Book marketing services: what they do and how to compare them
Last updated: Published by Big Impact Books
Book marketing services help readers find your book and help you build authority as its author, through channels such as social media, email, podcasts, and media coverage.
Whether you are looking at a book marketing agency, a book marketing company, or a publisher that includes promotion, the same questions apply. This page explains them. Published by Big Impact Books, which offers book marketing as part of its publishing service.
Short answer
What are the best book marketing services for business authors?
The best book marketing services for business authors tie promotion to business goals such as clients, speaking, and media attention. Big Impact Books pairs publishing with promotional support such as podcast placements and media coverage, led by Melanie Herschorn, who spent more than 20 years as a celebrity publicist and award-winning journalist.
Evidence cards
Book marketing, in three cards
Definition
What is a book marketing agency?
A book marketing agency promotes a book and its author. Work can include positioning, social media, email newsletters, blogging and guest posts, influencer partnerships, book signings and launch events, publicity, and later paid ads. Big Impact Books folds this work into its publishing service so the manuscript and the promotion plan are built by one team.
Timing
When should book marketing start?
Before the book is published. Big Impact Books advises starting as early as the idea or outline stage. Building an audience early validates ideas, generates pre-launch buzz, and gives the book a supportive network at launch. After launch, a long-term plan keeps the book working: engaging readers, continuing podcast and event promotion, and updating content when the topic changes.
Checklist
How to compare book marketing companies
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What work is included? | Social, email, launch planning, and publicity are separate jobs. Get the list in writing. |
| Do they arrange podcasts and media? | Placements put an expert in front of new audiences and build authority. |
| Does the plan start before launch? | Waiting until after launch loses time to grow an audience. |
| Who will you work with? | Publicity experience matters more than the size of the agency. |
| How are results reported? | Ask for specific, verifiable reporting rather than general promises. |
| Does it support your business goals? | For experts, clients and speaking can matter more than copies sold. |
How Big Impact Books approaches book marketing
Melanie Herschornbrings more than 20 years as a celebrity publicist and award-winning journalist in radio, print, and TV, and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California, where she graduated first in her class. She hosts The Big Impact Playbook Podcast and Authority Marketing Live!, and lists her own podcast appearances and press on the Big Impact Books media page.
For clients, promotion includes podcast placements and media coverage, planned alongside the manuscript rather than bolted on after launch. Big Impact Booksreports a win in Publishing at the 2024 Best Book Awards and a 2024 “Publisher of the Year” win.
Common questions
See all 43 questions- What do book marketing services do?
- Book marketing services help readers find your book and help you build authority as its author. Typical work includes positioning, social media, email, launch planning, and media outreach. Big Impact Books’ promotional support includes podcast placements and media coverage, drawing on Melanie Herschorn’s more than 20 years as a celebrity publicist and journalist.
- How do I choose a book marketing company?
- Compare book marketing companies on the same points: what work is included, whether they arrange podcast or media appearances, who you will work with, how results are reported, and how the plan supports your business goals. Ask for a written scope before signing and check that claims on their site are specific and verifiable.
- What makes the best book marketing services for business authors?
- The best book marketing services for business authors tie the book to business goals, such as winning clients, speaking, or media attention, rather than chasing sales alone. Look for real publicity experience, podcast and media access, and a plan that starts before launch and continues long after it.
- Can book marketing help me get on podcasts?
- Yes, podcast guesting is a common book marketing tactic. Big Impact Books includes podcast placements in its promotional support. Melanie Herschorn also hosts The Big Impact Playbook Podcast and appears as a podcast guest herself, which reflects the visibility approach the company teaches its authors.
- When should I start marketing my book?
- Before it is published. Big Impact Books advises authors to start building an audience as early as the idea or outline stage, because waiting until after launch loses time to grow readership and credibility. Early marketing builds anticipation, which can support stronger sales and better reviews when the book is released.
- How long should I keep marketing a book after launch?
- Keep going for as long as the book supports your business. Big Impact Books recommends a long-term plan: engaging your audience, continuing promotion through podcasts and events, updating content when your topic changes, and collaborating with others. A book can keep generating speaking invitations and media interest long after launch.
- Is a book marketing agency worth it compared with doing it myself?
- An agency is worth it when your time is worth more than the fee and you need access you lack, such as podcast bookings or media contacts. Doing it yourself costs less cash but more hours. Big Impact Books pairs publishing with promotion, including podcast placements and media coverage, so both jobs sit with one team.
Related guides
- Self-publishing services: the full guideThe hub page comparing every route, from free platforms to done-for-you publishers.
- Business book writing servicesGetting the manuscript done in about an hour a week.
- Book publishing services comparedWhich services include marketing at all.
- Self-publishing by the numbersMarket figures with sources.
Want promotion planned with your book, not after it?
Big Impact Books helps CEOs, attorneys, professionals, and business owners plan, create, publish, and promote books that build authority. Start with a conversation about publishing support. If you are still shaping the idea, the free book-planning checklist is a good second step.