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#1 MFi Controllers » How to Finesse Your Book's PR » Jun 04 12:17 AM
- smithpublicity
- Replies: 0
Self-publishing your work gives you more opportunities and more responsibilities. You'll need to find an editor and cover designer and learn how to market your book. Some authors try to handle it themselves, but hiring a publicist is always better if your budget allows it. Getting your book in the hands of target media to gain exposure is crucial, and book PR firms have those contacts. You'd be starting from scratch even if you have the time to build a media contact list. Sending out well-crafted press materials is also essential. Your publicist can help with press releases and bios that contain the right information.
The internet offers many book marketing opportunities, but they pay off more when you know what you're doing. You can generate book sales with your posts if you're a natural extrovert and social media star. It can be more challenging than it sounds, depending on the size of your following and your ability to connect with them. Some people are natural at it, while many more find it challenging. Compelling posts are helpful or entertaining – or both. Mentions of your book must be subtle because the hard sell rarely works. You'll see more sales and results when you work creatively; uniqueness is an asset.
A website needs to be at the center of your book marketing program. It's a referral point for other parts of your campaign, notably prospective readers (and book buyers) and the media. You're launching an author's website, but it needs to showcase your books. Each should have a page, and there also needs to be a bio and your headshot as you earn media coverage and post links to it on your website and social media. Fans and followers are impressed; the press will want to cover you after seeing what others have done. It's common to start locally and expand to regional and national coverage as you gain momentum.
Don't overlook the potential of launching a blog and podcasts. The information on your website can be more permanent, while the blog and podcasts are more topical. You'll post to them more often on various topics connected to your writing and book. You can guest post on other blogs and appear on podcasts besides your own as part of your outreach. Pay attention to audiences because you want to reach your target readers. If you have several target groups, plan your marketing program to reach each one with content they'll appreciate. It may vary from group to group and you can adjust accordingly.
#2 Apple Talk » Promote Your Book Despite Media Cutbacks » Apr 04 4:22 AM
- smithpublicity
- Replies: 0
The internet continues to have legacy media on the run, with audience shifts and competition for ad revenue. However, effective book marketing campaigns still benefit from media coverage, so what's an author to do? One way to prevail in a world of fewer opportunities is to become a media contributor. When you write an article, there's a one-sentence credit at the end where you can mention your book. It works similarly to being mentioned in an article written by someone else, of which there are fewer today. You can prevail in a changing landscape when you find creative ways to market yourself and your book.
The credibility you gain writing articles or being featured in well-known media is significant. It sets you apart from other authors and introduces you to a broader audience. Therefore, going after media coverage can make sense despite the required effort. A professional publicist with established contacts is helpful if your budget allows. They are in touch with the media landscape and can open doors. It's also crucial to keep your target audience in mind and go after opportunities that will reach them. If some are smaller or more local, they may produce more results (sell books) than a general mass media audience.
If you're an author freelancing an article or being interviewed for a story, think long-term. Being a helpful source can lead to repeat requests that build your visibility over time. If you've noticed some people covered repeatedly, it's because they have built excellent media relationships. It's a wise way to earn free publicity that others will envy. It helps to appropriately comment on topics beyond those covered in your book. Also, remember that the media has deadlines every day of the week, and answering your phone or replying to emails directly and promptly always wins their favor.
When you freelance an article, it's helpful if you select a topic that spins off of your book. That way, when someone reads your article and comes to the mention of your book in the author's credit at the end, they may be interested in buying it to learn more. If your article is well received, there's a good chance you'll be asked to write others in the future, giving you opportunities to mention your book each time. It's a proven, effective publicity vehicle that's within the reach of all authors. Opening doors and building relationships is the cornerstone of every book PR campaign – how you make a buzz.
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