Hollay Ghadery, founder of River Street Writing, gives a lesson in book publicity for seasoned and new authors of all genres in this conversation with Sheelagh Caygill.

River Street Writing is an Ontario-based brand, publicity, and author support services business with more than two decades of experience. Hollay, senior publicist with the team, says book publicity is essential and delivers plenty of actionable tips on how to build relationships and get your book noticed.

Hollay clarifies the differences between publicity, promotion, and marketing—terms that are often used interchangeably but refer to different aspects of getting your book into readers’ hands. Publicity is about generating awareness and buzz through unpaid channels such as media coverage, interviews, and events. Promotion typically involves more direct efforts to drive sales, such as book signings, giveaways, and special events. Marketing encompasses the broader strategy of positioning your book in the marketplace, including everything from cover design and pricing to advertising campaigns and social media presence.

A key theme in this episode is the importance of building and nurturing community—not just with readers, but also with fellow writers, booksellers, librarians, and local media outlets. Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and community blogs. These smaller, regional platforms are often more accessible and happy to spotlight local talent compared to national outlets.

Attend literary events such as book launches, participate in open mics, and join writing groups, both online and in person. These help authors hone their craft and create opportunities for organic networking and mutual support.

Hollay stresses that supporting other writers—by attending their events, sharing their work on social media, or simply offering words of encouragement—can lead to reciprocal relationships that benefit everyone involved.

Authors should explore a variety of channels, from traditional media to podcasts, bookstagrammers, and literary influencers. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities can arise from even the smallest outreach efforts.

The value of authenticity and genuine connection cannot be overstated. People see through transactional networking, so be real and build relationships based on shared interests and mutual respect.

Book publicitity and promotion can be tough for introverted writers or those who feel uncomfortable taking the spotlight Hollay reassures listeners that self-advocacy is not about bragging, but about sharing your passion and inviting others to be part of your journey.

Not every pitch will be successful, and not every event will draw a crowd, but resilience, persistence, and a willingness to learn are important for long-term success.

Collaboration is vital for a thriving literary ecosystem. Hollay highlights examples of authors who have teamed up for joint events and cross-promotions, demonstrating how collective efforts can amplify individual voices and create a sense of belonging.

Be supportive and and share resources. This way, authors can enhance their own visibility and contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic literary landscape.

- Understand the distinctions between publicity, promotion, and marketing to develop a well-rounded outreach strategy. Key takeaways:

- Build and nurture relationships within your local literary community, including media, booksellers, and fellow writers.

- Diversify publicity efforts by exploring multiple channels and being open to new opportunities.

- Be proactive in seeking out publicity, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your work.

- Foster genuine connections and support others in the literary world, recognizing that collaboration benefits everyone.

- Embrace resilience and persistence, learning from setbacks and celebrating small victories along the way.

Find Hollay at RiverStreetWriting.com and HollayGhadery.ca.