My Book Needs Publicity! What Do I Do?

Want to sell lots of books? Well you need to get yourself out there! Your goal as an author is get as much book promotion as possible on talk radio, TV and in the print media. The more the public hears about you and your message, the more likely it is your book will stand out from the other hundreds of thousands published every year.

You know you have to alert the public about your book, but you may not have any idea how to get started.

Marsha Friedman, Managing Director of Event Management Services, a national PR firm says ” Having been in the book publicity business for almost two decades, we know a thing or two about generating media attention for books. Talk radio can be one of the most cost-efficient, which best-selling authors will tell you. But, with different firms out there competing for your business, how do you choose the right one? What factors should you look for and which are the most important?”

*Understanding. How important is experience? Very. You need to employ a company who has had years of experience promoting books. Book publicity is a very specialized field. Marsha Friedman says, ” A skilled publicist employs a myriad of tools in order to obtain media interviews - and it can all look and seem very simple, but that’s only because their skills have been honed to perfection. A skilled firm knows how to develop an angle from your book that will get you the most media mileage. They will know how to write an effective press release that stands out from all the rest.” Also, a skilled publicity firm gives television and radio producers all the factors they need to book a show. These will all help ensure that you get a number of quality media placements.

*Quality Markets. In what markets will you be heard? It is wise to look into the quality of the cities that you will be appearing in. Marsha Friedman says, “If you’re paying a firm to obtain media interviews for you, you don’t want to be booked in markets smaller than top 100. There’s no question that stations in smaller markets have value, but you don’t need to pay top dollar for someone to arrange it for you.”

*Quality Stations. What caliber of stations will your interviews take place on? Marsha Friedman says, “When my national public relations firm is arranging interviews, we do not go any lower that 5,000 watts. You will find high and low powered stations in every market. Obviously, the more power a station has, the more people will be listening in. ” So seek out those high powered stations!

*Expediency. How long will it take to get your campaign in motion? Make sure that your publicity firm is on the same page as you and your timeframe. Marsha Friedman says, “Every campaign takes a bit of preparation before getting off the ground. In the planning stage, always make sure that your timeframe is taken into consideration by the publicity firm you are working with.”

*Guarantee. What sort of guarantee is in place? Look for public relations firms with guarantees. Marsha Friedman says, “Unlike PR firms in other industries, there are those dealing in the publishing business that will work on a performance basis. Get your money’s worth! If you are paying them based on their performance, guess what: they will perform!”

*Price. How much is it all going to cost you? Most of you won’t really be too hung up on this point. But, in the end, this is the final factor you need to take into consideration.

Marsha Friedman says, “By taking all of these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to find the perfect PR firm to meet your needs.” If you would like to learn more about gaining national and local media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman is available to be of service . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a PR expert Marsha has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without monthly retainers .

Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook “How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest” visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.

- Marsha Friedman