Patricia Hamilton
Pizza And Prose Review
January 18, 2010 

By Lori Kearney

Publishing a book is “not for the weak or faint of heart,” according to publisher Patricia Hamilton. It takes a thick skin and some market research to enter the business side of writing. Hamilton, of Park Place Publications, addressed the topic at the January 2010 Pizza and Prose Art & Lit series in Capitola. Having successfully guided authors through the process since 1982, she had sound advice for the surprising number of people who showed up on a stormy Monday evening to hear her. 

Next to knowing the reason for writing a book the most important thing to explorejarvis is whether there is niche for it. “If you only want your book published to have in hand, sell to a few local bookstores,” it’s important to establish that before meeting with a publisher, according to Hamilton. If you want a best seller you have some work cut out for you before you even begin to write. 

Knowing your product is unique and believing in it are the two most essential selling points. The next important piece is finding what Hamilton called “connectors, those people who can hook us up with the world.”  Quoting career coach and best selling author Barbara Sher, Hamilton claimed “all the answers we need are within three people from us.” Doing the hard work of writing and research is one thing, attending conferences to network and get critiqued is another. The key, she says, is “to make it known. You gotta ask.”  

Current technology can be a useful method in getting the word out about a book. Hamilton recommends facebook as a way to have a ‘simple conversation and connect with fans,” She suggests incorporating “social media to make friends, not sales. As soon as someone expresses an interest, hop on it.” 

“The biggest key to survival is to focus on advertising…you need to “create a need in the bookstore buyers mind.” She suggests going into a local bookstore and asking what shelf they would put your book on. Go to that shelf and look at what else is there. “What grabs your attention? Think about who you are? What drives your book buying habits?” To reach people you need to, “know your target market, do your research.” 

A big question on audience members' minds was whether to self-publish or go through a major publishing house. According to Hamilton, if your goal is to sell a few thousand copies and earn a little money then off-set publishing is the way to go. The cost is generally around “$6 per book for $1000.” If the book sells for $20 in stores, you can do pretty well selling it on your own.” Going through a major house is another story.

“Distributors and wholesalers take 15%. Retailers take 40%. First time writers never get more than their $5,000 advance,” Hamilton told the audience.

An exception, she explained, is for books that have a built-in niche market. Cookbooks are great examples, especially those that focus on a particular ethnic theme such as “Simply Armenian” or an educational product that can sell to schools or universities.  One of Hamilton’s biggest success stories is with her own travel book, “California Healthy: The adventurer’s guide to local delicacies, fine wine, great walks, and the good life.” Coming up right as the green movement was taking off she hit the market at just the right time and has an exclusive market with Marriot Hotels.   

For those without a built in niche, she recommends asking yourself “If you have the drive to succeed.” If so, attend conferences, make the personal connections and visit the agents and publishers website, www.publishersandagents.com/com/. 

And if you are looking for a “connector,” contact Patricia Hamilton Park Place Publications, by calling 831.649.6640 or toll free 888.702.4500. You can e-mail her at,  [email protected] or visit www.parkplace-publications.com.