FAQ
You might also find some of your questions answered on our Marketing page.
Do you have any advice about getting published?
We wish we did, but our knowledge of the publishing process is sketchy. Our work and expertise is in the marketing of a book that is published or about to be published.
Do you work with adult authors?
We do not. We live in the world of children’s literature and find our attention span wanders when our client’s books get too thick and have too many words we have to look up in dictionaries.
Do you market self-published books?
I often turn down the opportunity to work on self-published picture books. I have yet to see a self-published picture book with a price point that is comparable to a picture book from a publisher. Self-published picture book prices can just be too high to move copies in my (possibly false) opinion.
I do sometimes work with self-published novels, as long as they have been produced by a press that already provides online bookseller listings and other distribution.
Will you give me advice about the ‘marketability’ of my manuscript?
I am not an editor or art director that can imagine outcome (sadly). I am someone that can imagine readers when a complete book is in my hands already kissed by the influence of said editors and art directors. But please come back when your manuscript has been picked up by a publisher and we can start work right away!
Are you a publicist?
No, we are not actually publicists, we are marketing consultants. Small nuance? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Publicists tend to focus on traditional media, appearances, and managing a book’s launch. Curious City creates marketing projects that are story-based and that reach out in unique ways to target audiences.
Do you work with authors and illustrators outside of your area?
Absolutely. The majority of our clients are in the Northeast simply because we started the biz in Portland, Maine, an area very rich in authors and illustrators, but we work and play with creators all over the country.
How do you coordinate efforts with the publishers in-house marketing team?
We always try to call and introduce ourselves, let them know what our ideas are, and make it clear that we will not be plaguing them for money to support our efforts or making other unreasonable requests. The role of an independent marketing consultant is a fairly new one. Publishers understand the role of publicists (black suits, Rolodexes, media appearances), but independent marketing consultants they don’t always know what to do with. In most cases we find publishers are delighted that the author is teaming up with someone as it indicates a dedication to self-promotion.
