Saw this on the Bookseller.com website. The results (so far) of an industry poll on the best way of breaking a new author. Thought it might be of interest.
Sue

Which of these is the best way of breaking a new author? Publicity stunt at LBF 11% Entering a Lit Idol competition 0% Coverage on Richard and Judy 33% Media advertising 0% Bookshop tour 11% Word of mouth 44%

Sue, many thanks for posting that. That is very interesting, and actually rather encouraging!

Al

It's interesting that no one (so far) thinks that media advertising is worth it for a new author. Seems that it's still a case of who you know...
Sue

Yes, but you can always get to know new people if you make enough of an effort. It will probably surprise no one to hear that I live in London. But when I first arrived here, I knew literally one person, the mother of my aunt-by-marriage, who was sadly then suffering from early stage Alzheimer's. I got my first job by looking in the Yellow Pages for the industry that I was interested in, and then wrote seven letters to these people who didn't know me from Adam. Eventually I got two offers.

I have always found the whole job interview process about as enjoyable as I imagine sticking hot needles in my eye would be. And I am sure that the process of trying to find an agent and a publisher will sometimes be equally as nerve-wracking, humiliating or just plain irritating (my previous experience backs this up). However, it is a means to an end. No pain, no gain, I suppose.

Al.

I’m surprised at the list.
I would have thought a great title and cover would help promote a new author. I’m sure many new authors are bought and read initially, just because of the book’s title and cover.
Anyway, that's how I select new fiction when browsing.
Dawn,x

What morons conducted this? Are we saying that 1 in 3 new successful authors will owe their success to an appearance on Richard and Judy?

I think I just lost my will to live.