No matter how your book is published, you’re expected to take a role in getting it discovered by readers. Not many authors can afford a personal publicist, and even if you get one, your own work is a powerful addition to what they do. Publishers’ publicists move on to newer books.
A publicist has experience and contacts to pitch your book. They don’t wake up every day thinking “What else can I do to pitch my author?” The every-single-day effort belongs to you only. That’s why it’s smart to know more about promotion, publicity, and practices so your book can get discovered.
Here’s a list of fundamental questions to ask a publisher, or your publicist, about this discovery process.
What can I use to attract media attention?
Pitching podcast appearances is pretty much like pitching a spot for a morning TV show or a Zoom call. Hosts want to look over a clip from a previous appearance. Much of the world still operates on email for pitching. You can call your pitch a media release, rather than a press release, to show you’re up to date.
What does a digital author media kit contain?
You media kit includes a high-definition image of the cover, a high-resolution photo of you, a summary of your book’s story or subject, a sell sheet in PDF format that includes your endorsements (blurbs) plus a list of social media links, a Goodreads author link, and your author website link.
How do I use a release, versus a sell sheet?
Your sell-sheet is a one-page summary of everything about the book. A media release is structured like an article off a blog or in a publication: most important details at the top, a reason to care about the book in the next paragraph, then a quote from an author’s endorser that will move the media to ask for an interview or a copy of the book.
Anything else I need to share?
You might have a review copy of the book available for download. I recommend BookFunnel’s services for your storage spot. Your digital media kit is stored on your author website.
Do I need a headshot?
You need a headshot, something you’ll use for many other things in your career as an author. Keep the background simple. If you’re lucky enough to have pro-looking video to share from your website, include a link to it as well. This kind of video is a great asset to post on your YouTube channel.
I’ve worked for more than 30 years in the media, from general interest publications to specialized website blogging. I’ve even logged time on a regular podcast as a contributor. Get in touch if you want to kick around ideas about getting your book discovered.
