Sell Yourself! The Berrett-Koehler Authors Marketing Workshop 2019
One of the unique aspects of Berrett-Koehler Publishers is that our authors have a sister nonprofit organization, now called Berrett-Koehler Authors. In one form or another, a BK authors’ mutual aid society has existed since 1998; in 2006, it became an independent organization with a board, staff, and budget. The annual Book Marketing Workshop is one of Berrett-Koehler Authors’ signature events, to which we at BK lend a hand.
Helping Authors Help Themselves
Like everything else these days, the world of book marketing is in constant flux. The workshop offers a chance to learn about all aspects of modern book marketing and is also a wonderful community-building event for BK authors, aspiring authors, and book marketing professionals.
Last year the event was in Arlington, Virginia, on July 19–20, and the theme was “Smart Marketing: Innovative Ideas for New and Experienced Authors.” As you might expect, there was a big focus on digital marketing. Presenters covered the basics of social media and email marketing but also offered sessions on more advanced topics, such as online advertising, video marketing, podcasts, and the power of virtual online conferences.
Highlights included sessions from BK author Rob Jolles on “Taking Your Book on the Road: Finding and Maximizing Your Speaking Opportunities,” Dave Summers from the American Management Association on “Short-Attention-Span Theater: Leveraging WebVideo to Expand Your Reach,” Perry Pidgeon Hooks of Hooks Book Events and Debra Lewis of Penguin Random House Publisher Services on “How to Create Bulk Sales for Your Book,” Becky Robinson of the Weaving Influence publicity firm and BK author Susan Fowler on “Marketing Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint,” and author and Nice Guys on Business podcast host Doug Sandler on “Podcasting to Build Your Book, Brand, and Bottom Line.” In addition, many tips and tricks were shared at a panel discussion with BK authors Jennifer Kahnweiler, Bob Quinn, Bruce Rosenstein, and Cheri Torres.
Don’t Take Our Word for It—What Attendees Had to Say
“It was an amazing event filled with awesome people. The workshop has pragmatic solutions and valuable ‘how-to’ advice for first-time authors.”
—La’Wana Harris, author of the forthcoming book Diversity Beyond Lip Service
“I am so excited, inspired, and energized after the Berrett-Koehler Authors Marketing Workshop. It was truly outstanding! Highly enjoyable and valuable. Not only did I receive excellent information in the workshops to help me market my book, but I was connected to valuable resources that will support me in the process.”
—Eileen Hahn
“This was one of the best workshops I’ve been to to help market books! Inspiring, practical, doable. I left with specific actions I could take and contacts to help me spread the word of our book.”
—Cheri Torres, coauthor of Conversations Worth Having
2019's conference will be held in San Diego on July 11–12, and plans are already underway for a robust program of new speakers and bestselling authors sharing their book marketing techniques. Please check www.bkauthorsco-op.org for more information.
