Tayari's Blog: Publicity And the Author

I have written so much about my dynamic duo publicity team. I won't give the details, but here is the re-cap. Two publicists, one works for Warner, one works for me. One is black, the other white, both are women, both tremendously cool. Results: just the right balance.

Okay, but the thing I want to talk about today is the need to start early. If you have a book on the horizon, you need to start your publicity plans about six months in advance. You should probably start looking for independent publicists EIGHT months out so you won't have to take the first one you talk to.

Be warned: it's expensive. I sometimes chuckle at the idea that I have people on my payroll. I am not a woman of means. (I drive a Nissan Altima.. not the new one with the sexy lights on the back.. the other one: the bubble.)

I heard Walter Mosely advise writers to hire a personal assistant. I was thinking, "you're kidding, right?" He went one to explain why having an assistant is really important and his argument WAS compelling. But really, who has that sort of money? Yes, it would be groovy not to have to book my own events, not to lick my own envelopes... Lord knows I could use some help. (I get so overwhelmed that I have crying meltdowns every once in a while.) But who has that kind of cash on a regular basis...

But when it comes to hiring an independent publicist, you really can't afford not to. When you get your advance, sock away at least five thousand dollars for this purpose. I'd say save more if you can afford it. I am saving one hundred dollars a month hoping to have a little fund for book #3.

Okay, this post is getting longer than I intended. I've got to scram. Off to Carbondale for the Devil's Kitchen Literary festival.