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 | Author Advice, Blog, Book Marketing, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Book Reviews, Marketing a Book
New Behind-the-Scenes Story by FOX-5 NY Sheds Light on the Meticulous Process
by Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
As a book publicist, I talk to authors and clients on a daily basis. Many have one goal in common: To become a New York Times bestselling author. One way to do it is to get reviewed by the New York Times Book Review. This is no surprise as the New York Times Book Review is one of the most prominent book review publications out there. It’s a weekly paper magazine that comes with the Sunday New York Times, which has a circulation of 1.5 million. A one-fifth page ad in the Book Review will cost a whopping $8,830 for small presses. You can expect to dish out even more if you’re a major publisher. For more information click here.
If your book gets reviewed by the New York Times Book Review, you’re almost guaranteed an increase in sales and publicity. So, how does the New York Times Book Review select books to review? Good question! Pamela Paul, who’s been the New York Times Book Review editor since 2013 sat down with FOX 5 NY to shed some light on this very common question. Check out the terrific story here.
“We love the publishing industry, and we support what they do, but really we are here for readers.” Pamela Paul, Editor, NY Times Book Review
She explained that the New York Times receives hundreds of books that would like to get reviewed each day. Believe it or not, all the books, except for self-published books, receive some kind of look by a staff of critics and freelance reviewers. The type of look each book gets, however, varies. While one book’s look lasts a few seconds, another book gets read cover to cover.
“Only 1% of all the books we receive make the cut. We’re always on the lookout for new and interesting voices. Since we view books as a form of art, we strive to recognize innovation and diversity,” Paul explains.
Paul was asked whether critics ever get tired of looking at books. “The kind of people that work at the Book Review are always excited to check out a book. They really love books and are doing exactly what they want to be doing,” she says.
All NY Times book reviews are fact-checked for accuracy. Paul states that fact-checking is very important for them because while you can disagree with a book review, you shouldn’t distrust it. Once the reviews are fact-checked, copy editors write headlines, credits, and more before the review goes to press.
You can see that the New York Times Book Review is run by people who love books and why they take extra care to make sure what they recommend is worthy of their audience’s time. That’s why a mention in the NY Times Book Review is so powerful.
From the NY Times Website:
During the Covid-19 pandemic, The New York Times Book Review is operating remotely and will accept physical submissions by request only. If you wish to submit a book for review consideration, please email a PDF of the galley at least three months prior to scheduled publication to booksassistant@nytimes.com. Include the publication date and any related press materials, along with links to NetGalley or Edelweiss if applicable. Due to the volume of books we receive, we cannot respond to individual requests about our plans for coverage. Thank you.
When things return to normal, if you would like to have your book considered for review, please send it to:
Editor
The New York Times Book Review
620 Eighth Avenue,
New York, NY 10018
books@nytimes.com
If you are sending a children’s book, please send it to the attention of the Children’s Book Editor.
The Bottom Line
While earning a spot on the New York Times Book Review is no easy feat, it’s not impossible. As long as your book has a unique twist, is well crafted, has an important message, or a new voice that must be heard, it stands a chance and is certainly worth sending in.
Final Recommendation
Watch the FOX-5 NY piece a few more times so you can really understand what the NY Times wants. https://www.fox5ny.com/news/a-day-in-the-life-inside-the-ny-times-book-review-process
You can also watch an hour-long interview with C-SPAN’s Book TV and New York Times Book Review editor Pamela Paul from 2015. https://www.c-span.org/video/?326362-1/tour-new-york-times-book-review
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!
