Publishing vs Publicity-NOT the same thing
Strategy is important
One of the fallacies that persists in publishing, that is often a disappointment to authors, is the belief that once a book is published, the sales will be automatic.
They are not.
Publishing and publicity are related, but they are not the same thing. The role of a publisher is to produce, distribute, and position a book within the market. Though that work is essential, funding and executing efforts to bring the book to readers is not part of that role.
This distinction matters, because many writers assume that publication itself guarantees attention and sales. When that attention and sales do not materialize, they conclude that something has gone wrong—with the book, the publisher, or themselves. In reality, what has gone wrong is an unrealistic expectation.
Helping a book reach readers requires resources.
Always.
Those resources may take different forms:
· Time
· Money
· Professional support
· Opportunity cost
But they are unavoidable. There is no version of meaningful reach that is free. There are only different ways of deciding where the cost will be.
Although traditional publishers may support select titles with publicity efforts, this support is limited, selective, and temporary. It is designed to complement distribution, not replace an author’s own investment. For most books, especially those with modest or specialized audiences, the primary responsibility for outreach remains with the author.
This is not a flaw in the system. It IS the system.
The problem arises when writers are not told this early enough in the process. When the cost of visibility is discovered late—after publication, after hopes have formed—it feels like a betrayal. So clarity, offered early, is not discouraging. It is respectful.
Life Beyond the Manuscript
Every book has a life beyond the manuscript, and that life must be planned. Part of that planning includes honest decisions about available resources. Some authors choose to invest money. Others invest time. Some choose a smaller, quieter reach that aligns with the book’s purpose and their capacity. All of these are valid choices. What is not valid is pretending that no choice is required.
The goal is not to pressure writers into spending. The goal is to help them decide consciously how they will spend. Will it be time? Will it be money? What available resources do they have?
A book written for family or legacy carries a different set of costs than a book written for professional reach. Confusing the two leads to frustration on all sides.
Publishing vs Publicity
Publishing is an act of making a book available.
Publicity is helping readers find that book.
When writers understand this distinction, they take the first step toward taking control of their project and stop feeling misled.
At that point, they stop blaming the system.
They regain power over their project
They control how their book lives in the world.
Keep writing, publishing, and planning. Determine the right strategy for your publishing project.
Don’t forget to leave a comment.
Looking for a good book to read? Check out hundreds of selections here. Plenty more new and used books if you visit LeRue Press Bookstore at 280 Greg Street #10 in Reno, Nevada. Watch for upcoming special sale days.
Check out:
LeRue Press Book Store/formerly The Book Gallery
LeRue Press
Nevada News Resources
Contact for Janice Hermsen