| It's hard to say it any better: Publicity is the voice of | | | | about engaging their services. |
| visibility." This is a terrific message to all of you authors | | | | 6. Find a firm whose fees are in range with other firms. |
| out there. When it comes to getting the word out | | | | When choosing a publicity firm it is more about their |
| about your book in order to drive sales, nothing can | | | | results than their fancy metropolitan locale. |
| beat a great public relations campaign. | | | | 7. And speaking of fees - in the book industry you'll find |
| But how do you find a publicist that best fits you and | | | | many publicists who work on a performance or |
| your book? Here are ten awesome tips to find the | | | | project basis. This is not at all common with PR firms |
| best publicist for your book. | | | | in other industries -and an opportunity you want to |
| 1. Find a publicist that works in your genre. So, if your | | | | take advantage of. So, steer clear of monthly retainer |
| book is religious, find a firm that specializes in religious | | | | based firms." |
| media as they'll have the strongest contacts and will | | | | 8. Look past the hype. "The problem an author can run |
| know which shows and publications represent the best | | | | into is the sales person they speak with and build |
| exposure for you. "Same goes for all of the other | | | | confidence in, is not always the person who will be |
| genres as well." | | | | handling their campaign. Don't be afraid to ask who will |
| 2. Find a publicist that will take the time to research | | | | be handling your campaign, writing your press releases, |
| your topic enough to understand how to communicate | | | | scheduling your media. You need to see what their |
| your message to the media. "You don't want a | | | | experience level is, the amount of time they were at |
| publicist that will rush through your topic and campaign | | | | the firm and anything else you want to know about |
| to varying successes. Choose one who is interested | | | | them. After all the time, money and hard work you |
| enough to ask questions and really grasp what your | | | | invested in writing your book, you want to make sure |
| message is." | | | | your campaign isn't being delegated to a rookie out of |
| 3. Make sure that the publicist is a specialist in your | | | | college." |
| choice of media. "Not every publicist is a master at | | | | 9. In your search for the right publicity firm - don't just |
| every medium. Many publicists specialize in one | | | | talk to local agencies. Especially if you're looking for |
| medium and will refer business to other specialists | | | | regional or national reach. You don't have to regularly |
| when it's best for their client." So, if for example you've | | | | have face-to-face meetings with your publicity firm. |
| written a book on fashion or photography - the best | | | | The work involved can be done via phone. So focus |
| exposure for your book would obviously be print or | | | | your efforts on finding the best publicity..period!" |
| TV, as they're both visual mediums. In this case, you | | | | 10. One last point - find a firm that has an |
| want a publicist who procures print and TV | | | | understanding of your topic and an enthusiasm for |
| placements on an ongoing basis. | | | | your message! Their determination alone can often be |
| 4. Ask for sample campaigns. This is a terrific way to | | | | the driving force behind prime media placements for |
| see what sort of media exposure, and within what | | | | you. |
| time frame, that they obtained for their authors. | | | | So there you go! Go out and there and find the best |
| 5. Along with reviewing sample campaigns, speak to | | | | publicist!just make sure to use these 10 vital tips! |
| past clients, too, if you have the slightest hesitation | | | | |