Part 2 in a Series of Book Marketing and Publicity Tips from Smith Publicity
1.) Watch TV and listen to the radio. If you want to get exposure for your book by securing broadcast interviews, then it makes sense that you should watch the types of shows you want be on. Seems like common sense, but many authors don’t do this. Listen to your local talk radio station and get the feel for the rhythm and pacing of radio interviews. Watch television shows, both locally and nationally, which interview authors. Particularly with television, you’ll come to appreciate how relatively little time you will actually have on the air, and why you have to be concise in your answers and stay on topic.
3.) Go old-school and actually send a letter. The dominance of e-mail as a preferred method of communication makes snail mail more valuable. This may not make sense at first glance, but think about it. A hand-addressed envelope sent to a reporter or editor is probably more likely to be opened, percentage wise, that an e-mail. Why? Because it is so relatively rare today. Personalize your note by showing the producer, reporter, blogger you know his or her work with specific examples and letting them know why your book may be a good fit for them.
2.) Less is more. Whether you’re e-mailing a producer or writing your own press release, follow the “less is more” rule. After you write something, review it again and force yourself to reduce the length. What you’ll find is that you’ll have a release or an e-mail that is tight, on target, and covers the most essential elements of your message.