Fab article to read on a day when I really needed it.
I was wondering: do you have an article somewhere about knowing when/if to hire a publicist? If you've already got twenty books out in the world, is it too late? Or is it ever too late?
Nice essay Kathleen! Good to be reminded... My novels are illegal in half the world's nations. That should be good for something! How can I persuade the Catholic Church to publically condemn them? It's "index of prohibited books" was shut down in the 1960s. Bad timing for me 😭
In a way, it made me feel less alone. I don't come from a background that's the norm in book publishing. I grew up with little resources, and parents who were just trying to pay the bills. My brother was a drug addict and ended up in jail--he would up ODing 13 years ago. So, it's like: Sure, I can work with celebs and some wonderful literary books, go to events in NYC and LA--all that--but my reality was so much different.
I worked with an outside firm when I worked for Anne Geddes' publisher in the US (the photog who was huge in the 90s for putting babies in flower pots) who said, "We work with bestselling, high-profile authors." And I thought, "Well, that sounds easy." I know it's hard in its own way (expectations are HIGH) but it beats the slog of pushing a rock uphill, which is how working with new/low-profile authors can feel (and whose expectations are often just as high.
I had the opportunity to work on a book with Michael Jordan at the hight of his fame/at a critical point in his career (he had just retired) and it was fun to get calls from all the big shows at the time (Arsenio Hall!) and turn them down.
He agreed to three interviews: Oprah, GMA and Larry King. I was there for Larry King, and got to see the ceremonial donning of his trademark suspenders (he stood there with his arms out while a PA put them on)
Once I was working on a gorgeous book about the costumes from Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula. Cher's assistant called and asked me for a copy. I sent it, but thought, "Pfft! She can't buy one?"
The celeb stuff is hard for other reasons: coordinating, getting them to say yes to things, accommodating their needs. You must possess a lot of tenacity to work on new/low-profile authors, and have the ability to pivot.
Oh I know, I've done both and alongside colleagues who worked with high-profile/celebs. It's def. work. The demands are high, and the details are many.
I worked with race car driver Mario Andretti who insisted on flying himself to his events on his own plane. The logistics alone...
And my good friend worked with Boo the dog and Grumpy Cat when we were at Chronicle Books. The challenges of celebrity animals are both many and hilarious.
Thank you for writing this one. I'm sharing this with my current batch of authors. The more professional publishing voices sharing realistic and actionable advice and strategies always helps!
Such a thoughful post, and thanks for sharing the Ocean Vuong interview. I was fascinated by the 'why" behind his books which is such an interesting aspect of an author's work. In fact, I would love to see more authors share their motivation in afterwords.
Question: do you think true word of mouth can still drive book sales in this day and age?
100% yes. That will always be true.
Fab article to read on a day when I really needed it.
I was wondering: do you have an article somewhere about knowing when/if to hire a publicist? If you've already got twenty books out in the world, is it too late? Or is it ever too late?
Nice essay Kathleen! Good to be reminded... My novels are illegal in half the world's nations. That should be good for something! How can I persuade the Catholic Church to publically condemn them? It's "index of prohibited books" was shut down in the 1960s. Bad timing for me 😭
Ocean’s interview was so moving. His vulnerability combined with his precise language captivated me.
In a way, it made me feel less alone. I don't come from a background that's the norm in book publishing. I grew up with little resources, and parents who were just trying to pay the bills. My brother was a drug addict and ended up in jail--he would up ODing 13 years ago. So, it's like: Sure, I can work with celebs and some wonderful literary books, go to events in NYC and LA--all that--but my reality was so much different.
This was so so great. Eased my mind, the day before my pub day! xo
Thank you so much for this <3
I worked with an outside firm when I worked for Anne Geddes' publisher in the US (the photog who was huge in the 90s for putting babies in flower pots) who said, "We work with bestselling, high-profile authors." And I thought, "Well, that sounds easy." I know it's hard in its own way (expectations are HIGH) but it beats the slog of pushing a rock uphill, which is how working with new/low-profile authors can feel (and whose expectations are often just as high.
I had the opportunity to work on a book with Michael Jordan at the hight of his fame/at a critical point in his career (he had just retired) and it was fun to get calls from all the big shows at the time (Arsenio Hall!) and turn them down.
He agreed to three interviews: Oprah, GMA and Larry King. I was there for Larry King, and got to see the ceremonial donning of his trademark suspenders (he stood there with his arms out while a PA put them on)
Once I was working on a gorgeous book about the costumes from Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula. Cher's assistant called and asked me for a copy. I sent it, but thought, "Pfft! She can't buy one?"
The celeb stuff is hard for other reasons: coordinating, getting them to say yes to things, accommodating their needs. You must possess a lot of tenacity to work on new/low-profile authors, and have the ability to pivot.
Oh I know, I've done both and alongside colleagues who worked with high-profile/celebs. It's def. work. The demands are high, and the details are many.
I worked with race car driver Mario Andretti who insisted on flying himself to his events on his own plane. The logistics alone...
And my good friend worked with Boo the dog and Grumpy Cat when we were at Chronicle Books. The challenges of celebrity animals are both many and hilarious.
Thanks so much for the shout out, Kathleen!
I absolutely adore your posts. So much great information. I'm telling everyone in my substack to read this!
Thank you!
This was great, Kathleen. I forwarded it to all my authors.
Thank you! There is so much good information here.
Thank you for this! Such great insight. Also -- I can't stop thinking about that Ocean Vuong/David Marchese interview!
Mahalo for sharing. This was such a great and valuable read!
Thank you!
Info on target, as usual! Thanks. A great check for the nonsense sold authors. I like Jersey shore in spring especially before the crowds.
Thank you! Yes, it is the best time to live at the Jersey Shore right now. I love May, June, and September.
Thank you for writing this one. I'm sharing this with my current batch of authors. The more professional publishing voices sharing realistic and actionable advice and strategies always helps!
Such a thoughful post, and thanks for sharing the Ocean Vuong interview. I was fascinated by the 'why" behind his books which is such an interesting aspect of an author's work. In fact, I would love to see more authors share their motivation in afterwords.
Me too!
Thank you for this, Kathleen. It’s a hard but important lesson.
Thank you. It comes from a place of knowing what it feels like.