Here, some seldom-considered tips on getting more publicity for your book and business, straight from the top journalists and literary agents who participated in our Expertizing Publicity Forum. #1 Be prepared for The New York Times

Authors and publishers know that reviews and blurbs from reputable sources are the key to book sales. But with literally hundreds of thousands of books being published every year, it is impossible for every book to get the attention that its author and publisher hopes for from the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, ForeWord, and other review publications.

Have you wondered why celebrities being interviewed on television can look so calm when millions of people are watching them? And have you ever wondered if you could do that?

Competitive doesn’t begin to describe today’s book market. The booming print-on- demand and self-publishing industries, coupled with mainstream publishers, has flooded the market with thousands of new releases each month. “The LA Times receives 600 to 700 books for review each week,” reports Steve Wasserman, book review editor —book publicity is a tough, sometimes brutal business.

How do you publicize a children’s book? Many authors of children’s books don’t spend much time trying—but publicizing a children’s book can be easier than publicizing an adult novel. Here’s how to get started:

Direct mail has been given a bad reputation because of overuse and poorly designed mailing pieces. Unfortunately, people perceive all direct mail as junk mail, and its Internet equivalent as spam.

If you’re an author, you know how important it is to publicize your book. You’ve told everyone you know about it. You sent notices to your entire mailing list. You’ve submitted announcements to your online groups and forums as well as appropriate newsletters. And you’ve solicited a few online book reviews.