I'm trying to upload my photo.  Help!

At the moment, we don't have an automated process for posting your photo.  Please send, as usual, to your editorial contact.

How do I send e-cards to my contacts already in Outlook?

There is no need to import your contacts into the Author Toolkit.  Rather, you can download the image of your book cover and then send it as an attachment within Outlook.  To download the image of your book cover: go to your e-card page, right-click on the image (ctrl-click on a Mac), select Save Picture As... (Save Image As... on a Mac), and save the file to a location.  Now you can attach it to your emails.

I've completed my AIQ but I don't see my author page.

Once you have completed your page, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to let us know. We need some time to review your initial page as well as to take care of some technical details in the back-end.  It is currently (June, '09) taking about a week before your page goes live.  In the future you will be able to make changes to your page and see the updates almost immediately.  Please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have further questions.

Author Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Now that my book is finished, who is my main contact?

Once your book has been through the editorial process and is in the printing stage, your main contact will be your lead publicist.  While you are always welcome to contact anyone at Sourcebooks, you are encouraged to communicate as much as possible through your lead publicist. Your editor will continue to handle all book development and sales related questions.

How do I communicate with my publicist?

You can always pick up the phone and call your publicist, however email is the fastest and easiest way to reach them.  It might be useful to get used to this practice, as your publicist will most likely email interview confirmations and schedule items to you.  Email is the most effective and full-proof method when communication is frequent.

What materials will you produce to promote my book?

For each of the titles that we publicize, the lead publicists will create a press kit.  The purpose of the press kits is not to provide a synopsis of the book, but to grab the attention of the media and to generate interest and excitement. The press kits are sent out when we send the book to media and after we’ve scheduled interviews.

What media will you use to promote my book?

Each book gets a campaign focused on the primary and secondary audiences for that book.  For example, if you have a parenting book, our publicity focus will likely be on parenting magazines (national and regional), family & parenting newspaper editors, family radio, mommy bloggers and family/parenting websites.  We have a publicity database of more than 4,000 top print, radio and TV contacts that we pitch our titles to each season. We also use an online media database called Cision.

How much time will the publicist spend on my book?

The main publicity push for your book is the first five-six weeks of publication, with preparation and pitching prior to the release date.   Although each book gets personal attention, each publicist is working on other books at the same time. 

Should I hire my own publicist?

It is understandable that you want to get the maximum amount of publicity coverage for your book.  The decision to hire your own publicist is yours to make.  If you feel additional support is needed, we ask that you allow us to work with your outside publicist so that we can be most effective. 

Can I put the book on my own website?

If you do have a website, we encourage that you include a copy of your book.  There are affiliate programs through retailers where you can have a link on your site that will send consumers straight to their website where they can purchase the book.  You will get a percentage of the sales that are directed to this site.

If you have a website, please request retail links to your book through your publicist.

How do I prepare for my publicity?

Each of our authors is provided with materials on preparing for interviews and developing a message prior to the book’s launch (see Author Toolkit). You will have a conference call with your publicist where you can address any questions/concerns/ideas that you might have.  We also give suggestions on doing radio and TV interviews and we develop a message track based on a specific message for each title’s book buyer.

What does Sourcebooks think about launch parties?

The Sourcebooks philosophy is a little different from other publishers in the industry.  We focus on efforts and activities that will reach consumers, such as broadcast driven publicity campaigns, bookstore events, marketing tactics, and speaking engagements.  We don't believe that launch parties and launch events are necessarily an effective book-selling tactic.

Sourcebooks is happy to help arrange book signings at bookstores, where the store has a proven record of strong publicity support and high attendance.  In support of the signings, we will arrange for them to be listed in the newspaper, schedule TV and/or radio interviews to promote the signings, and try to assure that print reviews run prior to the signings.  Additionally, most bookstores also promote the signings through newsletters, flyers and ads.

What does Sourcebooks do regarding signings and readings?

Each season Sourcebooks only tours a couple of our authors.  When we tour an author, our policy for expense reimbursement is spelled out in our author travel policy.  A copy can be found in the Author Toolkit.  However, we would be happy to help arrange for bookstore visits in your hometown and support any bookstore efforts on your part.  If you should choose to arrange an event we ask that you let us know about it so we can ensure that the store has the appropriate number of books available.   

How can I promote my book during personal or business travel?

As soon as you are assigned a lead publicist, you should send her a copy of your travel schedule so that she can include it in her publicity plans.  We like to take advantage of an author’s travel schedule for local media opportunities. 

How many books do I get for my own promotional purposes?

We encourage authors to use your promotional copies for non-media contacts.  We will gladly send copies to any personal media contacts on your behalf.  Please check your contract for exact numbers promotional copies.  Any additional copies can be purchased through Sourcebooks with the author discount determined in your contract.

How will I know how my book is selling?

We understand that you have put a great amount of effort into your book and are naturally curious about sales.  You are welcome to check back with your editor from time to time to get an update on sales.