Writing With Rose Media Kit Part 3

Media Kit Part 3

In our previous blog, we discussed the things you needed to promote your book. For example, newsletters, email blasts, awards, graphics, blogs that type of thing. We discussed reviews that you have received, press releases, and interview resources.

Today we will discuss the next step is to include an excerpt from your book. If you choose not to use the opening for the book that is fine. Just be sure that whatever you choose will grab the reader's attention and will stand on its own two legs. This is a great way to build interest in your book specifically and make your reader want more. Wanting more is the main objective for the entire media kit process. Give them enough information to whet their appetite but don’t feed them the whole meal. They have to purchase the book to get all the answers.

You need to include a title page. A title page’s purpose is to offer the book title, the table of contents, a book trailer (which is a great sales tool), and/or popular social media campaign information. You want to use this information to capture the attention of the librarian, bookstore owner, podcast host, or potential customer so they will want to buy your book. Put anything that you think will entice your potential buyers!

Remember before you send this out to make sure that it is in a pdf format, not a word. You also need to make sure if you are including links to your information that they work and take the reader where you want them to go.

All of this information will be extremely helpful for you as you market your book. You can use this information to build the landing page for your book on your website. It is perfect to have at book signing events, email campaigns for potential speaking engagements, or book signing events. All of the information that you will need to market your book is now at your fingertips and readily accessible.

This week's homework is now to finish your media kit and get ready to sell books! As always, I thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Next week we will talk about “one sheet” and its purpose.

Sincerely,

Rose Cushing, Author

Writing With Rose Media Kit Part 2

Good Morning,

In our previous blog, we began discussing the preparation of your media kit. The next steps for that project will include promotional information, FAQ, Media Links, and your press release.

So what exactly are promotional ideas? Essentially it is comprised of the things that you have created to use as promotional materials, graphics, ads, photos, etc. You will need sales copy for newsletters, email campaign information, and blog posts. Sales copy are things like taglines, or subtitles if you will. These need to be able to grab your reader's attention in a short period. Quotes from your book quote from reviews, notable people that recommend your book quotes, that kind of thing. Always be conscious of social media advertising limits on text, for example, Twitter only allows 150 characters. Be sure to include things such as awards you have won, honorable mentions, or a starred review from reputable sources.

You also need to include interview resources. Here you provide sample questions and answers. Make questions interesting with interesting answers. Remember all this information is like a sales pitch with loads of details. You want to be sure you provide things that show you are not only a great writer but also creative in your marketing.  Questions and answers about your book and include things that reflect your personality.

As you are “out there” you will acquire more reviews. In those, you will find quotes great for advertising for example “I couldn’t put it down,” or “this book really made me think,” that type of thing. The best grassroots type idea is book bloggers. There are thousands of them out there and many of them will include you for free.  You can also obtain free or paid reviews with Kirkus Reviews, Forward Reviews, BookLife, Clarion, Readers Favorite, or BookBuzz. Keep in mind that many reviewers give negative reviews, so be aware.

Now writing your press release. This is a one-page pitch summary of everything in your media kit. Always write this with a specific submission in mind. Include things relevant to that audience both book buyers and book readers. A good press release format:

Publishing a book is a very exciting time. You want to be sure you set yourself up for success. Share your work with your readers everywhere possible. A press release is another sales pitch about your book so you want to make a good impression. Often this is the first thing people see regarding your book. It also will help your target submission with the decision on whether or not to pursue you further. Consider it a formal announcement to media and public groups about your new book and to generate buzz. With a little luck, a well-written release could land you interviews, and brief mentions in the newspaper or a magazine. Even good luck reviews are great to have. Speaking engagements about your book and greater web traffic. This a great way to introduce your work in a very professional manner.

You will also need an author website, a strong email list, and social media network. A press release, however, is designed to specifically showcase your book to a new group of influential people that you don’t already know.

Also, a great way to excite your fans, friends, and family about your upcoming project. Everything you produce and publish leading up to your book release will help you generate “buzz” which translates into sales.

So here is a format I use:

This should be 300-500 words

Contact Info: Include your name, address, phone number, email, and website.

Publication Date: List the publication date for your book as “For release on [date]” or note “For immediate release.”

Headline: This should be brief, but grab their attention

CITY, STATE, Date: The city and state should be in all caps.

Body content: The first short paragraph introduces you and your book to the reader. Remember publishers and editors don’t have a lot of time, so what makes your book “different or desirable”.  The second short paragraph contains a detailed description of the book and its audience (avoid using “I” or “we”). The third brief paragraph may include a quote from a book reviewer (this is where your beta readers really come into play) or a well-known person endorsing the book. The fourth paragraph lists where to buy the book, or launch details (date, time, location, contact info).

Writing With Rose - Media Kit Part 3

In our previous blog, we discussed the things you needed to promote your book. For example, newsletters, email blasts, awards, graphics, blogs that type of thing. We discussed reviews that you have received, press releases, and interview resources.

Today we will discuss the next step is to include an excerpt from your book. If you choose not to use the opening for the book that is fine. Just be sure that whatever you choose will grab the reader's attention and will stand on its own two legs. This is a great way to build interest in your book specifically and make your reader want more. Wanting more is the main objective for the entire media kit process. Give them enough information to whet their appetite but don’t feed them the whole meal. They have to purchase the book to get all the answers.

You need to include a title page. A title page’s purpose is to offer the book title, the table of contents, a book trailer (which is a great sales tool), and/or popular social media campaign information. You want to use this information to capture the attention of the librarian, bookstore owner, podcast host, or potential customer so they will want to buy your book. Put anything that you think will entice your potential buyers!

Remember before you send this out to make sure that it is in a pdf format, not a word. You also need to make sure if you are including links to your information that they work and take the reader where you want them to go.

All of this information will be extremely helpful for you as you market your book. You can use this information to build the landing page for your book on your website. It is perfect to have at book signing events, email campaigns for potential speaking engagements, or book signing events. All of the information that you will need to market your book is now at your fingertips and readily accessible.

This week's homework is now to finish your media kit and get ready to sell books! As always, I thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Next week we will talk about “one sheet” and its purpose.

Sincerely,

Rose Cushing, Author