How to Get Hometown Media for Your Book

You probably have just published your book. I would venture to guess that you have put a lot of time and passion in order to create a piece of literature to be read by people all over the nation! Getting the attention of consumers though, can be really tough. In this crowded marketplace (there were nearly 300,000 books published in 2007 alone) you MUST take an active approach to let book buyers know that your book exists, on both a national and a local level!

While national media exposure for you and your book is ideal, there is great power in local media exposure as well. Marsha Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Event Management Services, a national publicity firm says that ” By focusing on your hometown media outlets you will be able to build a solid base of fame and recognition from which to grow on. Creating as much “buzz” as you can locally will compliment your national campaign to no end and it also gives you invaluable media experience when the national media starts to knock on your door.”

Fortunately many local journalists and on-air personalities enjoy interviewing local authors and experts like you. This gives you an upper hand in grabbing their attention, and you will also gain their support in spreading the word about your book!

So If you want to create solid book “buzz” in your hometown, here are some of Marsha Friedman’s recommendation that will help you achieve your promotional goals:

*Book Signings: When it comes to the secret weapon of gaining local exposure for your book, they don’t make ‘em any stronger than this! At every book signing: Will drive distribution of your books into the stores where you have the book signing The store will give you free advertising in their customer mailings You’ll have prominent placement for as much as a week prior to your signingEmployees of the book store will give you valuable third-party endorsements As you can now see, these really are a hidden book promotional goldmine. I strongly suggest doing as many as you possibly can, including all stores that are located within a 100 mile radius. Heck, even get your family and friends to set up signings in their local book stores.” The name of this game is not only to create the local “buzz”, but it is also “let’s sell some books!”

*Radio and TV Interviews : Generally speaking, every city has radio and television programs that have a format for guests. Marsha Friedman adds, “Go on the internet and do some research to see what is available in the local market that you are targeting. Look and see if they have a guest format and get any relevant contact information.” Then pitch like mad! Aim to get as many interviews on TV and radio as possible.

* Local Newspapers and Magazines: Marsha Friedman says, “My firm finds that how-to or tips-type articles really interest the print media. If your topic offers any sort of solution to a problem, then a “Tips” article is what I would suggest.” Give 6-7 helpful hints and high quality solutions to a common societal problem. Find the print publications in your local market, do web research and find the relevant contact information for the editor that would cover your topic. No one relevant listed? Gun for the editor-in-chief. Make sure that the article is professional and print worthy, if so some publications will print it “as is.” But since you’re a writer, this should not be a problem.

Aim to get as many as humanly possible. If you would like to learn more about gaining national or local media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman would love to help. Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Marsha Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without breaking your budget with costly 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