by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Publishing, How to title a book, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book, Writing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Writers spend years crafting characters, shaping dialogue, and perfecting each scene. But if there are two pages that hold the most weight in a reader’s journey, it’s the very first and very last. Why? Because these pages serve as the reader’s introduction and final farewell.
In my many years as a book publicist, I’ve seen how a compelling beginning can hook readers instantly, while a powerful ending can leave them deeply moved– or even changed. Together, the first and last pages can define the entire emotional experience of a book. So, how can authors ensure these pages are both engaging and unforgettable?
Hook Them From the Start
It’s important to have a creative book title that might draw a reader in—but the first page seals the deal. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and it needs to count. That impression starts with a powerful opening line to grab the reader’s attention.
Take, for example, the opening line of James Patterson’s Private:
“To the best of my understandably shaky recollection, the first time I died it went something like this.”
Is that a great first line or what? It’s intriguing, unexpected, and immediately pulls the reader into the story.
Whether through intriguing dialogue, moments of tension, high emotion, or a unique perspective, your opening should spark curiosity and demand attention. The main goal is to spark the readers curiosity and keep them coming back for more with each word.
Start with the End in Mind
Have you ever heard of readers skipping to the last page before committing to a book? It may seem like cheating, but there’s a good reason for it: the last page can reveal the emotional payoff.
One strategy to ensure a meaningful ending is to write it first. By starting with your final page, you create a roadmap that keeps your narrative focused. Every chapter then works in service of the conclusion, creating a more satisfying and cohesive story. For readers who peek ahead, the last page becomes a promise that the read is worth your time.
Create Full-Circle Moments
Few things are more satisfying than finishing a book and thinking, “Wow, everything came together”. That feeling comes from a full-circle moment—when the ending reflects the beginning, but with growth, transformation, or deeper understanding.
Maybe your character started out in isolation,and ended with connection. Maybe the opening line is echoed in the final paragraph. These choices leave the reader feeling that every moment was intentional and impactful, creating a lasting emotional resonance.
Planting the Seed for What’s Next
If you’re writing a series—or even considering continuing the journey—your last page is the perfect place to plant subtle seeds. It’s important to leave the reader satisfied, but eager for more. This could be done subtly– through a question being left unanswered, a new character introduced, or a hint of an unresolved conflict.
Writing a cliffhanger needs to be done with intention– almost as if the door is left open by a crack. Even in standalone novels, giving readers space to imagine a character’s future can add depth and intrigue beyond the final page.
Don’t Skip the Polish
No matter how compelling your story is, it won’t land if it’s riddled with errors. Professional editing and proofreading are non-negotiable as it’s important to have an editor that ensures your work is polished and grammatically correct. Publishers Weekly discusses, “if an author hasn’t spent the time and money on a solid editing job, it’s all just wasted effort”.
Make your work count and invest in quality editing that ensures nothing distracts readers from the magic of your first and last pages—and everything in between.
The Bottom Line
Your first and last pages carry the greatest responsibility. By crafting them with care, intention, and emotional weight, you’ll give your book the best chance to resonate long after the final word.
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.
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 Promotion, Book Publicity, Promoting a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Authors often ask me, “Should I spend money on ads or focus on publicity?” It’s a fair question—after all, both can get your book in front of readers. But here’s the truth: advertising may give you a quick bump in sales, while publicity creates a long-lasting buzz that keeps paying off long after the campaign ends. Readers are smart; they know an ad is an ad. But when your book is featured in a magazine, spotlighted on a podcast, or recommended by a trusted reviewer, that’s credibility you simply can’t buy.
Find out how to generate this kind of buzz in an article I wrote here.
Publicity: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Publicity is all about earned attention. When a journalist, blogger, or podcast host talks about your book, it carries weight because it’s not something you paid them to say—it’s their genuine endorsement. A feature in the local paper, a radio interview, or even a well-placed guest blog post can live online for years, continuing to attract new readers. That’s the magic of publicity: it builds credibility and trust. People are far more likely to buy a book that’s been talked about than one that’s simply advertised to them.
Advertising: The Quick Fix
Advertising, on the other hand, is more like flipping a switch: once you stop paying, the lights go out. Sure, a Facebook or Amazon ad might drive some immediate sales, but the results usually vanish as soon as the budget runs dry. And let’s be honest—most readers scroll right past ads these days. They’re used to being sold to, and it shows. Advertising can work, especially for launch week promotions or limited time offers, but it rarely creates the long-term buzz authors need to keep a book alive.
Publicity For the Win
Advertising buys attention, while publicity earns it- and readers know the difference. A paid ad might get your book in front of someone once. But an enthusiastic book blogger? A thoughtful podcast interview? Those create authentic connections that ripple outward- leading to more shares, more conversations, and ultimately more sales. Publicity gives your book staying power in a way ads simply can’t match.
The Bottom Line
If you want your book to stand out, be talked about, and remembered long after the ads stop running, invest in publicity. It’s the smartest move an author can make.
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
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
Today, one of my former author clients told me she was contacted by a publishing firm and was offered $90K for the rights to her book.
She wanted me to look at the contract and see what I thought. This is the second time something like this happened in the past few weeks, so something is up. I told her to STOP and do not engage and here’s why.
In the world of publishing, aspiring authors often dream of landing a lucrative book deal. Unfortunately, this dream can sometimes turn into a nightmare when they fall prey to fraudulent publishing offers. These scams are designed to exploit authors’ hopes and ambitions, leading them to part with their hard-earned money in exchange for empty promises.
The Scam Unveiled
One common tactic used by these scammers is to offer a seemingly attractive publishing contract with a substantial advance, many times the once common $10K advance for a book. This one in particular was for almost $100K! Who wouldn’t be able to use $100K? However, there’s a catch: the author is required to pay a ‘finder’s fee’ upfront, typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. This fee is supposedly for arranging the deal and securing the advance.
Scammers may even negotiate the fee, reducing it from an initial 15% to 8% of the total deal, to make it seem more legitimate and enticing. Desperate to see their work published and believing they will soon receive a significant advance; some authors may willingly pay this fee.
The Reality
Once the fee is paid, the scammers disappear, leaving the author with nothing but regret and financial loss. The promised advance never materializes, and the author is left with a worthless contract. This fraudulent scheme preys on the vulnerability and aspirations of authors, making it essential to recognize the warning signs and protect oneself.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Upfront Fees: Legitimate publishers do not ask for upfront fees. If a contract requires you to pay a fee before receiving any advance or royalties, it’s a major red flag.
- Too Good to Be True: If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unusually high advances or overly generous terms.
- Lack of Transparency: Scammers often provide vague or incomplete information about their company and the contract terms. Always research the publisher thoroughly. Legitimate publishers have a website.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to rush you into signing the contract and paying the fee. Take your time to review and seek legal advice if needed.
- Foreign Accent and Background Noise: Be cautious if the person contacting you has a foreign accent, there are other people talking in the background (indicating a boiler room operation), or they use an American-sounding name like ‘Bill Johnson’.
Tips for Identifying Legitimate Publishers
- Reputation and Track Record: Research the publisher’s history and reputation. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any awards or recognitions they may have received. Established publishers often have a strong online presence and a portfolio of successfully published books.
- Clear Contract Terms: Legitimate publishers provide clear and detailed contract terms. They outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including royalty rates, publication timelines, and marketing efforts.
- No Upfront Fees: Reputable publishers do not ask for upfront fees. They invest in the author’s work and recoup their costs through book sales. If a publisher asks for money upfront, it’s not legitimate.
- Professional Communication: Legitimate publishers communicate professionally and transparently. They are willing to answer your questions and provide detailed information about their publishing process.
- Industry Affiliations: Check if the publisher is a member of recognized industry organizations, such as the Association of American Publishers (AAP) or the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Membership in these organizations often indicates a commitment to industry standards and ethics.
Protecting Yourself
To avoid falling victim to these scams, follow these steps:
- Research: Investigate the publisher’s reputation and track record. Visit their website. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any red flags.
- Seek Legal Advice: Have a lawyer review the contract before signing anything. They can help identify any suspicious clauses or terms.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut. It’s better to walk away from a questionable deal than to risk losing money.
Additional Resources for Authors
For more tips and guidance on navigating the publishing world, please visit my blog www.Book-Publicist.com. Here, you’ll find dozens of articles for authors on topics such as:
- Finding Literary Agents: Learn how to identify and approach reputable literary agents who can help you secure a legitimate publishing deal. I’ve written about this on my blog.
- Crafting a Winning Query Letter: Get tips on writing a compelling query letter that grabs the attention of agents and publishers.
- Understanding Publishing Contracts: Gain insights into the key elements of publishing contracts and what to watch out for.
- Marketing Your Book: Discover effective strategies for promoting your book and reaching a wider audience.
The Bottom Line
If it sounds too good to be true, it is! Fake publishing offers are a serious threat to authors, but by staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from these scams.
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. 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!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Reviews, Promoting a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
As a book publicist I’ve read a thousand books and have written a hundred reviews myself. I’ve also written about how authors can get more reviews on my blog. What makes a good book review? You know when you’ve read a terrific review. It’s the kind that makes you want to buy the book.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of using clichéd phrases that, while familiar, can make your review feel less impactful. Phrases like “a real page-turner” or “couldn’t put it down” are often overused and can detract from the unique qualities of the book you’re reviewing. To help you craft more engaging and original reviews, here are some alternatives to common trite phrases.
Trite vs Better: Elevating Your Book Review Language
| Trite |
Better |
| Couldn’t put it down |
The story captivated me from the first page |
| A real page-turner |
The plot was so engaging, I lost track of time |
| Kept me on the edge of my seat |
The suspense was palpable throughout |
| A must-read |
This book offers a unique perspective worth exploring |
| Unputdownable |
I was completely absorbed in the narrative |
| A rollercoaster ride |
The plot twists and turns kept me guessing |
| Gripping from start to finish |
The story maintained a high level of tension |
| A tour de force |
An impressive and powerful piece of writing |
| An instant classic |
This book will stand the test of time |
| A literary masterpiece |
A brilliantly crafted work of literature |
| Heartwarming |
The story touched my heart deeply |
| A tear-jerker |
The emotional depth brought tears to my eyes |
| A breath of fresh air |
This book offers a refreshing take on the genre |
| A riveting read |
The narrative was compelling and immersive |
| A compelling story |
The plot was intricately woven and engaging |
| A real gem |
A standout book that shines in its genre |
| A delightful read |
The book was a joy to read from beginning to end |
| A thought-provoking novel |
This book challenges you to think deeply |
| A beautifully written book |
The prose is elegant and evocative |
| A captivating tale |
The story enchanted me from start to finish |
I have to admit, I do like ‘A tour de force’ as it sounds so powerful. I will not promise to ban these trite phrases from my vocabulary because I do like brevity in writing. Some of these phrases are nice little word packages that tell the reader exactly what they mean quickly.
The Bottom Line: Avoid cliché’s like the plague! Choose descriptive and specific language; you can provide readers with a clearer picture of what makes a book special. This not only enhances the quality of your reviews but also helps potential readers make more informed decisions about what to read next.
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. 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!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book, Social Media
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
As an author, your website is a brief glimpse into who you are and what you do. In today’s marketplace, readers are looking to connect with their favorite authors, and books can’t promote themselves. Your website is how you attract and maintain readers. So how can you make it more engaging? Let’s take a look at ten suggestions that other authors are using!
Show your book covers
Visuals are the first thing people see when they open your website, so make them eye-catching! Put your books front and center and let them speak for themselves. Book covers convey the genre, tone, and appeal of your books. They are an easy way to add some visual flair!
Your website designer should pick up on the colors of the book cover and use them in the site.
For example, take a look at James Patterson’s website. The background is kept simple and clean, utilizing the colorful book covers as the key visual.
Share about yourself
Readers want to know who you are! Consider adding an about page that shares some interesting information about yourself. Here are some things you could include:
- Credentials
- Education
- Hobbies
- Personal achievements
- Place of residence
- Cultural background
You can pull your author bio straight from your book or create something unique just for your website. Readers are more likely to connect with authors who share similarities with them, so let your personality show!
Add blurbs from reviews
Sometimes other people say it best! Sharing reviews lets potential readers know what to expect from your work. They also add to your credibility, especially when they are from reputable sources such as editorial reviews. When choosing blurbs, keep them short and sharp! Pick ones that encompass the theme or that highlight a key element of your book. Make sure they are different and don’t repeat the same points.
Let’s take a look at Julie Orringer’s website. Before any other information, she shares a review that captures the tone of each tone. Based on a single review, readers who are interested in ambitious and suspenseful stories will probably enjoy Julie’s book The Flight Portfolio. Julie includes reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist and Kirkus Reviews to name a few.
Create a book trailer
One very effective tactic to promote and publicize your book is to create a “Book Trailer.” A book trailer is like a movie trailer in that it allows someone to preview a book both visually and via audio. A video book trailer brings the book to life and gives the potential reader a sneak peek at the contents. When we create a book trailer, we’ll include it on the author’s website and we’ll post it on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and use it in the promotion of a book.
Besides attracting readers of a book’s genre and the immediate visual impact benefit, a trailer can actually improve search engine ranking for an author’s web site. The book trailer on YouTube becomes searchable by key words which are carefully selected to attract interest and drive more traffic to the author’s web site or Amazon page.
The website for the “Bad Love” series by Dr. Kevin Schewe features four of the book trailers Westwind Book Marketing created. The trailers are prominently featured on his website and further suggest the series is ‘movie material’ as it has such strong visuals. Check it out at: https://kevinschewe.com/
Add links to buy your books
What is the main goal of an author website? To get people to buy your books! Make it easy for readers to purchase your books by including big buttons that link to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, The Publisher etc. Don’t make people scroll and search for the link. Put it right under or beside the cover.
If you’re searching for additional book retailers to carry your works, check out this list of America’s biggest booksellers. The top ones include Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-A-Million.
Quote your book
An easy way to get people interested in your books is to put excerpts on your website. Sometimes, readers unfamiliar with your work may not want to commit to purchasing and reading a whole book. Readers can decide if they are interested based on your writing style and subject matter. Pick excerpts that are well-written, set the tone for the book, and aren’t too confusing without context.
You could also consider providing a chapter for free, like author James Clear. He offers a download of the first chapter of his hit book Atomic Habits. Much like a free sample given out at your local grocery store, an excerpt gives readers a taste of what’s to come!
Add media clips or logos
Add clips of your media interviews to your website and be sure to use the logos from media outlets as well. Use the podcaster’s photo, their promo piece for the interview anything that is already created you’ll want to repurpose it. Often when a member of the media wants to interview one of my clients they’ll go to the author’s website. They want to hear and interview and for TV they want to see what you look like before they book the interview.
For example, let’s look at Jay Shetty’s site. Right away, the site plays a video. He includes interviews and clips of his podcast. On his press page, he promotes a variety of content that he has been a part of, accompanied by the logos of well-known platforms, such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The New York Times, Red Table Talk, and more.
Share book awards
Book awards are a great way to position yourself in the industry. One of the reasons to go after book awards is to tell people you’ve WON a few. Don’t be afraid to show off your accomplishments! Much like logos, book awards are easy to recognize and add visual flair. They show that people appreciate your work and that it is worth reading. Additionally, readers may seek out the winners of specific awards if they are looking for a certain genre or topic.
Let’s look at Patrick Asare’s website. He displays five awards for The Boy from Boadua, including the Literary Titan Book Award and the International Impact Book Award. Pretty impressive right?
Create a backlist of your books
Much like a portfolio, a backlist provides readers with the full extent of your work. You never know what will connect with someone, and an older book may have a resurgence. In addition, people who have read your other books will recognize them and be more inclined to check out others.
Take a look at Emma Davies’ site. Right on the home page, she displays a variety of her works, as well as including a books tab in her menu.
Utilize a mailing list
A mailing list is a great way to interact with your readers on a regular basis. You can keep them up to date on new releases, your next projects, promotions, and other updates. It’s been said that with a list of a few thousand avid book buying fans an author can live quite well. If you are not collecting the email addresses of your readers, you are missing an opportunity. Many mailing lists are simple to sign up for, just input your name and your email.
Here are some sites that offer free plans for mailing lists:
For other examples of strong author websites, check out one of my articles on the topic where I’ve benchmarked some of my favorite author websites here.
The bottom line: By utilizing these ten tips, as seen by the success of many popular authors, your website will intrigue readers and keep them coming back for more.
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://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.
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!
