager uses an especially memorable brand identity. Her tagline, Peace, Love, & All That Jazz, evokes creativity, harmony, and a retro artistic spirit, while her moniker, “The Modern Hippie Mama,” instantly conveys her personality and what sets her apart.
Taglines: Your First Point of Connection
An author tagline is a short statement that communicates what your writing offers. Think of it as your advertising slogan, your literary handshake, or your personal mission distilled into a few words. Taglines are important to create consistency across platforms, strengthen reader trust, and differentiate you in a vast market.
Monikers: The Shortcut to Author Recognition
A moniker is a descriptive nickname or phrase that encapsulates your author persona. It’s not your name- it’s your identity amplifier. A strong moniker gives people a simple, memorable mental hook. It can also help establish you in your genre and fuel word-of-mouth marketing, all while elevating your brand beyond individual books. Readers may forget a name, but they’ll remember the Cyberpunk Storyweaver.
The Proof is in the Pudding
Many well-known authors use taglines or monikers to position themselves clearly in readers’ minds. Some are official; others are widely used by media, fans, or marketers. Here are some notable examples:
- Stephen King- “The King of Horror”
- Agatha Christie- “The Queen of Mystery”
- George R.R. Martin- “The American Tolkien”
- Roald Dahl- “The World’s #1 Storyteller”
- Tom Clancy- “The Master of the Modern Thriller”
Tips For Your Tagline/Moniker
- Keep them short
- Make them specific
- Focus on longevity
- Choose language that reflects your tone
- Be authentic
The Bottom Line
Memorable authors don’t leave branding to chance. Develop a clear tagline and moniker now that captures who you are and what you stand for.
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net. Look for his newest book: Book Title Bible, How to Name Your Christian Book with Faith and Inspiration. www.BookTitleBible.com.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Book Fairs, Book Festivals, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Christian Book Marketing
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
If you’re an author, you owe it to yourself to check out this list of book festivals and fairs that authors could attend for 2026. These events are an excellent way for authors to meet book buyers and reviewers, interact with fellow authors and publishers, meet your readers and find new ones too. As an author you can network with book industry leaders, locate the help you need, such as a publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace.
Book fairs usually want speakers. By volunteering to speak, authors not only gain great exposure but can also add that appearance to their resume and press releases. One of my author clients was a member of a panel of authors at a Southern Book Festival. I issued a press release about it and added it to her accomplishments on her bio. Not only is she a respected author but she’s now an author admired by her peers. It’s these little things that all add up in the minds of reviewers and the media when they decide who they will write about. If you want to land a panel slot or speaking gig you must plan ahead; dates for panel participants, speakers and autograph sessions are usually arranged months in advance.
Upcoming Book Fairs and Festivals
For more upcoming book events check out C-SPAN2 at: https://www.c-span.org/bookTv/ and click on the Book Fairs tab. For more information about book events and book marketing visit https://westwindbookmarketing.com/.
Savannah Book Festival, February 5-8, 2026, Savannah, GA. The Savannah Book Festival has been around since 2008. It offers live streaming sessions with leading authors. https://www.savannahbookfestival.org/
AWP Conference and Bookfair, March 4-7, 2026, Baltimore, MD. At the AWP Conference and Bookfair, you’ll find hundreds of authors, publishers, and exhibitors. There will be panel discussions and a keynote speaker. https://www.awpwriter.org/AWP/AWP/Conference-Bookfair/Overview.aspx
Saints and Sinners Literary Festival, March 27-29, 2026, New Orleans, LA. Created in 2003, the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival help educate the community on HIV/AIDS. It brings together writers, thinkers, and spokespeople. https://www.sasfest.org/
American Library Association Annual Conference, June 25-29, 2026, Chicago. Join them for top-quality education and best practices; featured thought leaders; and special programming for library professionals looking to further develop their libraries, careers, and communities! https://2026.alaannual.org/
Writers at Woody Point, August 18-23, 2026, Woody Point, Newfoundland. Writers at Woody Point is firmly rooted in Newfoundland literature, attracting both writers from abroad and those nurtured here at home. During the festival, writers and musicians connect with their audience in intimate venues, over dinner and drinks, or on a hike into the pristine hills, and soak up the area’s own creative talent at exhibits of art and crafts, musical performances and impromptu after-hours celebrations that combine jam sessions, dancing and lots of laughter. https://www.writersatwoodypoint.com/
Bookmarks 21st Annual Festival of Books & Authors, September 28, 2026, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Bookmarks connects people and books through its annual festival, which has been around for over 17 years. https://bookmarksnc.org/festival
The South Dakota Festival of Books, September 2026, Brookings, SD. It connects more than 4,000 attendees and more than 50 noteworthy authors, scholars, and publishers. https://sdhumanities.org/festival-of-books/
Decatur Book Festival, October 2-3, 2026, Decatur, GA. This is the largest independent book festival in the country. Over the years, over 1000 authors and hundreds of thousands of people have attended this event in downtown Decatur. https://decaturbookfestival.com/
The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair, October 24-25, 2026, Seattle, WA. The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair features exhibitors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. https://www.seattlebookfair.com/
The Texas Book Festival, November 14-15, 2026, Austin, TX. Founded in 1955, this festival includes over 275 authors as well as over 100 exhibitors. https://texasbookfestival.org/
The Bottom Line
Take a break from your pen and attend one of these top book fairs and festivals. You won’t regret it!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
