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You’ve finished your latest book, but there is still work to be done. If people don’t know about the book you’ve written, how are they going to find it? Now it is time to go into marketing mode. A press release is a great way to help you get the word out.
You don’t have to pay for a public relations firm to write a press release for you. Instead, craft your own release and mail it out to book reviewers and other members of the media to help publicize your work and your availability for interviews. A press release can also help establish you as an expert in the topics you cover in your nonfiction book or give journalists ideas for stories that relate to your fictional work.
Examples of Press Releases
If you haven’t seen a press release before, take a moment to view examples on sites such as PR Newswire, PR Web or PR.com.
Begin with an attention-getting headline, perhaps based on the title of your book or on time-sensitive information such as an upcoming book reading tour. Some examples:
- Local Author Releases New Young Adult Novel
- (Title of Book) Author Announces Book Signing Tour
- Book Provides Insight Into Latest (subject here) Crisis
Press releases start with a dateline, such as “Boise, Idaho – April 10, 2013” and then get right to the point. Editors and reporters are busy, so you’ll need to provide the most important and interesting information in the first paragraph to entice them into reading the rest of the release. Include the title of the book, your name and a brief summary.
In the body of the release, include details about the book, such as how it comments on current events or provides helpful information to a particular demographic. Mention your availability to do interviews with local members of the press about the book, or offer yourself for quotes as an expert on the book’s subject for reporters.
About and Contact Sections
Press releases typically contain an “About” section to give reporters additional background information. You can use a version of the “About” section from your website (if you don’t have a website yet for promoting your book, it’s a good idea to set one up before sending out your press releases). Include a bit of salient biographical information, such as your location, family and career details as you see fit.
Your contact information section should include the best methods for reporters and other interested people to contact you or your publicist, such as a phone number, email address and website.
Publicist
If you aren’t confident in your ability to write your own press release, there’s no need to fret. Authors skilled at writing fiction or nonfiction don’t always have experience writing marketing materials as well. In such cases, a publicist can help you craft a good press release. For example, the inbound marketing company Notation Group helps authors with press releases and other marketing details, enabling you to focus on your next book instead of worrying about how to promote your last book.
You’ve spent an enormous amount time and effort to write your book. By not publicizing it, you are effectively hiding your light under a bushel. Whether you write it yourself or get someone to help you with your marketing, a press release is a great way to let the world know about your latest work and to help you connect with new readers.