This excerpt is from “Success, Your Path to a Successful Book,” by Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill.

Tip:

Line up book signings. Do not limit yourself to bookstores–specialty shops and various stores and civic events are equally effective. Local markets and libraries are usually pleased to arrange for book signings during high traffic times. The Market on Longboat Key serves wine and cheese, plus handles the publicity. They advertise to passers by, with flying colorful balloons. Many art galleries will combine art openings with book signings. Often, a reporter will attend the book signings for added photos and publicity. Be sure to let the newspapers know about the event. And, if you develop a relationship with a particular reporter it will be to your benefit.

This excerpt is from “Success, Your Path to a Successful Book,” by Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill.

Online press releases–in addition to regular press releases, online press releases are a must for more coverage. According to www.expansionplus.com, 98% of journalists go online daily, 92% do article research, 81% are searching for stories, 76% search to find new sources and/or experts, and 73% look for press releases.

Posting your press release lets you avoid gatekeepers, spam filters, and your press release disappearing in the onslaught of e-mails a reporter, editor, or outlet gets each day.

It has recently been said 70+% of Americans go online for news content. So, you are hitting both markets.

When you craft a press release for online, you need to optimize it using keywords and techniques that are web friendly.

This excerpt is from “Success, Your Path to a Successful Book,” by Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill. We hope you find it helpful.Leigh Cort of Leigh Cort Publicity, http://www.LeighCortPublicity.com,
(904) 273-4284, suggests the following:

Writing a Winning Press Release

Identify your media market–who is going to receive your release? Travel, food, literary, business, or lifestyle editor?

Create an angle–the fact that your book exists is not what sells it.

Create a clever press release title, which will help you relate all content to the title. This is the most crucial part of the release. If it’s not clever, someone else’s press release will be chosen!

Begin the press release with the traditional info: Who, why, what, where, how. KEEP IT BRIEF.

Now fill in the buzz…. a little background on the subject…

Add a personal quote (either by yourself or whomever the release is about).

Sprinkle the information with a little star dust.

Find the perfect photo that the media will find: Enticing and usable.

Writing a winning press release is like designing a jigsaw puzzle. But there is not just ONE way to create it. Review all of the most exciting components of the story and keep the release to one page.

Timing is essential. In order to get into magazines, the lead time could be 6-12 months, Newspapers 1-4 weeks, and TV/radio 1-7 days.

We appreciate Leigh’s suggestions.