Michelle Sagara

As a former bookstore manager, I can tell you word of mouth is key. I tend to think of publishing promotion in a grassroots style of promotion. It doesn't matter what signs are up - it matters that a book is faced and/or has an employee rec under it. One of the largest sales tools for books is employees who can speak knowledgeably for "If you like, you'll like/love ___" It is one reason I love the idea of ARC's and galleys which lets employees get a jump start on reading new books to hand sell. Bookmarks are great, but I've only found them to work in the romance section, especially the Eroctic Romance (like EC, Samhain, Brava). Signs through out the shopping mall don't work, and I've heard radio and TV ads for the last few Patterson and Krentz books, they don't drive sales at all. Mailed or emailed coupons however always bring people into the store! The wonderful thing about e-coupons and e-newsletters is the very low overhead for return in sales... sorry I think I got off topic. Anyway I wouldn't dream of writing, but as an avid reader, it doesn't matter if it is on the radio or TV it matters that another reader suggests it :)