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Jim Cox Report: December 2025
Dear Publisher Folk, Friends & Family:
I am now 83 and have been at the helm of the Midwest Book Review for the past 49 years. Once upon a time in my college years at Brigham Young University before all that, I became a self-published author. Literally!
My book was "Polygamy: The Contributions of Joseph Smith to Plural Marriage". My stepfather owned one of those ancient hand-operated printing presses like the ones you see in old Western movie small town newspaper offices. We cranked out 1,000 copies. I had them in three bookstores: The BYU campus bookstore in Provo Utah; Zion's Bookstore; and the Deseret Bookstore in Salt Lake City. That one and only print run sold out in just under six months. I believe there is still a copy in the Rare Books collection of the BYU campus library. Plus, I still have one in a file cabinet somewhere in my rather cluttered office.
I mention all this because it was my experience as a self-published author that left me with a sense of responsibility toward helping other folk who have decided to self-publish (one of the most difficult means of getting published, getting read, and getting respect within the publishing industry) when I, along with the late Dr. John Ohliger, and a group of friends launched a half-hour weekly book review radio show that was to become the Midwest Book Review.
So the subject this month is Self-Publishing. Starting with a brilliantly written and solidly informative article on the subject by Trish Stevens, of my oldest on-line pen-pals inside the publishing industry (and a founder of the Ascot Media Group). Here, with her permission, is that article:
The Self-Publishing Boom: How to Market a Book and Stand Out From the Crowd - Veteran Publicist Weighs In
With millions of titles released every year, visibility has become the new currency, says Trish Stevens of Ascot Media Group.
HOUSTON, Texas, August 22, 2025 - Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital and other self-publishing platforms have opened the floodgates for creative freedom, faster publishing timelines and higher royalty potential - but it also means there's a lot more noise. Standing out is the new challenge, says veteran book publicist Trish Stevens.
"In the past, book publicity was mostly reserved for traditionally published authors. But today, self-published and hybrid authors are investing in professional publicity services to help drive visibility - and often finding tremendous success," said Stevens, founder and CEO of Ascot Media Group. "But you can't market a book that doesn't look, read or feel professional, so first impressions are key."
According to Stevens, it all starts with a professional product:
Invest in a great cover designer (this is a critical first impression!).
Hire a professional editor (developmental and copyediting are both important).
Write a compelling back-cover blurb that hooks readers and captures the book's core message.
Don't skimp on formatting (print and e-book both matter).
The search for a reputable book publicist can begin as soon as a publication date is imminent, Stevens added, and continue for months (even years) after a book hits the marketplace -- as long as the content isn't tied to quickly outdated information like technology.
"A book publicist can help you keep your book in the public eye; they can communicate with the media and secure interviews and appearances for you; help keep your story in print and on the internet/social media; and they can help you reach new audiences," she said.
The bottom line, Stevens emphasized, is that visibility is a long game. The authors who succeed are the ones who keep going.
"If they used a publicist during the first few months and got little to no results, they need to consider the possibility that the publicist just didn't do a good enough job for them," Stevens said. "Don't let your dream die because someone failed to get you in the public eye."
Lastly, Trish added, "There's nothing more gratifying to me in this book world than seeing authors get so excited after their campaigns kick off and watching them on TV discussing their books. Many of these authors' books failed in publicity years earlier. We reignite their dreams with those older books, and it is extremely rewarding."
On more than one occasion, Stevens said she has heard authors describe their excitement as like being a kid again on Christmas morning -- running downstairs, getting on their PCs to see just how many media hits have come in, along with Google Alerts. Many of these types of exciting testimonials can be found along with direct author contact information at https://ascotmedia.com/testimonials
"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't keep marketing your book," Stevens added. "As long as you have a passion for it, there's no reason you can't continue to reach new readers and touch their lives, for years to come."
About Ascot Media Group
For more than 18 years, Ascot Media Group has specialized in publicity campaigns for emerging and established authors alike, helping them achieve local, national and international exposure. Some now have movies, with others in the making. The company has been voted number one for book publicity multiple times throughout its history and has helped some authors reach the NY Times bestsellers list. For more information, please visit https://ascotmedia.com
Now an additional voice to chime in on the subject of self-publishing. Quoting David LeGere, CEO of Woodhall Press who emailed me the following very good advice for authors with respect to some 'real world practical' marketing tips:
As summer gives way to fall, I've been reflecting on what a challenging year it's been for so many, especially in publishing. It's tested us, but it's also reminded us why we do what we do: because stories matter.
We've brought a stack of terrific books into the world, recharged among friends at the Advantages of Indie Conference, and, having attended the Connecticut Literary Festival, it was great seeing so many of you. Looking ahead, we're thrilled to share that Woodhall Press will have a table at AWP 2026, and we're already dreaming of ways to make that a memorable stop for writers and readers alike.
When the headlines feel heavy, books still offer a door: a brief escape, a way to make sense of things, and a reminder that life is amazing. Let's keep choosing kindness, even when it's hard, and keep showing up for each other.
A few quick notes:
Preorders and word-of-mouth matter, so if you love a book, tell a friend, post a line, or ask your library to order it.
Indie bookstores, librarians, teachers, and reviewers, thank you for championing our authors.
Authors planning events: please place book orders with the distributor at least six weeks ahead to ensure timely delivery.
Thank you for cheering on our authors and for being part of this community. Here's to a cozy season of good pages and great friendships.
Warmly,
David LeGere
CEO, Woodhall Press
https://www.woodhallpress.com
Quote of the Month
"In old days books were written by men of letters and read by the public. Nowadays books are written by the public and read by nobody." -- Oscar Wilde
Website of the Month
The 17 BEST Self-Publishing Companies of 2025
https://blog.reedsy.com/best-self-publishing-companies
Now here are reviews of books with a special relevance for authors, publishers, and dedicated bibliophiles:
The Amazon Author Formula Workbook
Penny C. Sansevieri
Independently Published
9798282296648, $12.99, PB, 172pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Author-Formula-Workbook-Hands/dp/B0FD3D4FZG
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Amazon Author Formula Workbook: Hands-on Exercises and Expert Tactics to Dominate Amazon's Marketplace", book marketing expert Penny Sansevieri provides authors and independent publishers a hands-on guide to mastering the strategies that make books sell on Amazon.
Whether you're launching your first book or refining the reach of a full series, this companion workbook to Penny's "Amazon Author Formula" provides DIY step-by-step worksheets, guided prompts, and insider tactics to boost visibility, improve conversions, and drive real sales.
Of special note is that every worksheet comprising this DIY workbook is yours to download for free! Use the access code inside the book to instantly generate printable versions and get to work. Whether you prefer print or Kindle, you're covered!
From keyword and category alignment to pricing strategy, Amazon Ads planning, and retail page optimization -- every page is specifically designed to help you take focused, immediate action. Track your progress, fine-tune your Amazon relevance score, and uncover what's really holding your book back from charting higher. With detailed planners, ad campaign organizers, and expert insights, this workbook turns strategy into execution -- so you can stop guessing and start growing your sales.
Packed with the same market-tested techniques Penny has successfully used with thousands of authors, "The Amazon Author Formula Workbook" is the ultimate Amazon toolkit for taking your book marketing to the next level.
"The Amazon Author Formula Workbook" covers:
A comprehensive Author Bio Builder to help craft a compelling, professional Amazon bio
Step-by-step Book Description Worksheet and Checklist for high-converting sales copy
Launch Plan Template to map your release timeline and marketing efforts
ARC Tracker for managing and following up with early readers and reviews
Pricing Comparison Sheet to evaluate competitive pricing in your genre
Promotional Schedule Planner, including timing for KDP Select countdowns and free deals
Retail Page Optimization Checklist to maximize every inch of your Amazon listing
Amazon Ads Prep Checklist to ensure your book and page are ad-ready
Keyword Planner to generate 300+ keywords tailored for your Amazon Ads
Ad Strategy Worksheets to help design, test, and track ad campaigns that convert
Progress Trackers to measure improvement across your marketing efforts
Expert tips and real-world advice throughout every section
"The Amazon Author Formula Workbook" is essential to long-term success with Amazon as a vendor.
Critique: Especially and unreservedly recommended, "The Amazon Author Formula Workbook: Hands-on Exercises and Expert Tactics to Dominate Amazon's Marketplace" is essential for anyone who seeks to utilize Amazon (the 800 lb. gorilla of online book marketing) as a sales vendor for their book(s). Unique, comprehensive, 'real world' practical, thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation, "The Amazon Author Formula Workbook" should be a part of any personal, professional, community, college, and university library Writing/Publishing instructional reference collection, as well as writer workshop and curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "The Amazon Author Formula Workbook" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Penny C. Sansevieri (www.amarketingexpert.com) is exceptionally well know throughout the publishing industry. As the Founder and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., she has revolutionized book marketing, shaping the careers of authors and guiding them to bestseller status. Penny's influence is undeniable and she is known for her cutting-edge Amazon campaigns and innovative strategies that catapult exceptional books onto bestseller lists.
Herself a bestselling author of 24 books, Penny's expertise spans across self-publishing, social media, and strategic book promotion. She's a trusted voice in the publishing world, teaching self-publishing courses at NYU and hosting the top-rated podcast Book Marketing Tips and Author Success. Her company has secured placements for dozens of books on major bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal.
Penny's unique ability to turn author brands into viable business ventures in today's competitive publishing landscape has earned her recognition as one of the industry's foremost experts.
Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets
Charlotte Digregorio
https://charlottedigregorio.wordpress.com
Artful Communications Press
9780991213924, $27.95, PB, 334pp
Synopsis: A complete seminar (and more!) for aspiring and seasoned poets alike, publishing "Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets: How to Write and Publish Moving Poems and Books and Publicize Like a Pro" was a labor of love by the successfully published and award-winning poet Charlotte Digregorio. Based on her many years of experience and expertise it took her a little over two years to create. Of special note is the large section (86 pages) on the Japanese forms, the chapter dedicated to "How to Write Effective Haiku and Senryu", as well as the substantial sections on poetry in general and free verse in particular.
Critique: Original, extraordinary, exemplary, thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in style, organization and presentation, this large format (8.5 X 11) paperback edition of Charlotte Digregorio's "Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets: How to Write and Publish Moving Poems and Books and Publicize Like a Pro" from Artful Communications Press is ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Introduction to Poetry collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It is also the essential, comprehensive, DIY instruction manual for getter poetry published and effectively brought to the attention of the poetry reading public.
Of additional note for aspiring and practicing poets, as well as the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the subject of writing/publishing poetry, is the Charlotte Digregorio Writer's Blog:
https://charlottedigregorio.wordpress.com/2025/04/22/wondrous-instruction-and-advice-from-global-poets-is-published
Editorial Note: Charlotte Digregorio is a retired professor who has won eighty-two poetry awards, and has been nominated for four Pushcart Prizes. She
has also been nominated and listed in "The International Authors and Writers Who's Who" in Cambridge, England and in
the "Who's Who In Writers, Editors & Poets U.S./Canada," among other directories. Charlotte has had 1,200
poems of sixteen forms published in international journals, books, and anthologies. Her poetry has been translated into
nine languages. Charlotte also does poetry readings at bookstores, libraries, art centers and galleries.
"The Midwest Book Review Postage Stamp Hall Of Fame & Appreciation" is a monthly roster of well-wishers and supporters. These are the generous folk who decided to say 'thank you' and 'support the cause' that is the Midwest Book Review by donating to our postage stamp fund.
Andrew Nunno
Melissa Warner
Yolande Grizinski
Steven Cary -- "NextGen"
Orion Monroe -- "Butterfly"
Judith Peck -- "Losing Katy"
Richard Leise -- "Dry The Rain"
Jenny Alexandra -- "Santa Cutie"
Julia Flint -- "We Were Promised"
Peter Wiholm -- "Grumpy Gnome"
Jim Mahler -- "Sunrise Undefeated"
Kris Girrell -- "Spiritually Homeless"
Amy Houts -- "In The Witches Hour"
Al Krockey -- "Straight Out of Skokie"
Scott Morrison -- "The Secrets We Keep"
Judith Peck -- "Art and Social Interaction"
Jacqueline Redmer -- "Dissociative Effect"
Davon Miller -- "A Bus Can't Drive Empty"
Shane Terry -- "John Hopkins: At the Heart of England "
Charlotte Digregorio -- "Wondrous Insruction and Advice from Global Poets"
Pure Ink Press
Catavento Books
The Publishing Pad
Ananias Foundation
Jan-Carol Publishing
Johanna Ramos-Boyer -- JRB Communications
Trish Stevens -- Ascot Media Group
Elizabeth Frazier -- Waldmania! PR
In lieu of (or in addition to!) postage stamp donations, we also accept PayPal gifts of support to our postage stamp fund for what we try to accomplish in behalf of the small press community.
Simply log onto your PayPal account and direct your kindness (in any amount and at your discretion) to the Midwest Book Review at: SupportMBR [at] aol.com (The @ is replaced by "[at]" in the above email address, in an attempt to avoid email-harvesting spambots.)
If you have postage stamps to donate, or if you have a book you'd like considered for review, then send those postage stamps (always appreciated, never required), or a published copy of that book (no galleys, uncorrected proofs, or Advance Reading Copies), accompanied by a cover letter and some form of publicity release to my attention at the address below.
All of the previous issues of the "Jim Cox Report" are archived on the Midwest Book Review website at www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/jimcox.htm. If you'd like to receive the "Jim Cox Report" directly (and for free), just send me an email asking to be signed up for it.
So until next time -- goodbye, good luck, and good reading!
Jim Cox
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI, 53575
www.midwestbookreview.com
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
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