The first thing most authors do once their books are finished is to contact the media. And this is a good thing, if you are media-savvy and well-prepared.
The truth is that most newspaper editors and columnists do not care one iota that you’ve written a book or that another book has been produced. This is not news, unless your publisher is one of the majors, you are famous or infamous or the book is on a hot, current and/or highly controversial topic.
Sure, you can get media attention in your home town. Go for it!! Contact the local newspaper publisher and tell him about your project. The smaller the paper, the more likely you’ll get press. Local publicity is a good start. In fact, I recommend it. It will give you media experience as well as exposure and something to include in your portfolio.
Now, if you want wider recognition for your book—don’t we all?—you’ll have to come up with a publicity hook greater than simply the fact that you have written a book or that a new book has been published. Bring this fact to an editor’s attention and he/she will say, “So what?†In fact, that’s the question you must answer—“So what?â€
What makes your book newsworthy? What is interesting about your book and/or you? What can you come up with that will intrigue the public—thus the media? What makes the story of your book worth printing in any newspaper, let alone major papers throughout the U.S.?
What is a good hook? What type of book/author rates space in newspapers? Books produced by major publishers have a definite foot-in-the-door. But what about independently published books—self-published and fee-based POD published books?
I have four ideas for you:
1: Study book reviews for independently published books and stories featuring new books in newspapers nationwide. Some newspapers and magazines have policies against publishing reviews for independently produced books. And it may be a bit time-consuming to locate those that welcome books like yours. Do a Google search to locate the newspapers/magazines you want to check. There are sites that might help with the process. http://www.booksindepth.com is one. Also, use some of the online newspaper directories: http://www.newspapers.com http://www.newspaperlinks.com http://www.thepaperboy.com Read random newspapers online. Go to your largest local library and read newspapers from major cities.
2: Note the newspapers that publish stories and/or reviews for independently produced books and then put yourself behind the readers’ bifocals and in the editors’ shoes to discover your book’s media hook.
3: Seek out newspaper columnists in the genre or topic of your book—mysteries, Christian/religious, inspirational, gardening, auto mechanics, pets, foods, literary writings/poetry, children’s books, personal finance, agriculture/farming, relationships, seniors, etc. Contact the columnist directly and be prepared to wow him/her with a hook they can’t resist.
4: Locate magazines, newsletters and ezines that publish articles/stories in your genre/topic. Contact them about reviewing, featuring or mentioning your book. Use Writer’s Market to find appropriate magazines. Subscribe to Wooden Horse Pubs at http://www.woodenhorsepub.com You can get daily or weekly rates as well as annual. Scan the plethora of magazines at a nearby major mega-bookstore.
For more on book promotion, study the articles posted at http://www.matilijapress.com/articles.htm You’ll find around 2 dozen articles just on book promotion. Pay particular attention to Tips for Becoming More Media-Worthy at http://www.matilijapress.com/articles/promote_mediaworthy.htm
Patricia Fry’s book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book also includes lessons in getting media attention. Order your copy of this 366-page book and the companion Author’s Workbook today at: http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html