
Are Libraries the Hidden Book Market? with Erin Cox of Words & Money
From New Books in Communications by Marshall Poe
April 28, 2026 · 29 min
About this episode
This episode explores how libraries can be a powerful tool in book marketing strategies.
What if the most powerful tool in your book marketing strategy isn't social media — it's your local library? In the debut episode of The Publishing Playbook, host Sarah Russo of Page One Media sits down with publishing veteran Erin Cox to unpack one of the industry's most overlooked opportunities: libraries. With a career spanning publicity at Scribner and HarperCollins, agenting, and her current role as publisher of Publishing Perspectives and co-founder of Words and Money, Erin brings rare, 360-degree expertise to the conversation. Together, Sarah and Erin break down how libraries actually buy books, why they're a powerful (and underutilized) marketing channel for authors, and the misconceptions that are costing publishers real money. Whether you're a debut author, a seasoned writer, or publishing-curious, this episode will change how you think about getting your book into readers' hands. Words & Money: https://www.wordsandmoney.com/ Publishing Perspectives: https://publishingperspectives.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/communications
People in this episode
Host: Sarah Russo
Guest: Erin Cox
Topics covered
- book marketing
- libraries
- publishing industry
- author strategies
- book sales
Keywords
- libraries
- book marketing
- publishing
- authors
- book sales
- Erin Cox
- Sarah Russo
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Words & Money, Publishing Perspectives, Scribner, HarperCollins
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