What Self Publishers Need to Get Media Exposure
If you have chosen the path of self publishing, promoting your book through media and publicity is extremely important. If people outside your local sphere of influence are unaware your book even exists, national sales will be poor and your publishing career will exist only on a micro scale.
As a self published author myself, I know the process of securing media exposure is a daily task that usually requires 1-2 hours a day of effort for as long as you wish to continue to receive the exposure. If this time commitment is completely unrealistic because you are too busy, then you should consider outsourcing this task to a professional public relations (PR) company.
If you are able to schedule the time, you can do it yourself and save a lot of money. However, before you begin approaching the media there are three essential steps that must be completed in preparing for media interaction.
1. Create a great media release
There are certain rules that apply when writing great media releases. If you fail to follow these rules then journalists will not even look at it. Learn how to write a great media release by researching other releases, understanding the media and analysing news stories and publicity events.
2. Write a one-page biography
PR opportunities can be unexpected and at any stage you could be asked to immediately supply information about yourself and possible questions for an interview. If this occurs, you must have this information on hand.
So write an appealing biography that is interesting and relevant to your book. Your list of questions is also a powerful tool because sometimes interviewers are time-restricted and will just read off your list. This means, you can customise the interview to ensure your message is delivered accurately and effectively.
3. Digital image of your front cover
Make sure you have a book cover ready, especially if you are approaching the print media. Make sure it is 300dpi resolution so that it is print quality. Sometimes they may request your book in physical format in which case ensure that you have copies on hand ready to send.
There are many aspects to public relations; however, these three steps are essential for preparing to manage the media. Once you have completed these steps you can begin contacting various media outlets that are suitable for your book, and start building relationships with journalists who can provide great publicity for you and your book.
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Dale Beaumont is the author of this article. He is an internationally renowned book publishing expert, the author of 16 best-selling books and the creator of the Get Published Secrets Program.
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