What is the best way to approach the media to gain publicity for my book?
The first step in marketing your book is to determine which media you would like to contact (radio, TV, newspaper, magazine, etc.). Next, you should determine the contact name of the person responsible for setting up interviews or writing book reviews. Personalized requests are much more likely to receive attention rather than those addressed to “Book Review Editor,” for example. Next, send a press release and cover letter to stimulate this individual’s interest. Get your “elevator speech” (a 30-second spiel about your book) ready and follow-up with a phone call the next day. Following up with the media is the key to successful publicity. At this point, interested media will request your media kit and a review copy of your book. Remember, it’s also important to know when to take “no” for an answer. Otherwise, you risk harming your relationship with this individual, and he or she will be unlikely to respond to any future requests.
