Get Valuable PR in Your Hometown Using the Media
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. As there are over 300,000 books hitting the market every year, it is vital to get yourself out there and tell people that your book is available both nationally and locally!
As you know, national attention for your book is fantastic, but that is not to say that there is not any power locally. There absolutely is! Marsha Friedman, CEO of Event Management Services, a national publicity firm says that "Building attention for you book on a local level will really grow your fame and recognition as an expert which will benefit your national campaign. If you can create the local "buzz" you will also get some fantastic media experience that will come in handy when the national media starts calling!"
Fortunately many local journalists and on-air personalities enjoy interviewing local authors and experts like you. As a local resident, you have a jump on the competition as the local media loves local success stories!
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: Books will be stocked on their shelves after you leave, unless of course you have a sell-out You'll receive free advertising and promotion in the book store's customer mailingsHighly visible placement of your books in store a week before your signing Employees of the book store will give you valuable third-party endorsements Book signings are a goldmine for local publicity. I strongly suggest doing as many as you possibly can, including all stores that are located within a 100 mile radius. Even ask friends and relatives to see about setting up book signings for you in their hometowns." So let's get out there and create the buzz that sell the books!
* Talk Radio Interviews and Television Appearances: Generally speaking, every city has radio and television programs that have a format for guests. Do your research on the web to find the main stations that broadcast in your hometown. Then go to their website where you will find information about the shows they broadcast. Look and see if they have a guest format and get any relevant contact information." Then pitch like mad! How many should you aim for? AS MANY AS POSSIBLE!
*Local Print Media : Marsha Friedman says, "When it comes to the print media, at EMSI we find that "Tips" type articles have an extremely high pick up rate with newspapers and magazines. So if your book offers a solution to a problem, then go ahead and work on a tips-type article." 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 media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha 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 budget busting 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.
Published April 10th, 2008
Filed in Advertising, Marketing
