Book Review: The Complete Guide to Internet Promotion for Artists, Musicians, & Songwriters

By Michele Wilson-Morris (more articles from this author) 2000-07-25

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Title: The Complete Guide to Internet Promotion for Artists, Musicians, & Songwriters
Authors: John Dawes & Tim Sweeney
Publisher: Tim Sweeney & Associates (www.tsamusic.com)
Release Date: 2000
ISBN#: 1-929378-01-7

Before I began writing the review for this book, I simply had to go back and reexamine the book reviews I've done to date. I was thinking to myself - they're generally very positive - what does this mean? Am I too lenient, over complimentary even? Or am I just getting exceptional books for review? And I must say, I've come to the conclusion that so far, I've received excellent books for review. "The Complete Guide to Internet Promotion for Artists, Musicians, & Songwriters" by John Dawes & Tim Sweeney is no exception. It's a page turner - filled with interesting information, helpful tips, and a no nonsense approach that made me wish I had some musical talent to sell on the web. Unfortunately, I don't. But for those of you who do, this is a great book! It reminded me very much of "How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet" by Midnight Rain Productions, which I was also very impressed with. Suffice it to say, "The Complete Guide to Internet Promotion" flows well, and belongs in the library of all indie artists. One thing the book stressed was that "online promotion should never replace offline promotion." This is SO important, and a fact that many artists overlook today, thinking that the Internet is the new way of doing things. You know - out with the old, in with the new. But there's also a saying that goes "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." This book simply teaches you that you use the Internet alongside traditional tried and true methods of promotion, and that that's how you can really achieve some great exposure and increase sales.

One thing that I thought was really great about this book is that there's a companion web site where you can get updates to the book, tutorials, study materials, software, online resources, and advice. The book tells you why you should ignore free web sites, the importance of interactivity, what to include in an online press kit, and it also gives tips on all of the various categories of possible visitors to your web site (local fans, international fans, A&R Reps, press, and stray visitors & new fans) and what type of information you should make available on the web site for them. There's a glossary, and even blank pages for notes, which I thought was rather considerate.

"The Complete Guide to Internet Promotion" is organized as follows:

Section I: Creating a Strong Online Presence
Section II: Promoting Your Web Site Offline
Section III: Promoting Your Web Site Online
Section IV: Creating Online & Offline Publicity for Your Music
Section V: Online Issues
Section VI: Appendices & Resources

My verdict on this book? Guilty! Of being worthy of purchase, that is.

Related MusicDish e-Journal Articles:
» How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet - David Nevue - Midnight Rain Productions (2000-05-30)

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