Get Valuable PR in Your Hometown Using the Media
You probably have just published your book. In writing this title, you dedicated much of your time and passion in order to create a final piece of work that can be enjoyed by people everywhere! 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, Chief Executive Officer of Event Management Services Inc, a national public relations 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!"
The good news is that there are lots of local media that are interested in interviewing authors just 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: This is your "secret weapon" in your local media assault. 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 signing You'll earn powerful third-party endorsements by store employees whom have met you during the signing 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!"
* Talk Radio Interviews and Television Appearances: Almost every city has a talk radio or TV programs that have a guest format. 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." Write an article that gives 5-7 helpful, quality solutions (or "Tips") to a problem that many people face. Next, identify the newspapers and magazines in your local market, go to their website and find the right "beat" your topic falls in - for example - religious, business, health, lifestyle, etc - and send your article to the journalist that covers that "beat." If there isn't one person in particular that you can identify, "as you'll find in smaller weekly papers" send your article to the editor - in - charge. Write it so that it would be ready for publication!because if it is there is slight chance that they may print the piece "as-is." But since you're a writer, this should not be a problem.
And once again, get as many print placements AS POSSIBLE! If you would like to learn more about gaining media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha Friedman is here to help . 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.
Published April 10th, 2008
Filed in Advertising, Marketing
