This is a tiny book with an enormous amount of helpful information for anyone interested in publishing a book. Whether or not you have published before, and regardless of the path you choose to publish in the future, this guide is for you!

Authors, Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette, exceeded my expectations with this step-by-step guide to getting my book seen and sold. Although my book isn’t quite ready for market, I’ll be re-reading this guide whether I decide to self-publish or query agents. From these authors, I learned the ins-and-outs of marketing not included in the numerous webinars I’ve attended on the subject. I learned new terminology, for example, the book I held in my hand is called a “galley” or Advance Reader Copy (ARC). And, before even getting to Chapter One, a typical publishing timeline was given. In webinars, I hear the publishing process is lengthy and can take years. Specific timeline examples aren’t usually given as they are here. 

The authors discuss the various paths to publishing. What I learned here is if I self-publish, I am actually a new publishing company with a publisher’s name! I also didn’t realize the many steps involved in getting a book out into the world. It seems much more difficult than writing the book! For those who decide to self-publish, this guide is essential reading.

Forty pages in is where I took a lot of time to develop my message, audience, and hook. For some reason, I procrastinate when it comes to focusing on these basic elements that are necessary regardless of publishing path. I started with a “brain dump” and completed the exercises in the book. Now I feel I’ve made some progress!

Even as a business major, I didn’t realize the differences between marketing and publicity. This book provides the tools you will use, or at least be familiar with, when publishing. The contents of a Media Kit are outlined in detail with examples given for each tool, for example, the Press Release, which is the core of a media kit. 

Finally, although this book is comprehensive, it is also easy to read. The authors seem to establish a personal connection with the reader and have added in a bit of humor to keep it fun. Helpful resources are laid out in a single snapshot by use of diagrams, flowcharts, and lists. I could go on and on, but I know I need to end this somewhere! In summary, I highly recommend Get Your Book Seen and Sold. Thank you, Claudine and Julie, for getting this treasure out into the world of writing!

About the Authors

Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette are experienced in sharing their knowledge of the publishing industry to give books the BEST chance to be sold. Julie is the long-time owner of Satya House Publications, which published and marketed the award-winning I See the Sun series of books, among others. Claudine Wolk is a published author, journalist, podcast host and book marketing consultant. You can find her writing in her weekly newsletter on Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold. Her book, It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, (Harper Collins) is translated into three languages and was released as an audiobook (Nov. 2022). Find Claudine online at Substack: https://ClaudineWolk.Substack.com; Website: ClaudineWolk.com; Instagram: @ClaudineWolk; Facebook: Facebook.com/ClaudineWolk