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Jewish Book Fairs and Festivals for 2024

Jewish Book Fairs and Festivals

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

Book festivals and fairs are held year-round all over the world. As a book marketing specialist, I am the first to impress on authors the new and powerful marketing avenues open to all authors on the Internet – from websites and book trailers to social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. While these are excellent tools when used properly, authors should never overlook opportunities to meet the reading public face-to-face.

Consider visiting some of these Jewish book fairs and festivals

If you are a Jewish author or specialize in writing about Jewish issues, you should consider visiting some of these Jewish book fairs and festivals.

October 2023 – May 2024, 43rd Berrin Family Jewish Book Festival of Alper JCC Miami (Miami, FL): Featuring 40+ renowned authors beginning in September each year. Whether you’re a book lover or simply interested in hearing from names synonymous with pop culture and bestsellers, there’s an event for everyone. https://www.alperjcc.org/pages/bookfestival/

October 15, 2023 – March 28, 2024, Dallas Jewish Bookfest (Dallas, TX): The mission of BookFest is to celebrate the written word brought to us by Jewish authors and books with Jewish content. Each year we seek the very best authors and books to provide a window to the Jewish experience and give our community members the opportunity to engage with the person behind the book while discovering what inspires the author in his or her creative work. https://jccdallas.org/special-events/bookfest/

November 7, 2023 – March 20, 2024, 24th Cleveland Jewish Book Festival (Beachwood, OH). The 24th annual festival celebrates Jewish authors, books and ideas. Featuring 17 books written by nationally and internationally acclaimed authors, participants will hear the stories behind a broad range of topics including Jewish life, historical fiction, Israeli literature, cooking, memoirs and more. For information please contact (216) 831-0700. https://www.mandeljcc.org/bookfest

December 3, 2023 – April 3, 2024, Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival (Naples, FL): The Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival brings a showcase of Jewish authors and books of Jewish content to our community. It will include a wide array of genres and author presentations. For further details, call (239) 263-4205, email [email protected] or https://www.jewishnaples.org/major-events/jewish-book-festival

Throughout 2024, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater & the Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival (Virginia Beach, VA): For over 40 years, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater & Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival has celebrated Jewish authors, illustrators, and books, providing opportunities to engage with bestselling and up-and-coming writers. For further details, contact Jill Grossman at 757-965-6137 or [email protected]. https://federation.jewishva.org/arts-ideas/book-festival

January 30, 2024, St. Louis JCC’s 45th Annual Jewish Book Festival (St. Louis, MO): The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is an annual celebration of authors, books, and ideas during early November, with additional author events year-round. The range of author topics is vast: business, cooking, economics, family, fiction, history, music, religion, sports, and more. https://jccstl.com/arts-ideas/st-louis-jewish-book-festival/

February 8, 2024, Marcus JCC Atlanta’s 33rd Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA (Dunwoody, GA): Mark your calendars for the annual Book Festival of the MJCCA—featuring more than 40 renowned authors in November each year. Whether you’re a book lover or simply interested in hearing from names synonymous with pop culture and bestsellers, there’s an event for everyone. The Book Festival of the MJCCA is one of the most highly regarded cultural events in the Southeast. https://www.atlantajcc.org/our-programs/arts-authors/book-festival/upcoming-events/

February 10-15, 2024, Cherie Smith JCC Jewish Book Festival (Vancouver, BC): There will be author talks and Q&As. This event usually attracts over 5,000 people of all ages. For more details, call 604-257-5156 or email [email protected]. https://online.flippingbook.com/view/369276057/

March 2-10, 2024, ​​London International Literacy Festival’s Jewish Book Week (London, UK): It will feature Jewish writers and themes and a number of interesting discussions. https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/bookweek/24

March 7, 2024, 2024 CJE Jewish Book Festival (Charlotte, NC): The Center for Jewish Education presents Charlotte’s second annual Jewish Book Festival. https://www.jewishcharlotte.org/ways-to-give/community-calendar1/2024-jewish-book-festival-1686334244

March 17, 2024, 2024 CJE Jewish Book Festival (Charlotte, NC): The Center for Jewish Education presents Charlotte’s second annual Jewish Book Festival. https://www.jewishcharlotte.org/ways-to-give/community-calendar1/2024-jewish-book-festival-1686334349/

March 26, 2024, 73rd Nation­al Jew­ish Book Award Celebration (New York, NY): The celebration will feature remarks from a selection of the 73rd winners in addition to special guests of Jewish Book Council. Each ticket supports Jewish Book Council’s efforts to enrich, educate, and strengthen the community through literature. https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/events/73rd-national-jewish-book-award-celebration

August 21-25, 2024. Sydney Jewish Writers’ Festival (Sydney, NSW). The Shalom Sydney Jewish Writers Festival (SJWF) is an annual festival which also runs pop-up events throughout the year. Our events are open to people of all ages who share a love of reading and ideas and want to hear from some of the world’s best authors. The SJWF celebrates the richness and diversity of contemporary Jewish writing from around the world. It features authors who are Jewish or whose books are of Jewish interest and includes novelists, journalists, screenwriters, performers and writers of nonfiction. https://www.shalom.edu.au/shalom-programs/sydney-jewish-writers-festival/

Book fairs typically seek out guest speakers. By volunteering to speak at a Jewish book fair, you will pique the interest of new readers, promote your book, and potentially gain a few new fans. Additionally, you can add the speaking appearance to your resume. Be sure to plan ahead because book fairs, speaking engagements and readings are all planned months in advance. For a complete list of book fairs and festivals visit https://westwindbookmarketing.com/

The Bottom Line: Reach out to the Jewish community and attend a book fair! You will be happy you did.

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 Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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!


Authors: Don’t Let a Rejection Letter Get You Down!

Authors: Don’t Let a Rejection Letter Get You Down!

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing

Getting a rejection letter hurt. I know because I deal with authors all the time, and I have seen first-hand how it can take its toll on the confidence and motivation of an author.

The harsh truth is most writers will face some form of rejection throughout their writing career, and even some of the greatest writers of our time had to deal with rejection letters.

A list of well-known authors who were rejected by publishers

I have put together a list of well-known authors who were rejected by publishers but went on to become immensely successful. Some of the names on this list may really surprise you.

1. J. K. Rowling:

A few years ago, J.K. Rowling posted rejection letters on Twitter that she received for her first novel, ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’, a book written under her pseudonym, Robert Galbraith. “I wasn’t going to give up until every single publisher turned me down, but I often feared that would happen,” says Rowling. The book was eventually published and the author then went on to write ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, which was also initially rejected, this time by 12 publishers. When the book was finally published, however, it sold more than 120 million copies. The famous Harry Potter series has now sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling series of all time!

2. Stephen King:

Stephen King was told: “We are not interested in science fiction which deals with negative utopias. They do not sell.” for his book debut novel ‘Carrie’, which was rejected by 30 publishers. Later in his career, these rejections would inspire him to write some of his best-selling works. In his book ‘On Writing’, Stephen King says he pinned every single rejection letter he had received to his wall with a nail, “By the time I was fourteen, the nail in my wall would no longer support the weight of the rejection slips impaled upon it. I replaced the nail with a spike and went on writing.” Today, the best-selling author has published 63 books and sold more than 350 million copies.

3. Vladimir Nabokov:

Over a five-year period, forty editors declined the offer to publish ‘Lolita’. In his bookThe Making of a Bestseller’, Arthur T Vanderbilt mentions that one publisher said to Vladimir: “I recommend that it be buried under a stone for a thousand years.” Yet when the book was eventually published it became a literary sensation.

4. Jack Canfield:

Canfield’s book, “Chicken Soup for the Soul” got rejected by 144 publishers! The book went on to become a bestseller. As of date, the series has sold more than 500 million books. Canfield said: “If we had given up after 100 publishers, I likely would not be where I am now. I encourage you to reject rejection. If someone says no, just say NEXT!”.

5. Dr Seuss:

For his first story, ‘And to think I saw it on Mulberry street’, Dr Seuss was rejected by 27 publishers. “Too different from other juveniles on the market to warrant its selling”, one letter said. Luckily, the author did not give up and continued to write. Today, his books have made over 300 million sales, and the author is considered one of the best-selling fiction authors of all time.

It is easy for writers to wallow in self-doubt and pity after receiving rejection letters from publishers or agents. That fear can be powerful, and it can deter writers from doing what they love. Sometimes, it can even be the reason they give up on their writing dreams altogether. I hope this list can help inspire you to keep writing and not give up.

It’s also easy to forget that writing a book is an incredible accomplishment, and the undertaking itself deserves great commendation. Receiving rejection letters doesn’t mean your book has failed or that it won’t succeed. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve the chances of your book becoming successful. If you have finished writing your book, make sure it’s properly edited and proofread before sending it out to publishers. Editing, copyediting, and proofreading can truly make your book shine.

Once your book has finished the editing stage, the next step is to market it appropriately. This stage can prove pivotal for success. Check out my article on how you can generate buzz around your book to help your book get the attention it deserves. Another important element of book marketing that is overlooked at times is the author website. I have previously compiled a list of top author websites which you can use as inspiration to design your own.

The Bottom Line: Receiving a rejection letter shouldn’t be the reason you give up on your writing dreams. Be inspired by the successful authors above who used rejection as fuel to keep going.

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 Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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!


How to Get Your Book Into Libraries

How to Get Your Book Into Libraries

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

“The library marketplace is made up of almost 120,000 locations and is divided into many segments. In addition to the more than 16,500 public libraries and their branches, there are medical libraries, hospital libraries, military libraries, niche libraries, and more,” explained Brian Jud, Executive Director of APSS, formerly SPAN and founder of Bookselling University.

So, what does this mean for you? A prime opportunity for you as an author to expand your reach, build your brand, and sell more books. Here are some handy tips on how to get your books into libraries.

1. Do Your Research – Think like a Librarian!

Check out the websites of various public libraries to find out what you need to do to get your book into circulation. You may also call or visit them and speak to the head librarians or the departments that relate to your specific book genre.

2. Explore WorldCat

With WorldCat, you can search your community libraries as well as other local and national libraries to browse their collections. This can give you an idea of what types of books a certain library may want.

3. Be Friendly and Enthusiastic

Whether you consult the libraries in-person, via phone, or email, be polite. Also, show some excitement so that they see your passion for your work and remember you when it comes time to select new books.

4. Design a Sell Sheet

At its core, a sell sheet is a one-page advertisement of your book. Make sure it includes its title, cover, publisher, a brief description, ISBNs, available formats, and pricing. Don’t forget a blurb about why it may appeal to library patrons and mention if your book is already in a library too. Librarians like to see they are in good company.

“Sell what the content in your book does for the readers—what are the benefits to them,” said Jud. He explained that people don’t actually care about your book. Retailers display them to increase profits. Media hosts want a good show. Librarians want to support their patrons. As long as you appeal to the right motive, you’ll sell more books.

5. Organize an Author Reading or Book Signing

If you offer to organize an event like an author reading or book signing, everyone will win. You’ll boost your exposure while the library will get free programming. If you go this route, you’ll need to promote your event to ensure a good turnout.

6. Get Reviews

Great book reviews can speak volumes about your book and you as an author. Before you try to get your book into libraries, ensure you have them. Librarians want to see that others admire your book before they take the plunge and circulate it. A published review in a journal like Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, or Midwest Book Review can help establish credibility as well.

7. Get Involved in the Library Community

The reality is that many libraries like to fill their shelves with books that are popular, even on a local level. That’s why it’s wise to get out in your community and participate in local events and speaking engagements. Join local organizations, volunteer, and take any TV or radio opportunity that comes your way. Also, make sure you have a stellar social media presence.

8. Attend the ALA Annual Conference

The American Library Association hosts an annual library conference. If you’re serious about getting your book into libraries, it may be worthwhile to attend and mingle librarians. The 2021 conference will be held virtually this year on June 21-23. On Twitter follow @ALALibriary to keep up with daily posts and opportunities.

9. Check Out Writer’s Digest Advice

Writer’s Digest asked four Indie authors for their tips on how to get books into libraries. You don’t have to be an Indie author to take advantage of them. Be sure to check out this article before you get started.

10. Buy a Book

Self-Publisher’s Toolkit is a helpful book that serves as a two-in-one resource that shows you how to self-publish a book and then market it to Libraries. The author says, “Libraries are a $30+ billion segment often overlooked by self-publishers.”  https://www.eseinc1.com/product-page

11. Use a Service

Don’t be afraid to use a service to help you get your book into libraries. Here are several to consider.

  • LibraryBub: LibraryBub is a service that introduces the top small press and indie books to librarians. You can apply for a featured deal in its weekly email and reach over 10,000 librarians every week. (I use them and its affordable and effective)
  • Baker & Taylor: Baker & Taylor has been around for over 180 years and distributes books to public libraries and schools. Contact Baker & Taylor to find out how they can assist you.
  • Ingram Content Group: An online self-publishing company, Ingram Content Group can allow you to print and distribute your book to libraries. Call or email them for more information.
  • Buy a Library Database: Curated by a fellow author, Eric Simmons compiled a database of Libraries you can contact directly. Over 100 authors and publishing houses are using the Library Contacts Database to get their books into Libraries.  Simmons’ tool, which has enabled him to get his titles into over 130 Libraries worldwide, is the best deal in publishing! Just BUY IT!

The Bottom Line: Once you get into one library, you’ll find it much easier to get into others. When your book is in several libraries, you’ll build trust among readers, increase exposure, and ultimately sell more copies.

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 Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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!


How Authors Use Instagram to Sell Books

Authors Use Instagram to Sell Books

Find out how Instagram is helping authors increase visibility and earn more money.

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing

Instagram has over 1 billion users. So, it’s no surprise that many authors are using the platform to sell their books. With an established Instagram account, they’re able to build strong relationships, drive interest, and boost sales. If you’re an author who would like to use Instagram to your advantage, check out the Instagram accounts listed below. Follow them and engage as you like. They can give you a good idea of how authors are using the one of fastest growing social media platforms.

1. James Patterson (@jamespattersonbooks)

The New York Times bestselling author of The Kennedy Curse and The 20th Victim loves to repost pictures of children enjoying his books. His account is also full of giveaways, announcements about upcoming releases, and inspirational quotes he lives by.

2. Dan Brown (@authordanbrown)

Dan Brown posts about his virtual story times as well as photos of his life in New England and yellow lab, Winston. He also features occasional quotes from some of his top books like The Lost Symbol and The Da Vinci Code.

3. Janet Evonovich (@janetevanovich)

From the moment you look at Janet Evonovich’s Instagram, you’ll notice plenty of color. She fills her profile with bright and cheery photos of Hot Six, Twisted Twenty-Six and other recent books she wrote. There’s also a lot of details about book signings and new releases.

4. Malcolm Gladwell (@malcolmgladwell)

Malcolm Gladwell’s latest posts are all about his book Talking to Strangers. His Instagram is also packed with photos of him on Jimmy Kimmel Live, NPR Radio, Book Tube, and other places he’s been interviewed.

5. Jon Krakauer (@krakauernotwriting)

While Jon Krakauer’s posts of his political views, travels, and adventures are interesting, his catchy description is particularly noteworthy: “I write books for a living. Been toiling in the writing factory for more than 35 years. Not writing is way more fun.” Some of his most popular books include Embrace the Misery, Gates of the Arctic, and Living Under the Volcano.

6. Mitch Albom (@mitchalbom)

Mitch Albom, author of Finding Chika and The Next Person You Meet in Heaven is an avid user of the Instagram story feature. He posts short stories to promote his interviews, podcasts, and Say Detroit, a non-profit organization he started to support underprivileged people in Detroit.

7. Tony Robbins (@tonyrobbins)

Tony Robbins’ Instagram is nothing short of inspirational. It’s filled with powerful quotes by him and information about non-profits he believes in. He also scatters several funny memes throughout. Robbins wrote The New Money Masters and The Path.

8. Jay Shetty (@jayshetty)

On Jay Shetty’s Instagram, you’ll find sayings from his current and upcoming books like Think Like a Monk. Here’s one that really stands out: T.I.M.E Daily Routine: Thankfulness, Insight, Meditation, Exercise.

9. Joanna Gaines (@joannagaines)

Joanna Gaines, author of Magnolia Table and We are the Gardners uses her Instagram account to share lifestyle photos of her and her family. She keeps it pretty personal and makes it easy for followers to get a feel for the everyday happenings in her life.

10. Dashama Konah Gordon (@dashama)

Since Dashama is a “happiness expert” in addition to author of Journey to Joyful, her profile features positive quotes, pictures of her practicing yoga and meditating, and a story Q&A session where she answers her follower’s questions. She posts frequently new videos of various activities in the most incredible settings. The Bottom Line: Use Instagram to grow and expand your audience.

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 Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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!


How Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading Make Your Book Shine

How Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading Make Your Book Shine

To Write Is Human, To Edit Is Divine.” – Stephen King

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

You’ve finally finished your book and are ready to get it into the hands of the reader. You’ve crafted each sentence with great intention, choosing each word to communicate your meaning. This manuscript has spent countless hours with your eyes on it and multiple people have read it for you. You’ve rewritten and revised, incorporated their suggestions and there couldn’t possibly be anything else that needs changing or correcting.

Is it still necessary to hire a professional editor or proofreader?

What if the editor has a different vision from you and suggests sweeping changes to your work? What if the editor doesn’t like, or even worse, doesn’t understand your book?

Writing a book is an amazing accomplishment, one that less than 1% of the world’s population will ever manage to do. Given the amount of time, energy, and creativity you’ve invested to bring your ideas to life, your finished manuscript is of high personal value. Your work could even be life changing for some readers, if it can reach them. Capturing an audience is no picnic and whether you are publishing traditionally or self-publishing, the competition is fierce.

At this point, your manuscript is like a raw diamond. A diamond in its natural, raw state is full of potential, both in beauty and in value. Yet without taking it to a gem expert, it can be difficult to know how much more value could be added with precise cutting and polishing. Professional gemcutters spend years honing their craft and know exactly what to do to bring forth the maximum beauty of the diamond and increase its market value.

Like gemcutters, editors and proofreaders are experts with a refined skill set. They can evaluate your book and make recommendations about which editing processes the manuscript should undergo. Their extensive training allows them to view your book differently than a casual reader and identify errors or issues with the flow, organization, or plot of the story.

“All manuscripts need something,” says author Edward Renehan. As a book publicist, I’ve seen time and again where the attention of a professional editor has changed a good book into a brilliant one. Hiring an editor is like hiring a personal trainer; it’s still you, just faster, tighter, and more trim. Whether you’re getting a developmental edit, copyedit, or proofread, a professional editor knows how to identify your vision for your work and suggest changes to accomplish that vision.

Most importantly, they are on your team. The editor’s goal is to increase the value and marketability of your work—to cut, and polish in ways that make it shine even more brightly. In an article for Publisher’s Weekly, editor Leila Sales says, “We are as invested in the success of your book as you are. Furthermore, remember this: if we sign up books that don’t perform well, that reflects poorly on us as editors. The future of our careers depends on the success of the books we edit. We are never trying to sabotage your book, because we are emotionally and financially invested in how well it does.”

Regardless of your publishing path, one of the best ways to promote your book is to get reviews. In my experience, if your book has a number of noticeable errors many reviewers will find it difficult to look past them and give a fair review of the entire work. It makes the reading more difficult and creates a poor impression. Even if the reviewer knows that it’s a galley copy or ARC and hasn’t been final proofed, a manuscript in need of editing or proofreading simply will not get as strong or positive reviews.

As a third-party endorsement of your work, reviews are critical for promotion and marketing efforts. They give the potential buyer assurance the book they may buy is worthwhile. Professional editing of your work will take your work to the next level, enabling you to get the best reviews possible from your reviewers. Better reviews increase the likelihood of getting your book the attention and audience it deserves.

The Bottom Line: Let your finished work shine! Hire a professional editor or proofreader to polish your book, bring forth its maximum beauty, and increase its market value.

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 Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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!