There are only 30
metropolitan markets, according to the 2010 Census Bureau, with two million or
more residents. Las Vegas is close, asthe 31st biggest market, with
1,951,269 residents. Rather than just looking at the largest cities in the US,
looking at the largest metropolitan markets gives you a better idea of where to
concentrate your book marketing and publicity efforts.
However, just because
a city is big doesn’t mean they are the best fit for you. For instance, bigger
metro areas invite more competition amongst authors and others. Sometimes
focusing on smaller but significant areas is the way to go. Additionally,
bigger doesn’t always mean on target. A smaller area, say in the south, may be
a better target if you were selling a barbecue cookbook as opposed to an area
that doesn’t do as many cookouts due to weather or culture.
Lastly, you need to
look at the demographics of an area. If you are promoting a book where you need
say a large Asian population or a wealthier population, you may look to cities
that are in the top metro zones but also into areas where there is a greater
concentration of the types of people you are trying to reach.
You also want to
look at areas that offer more media outlets, more bookstores, and more
opportunities to sell your book.
Three states are
responsible for more than 35% of the hot spots: FL has three spots, CA has five
spots, and Texas has three. But one metro area has at least 50% more than its
nearest competitor – New York City – and its 19.56 million nearby residents
equals the combined populations of nine areas on the list.
If you are looking
to tour parts of the county to promote your book, or seeking to focus your book marketing efforts in certain locations, consider the following:
Primary City Population
New York City 19,567,410
Los Angeles 12,828,837
Chicago 9,461,105
Dallas 6,426,214
Philadelphia 5,965,343
Houston 5,920,416
Washington, D.C. 5,636,232
Miami 5,564,635
Atlanta 5,286,728
Boston 4,552,402
San Francisco 4,335,391
Detroit 4,296,250
Riverside, Calif 4,224,851
Phoenix 4,129,887
Seattle 3,439,809
Minneapolis 3,348,856
San Diego 3,095,313
St. Louis 2,787,701
Tampa 2,783,243
Baltimore 2,710,489
Denver 2,356,285
Pittsburgh 2,356,285
Portland, Ore. 2,226,009
Charlotte 2,217,012
Sacramento 2,149,127
San Antonio 2,144,508
Orlando 2,134,411
Cincinnati 2,114,580
Cleveland 2,077,240
Kansas City 2,009,342
READ THIS!
Hey authors,
what exactly are you selling?
Authors will hashtag their way to success
How to sell your book in 10 steps
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