Archive for the ‘Public Relations’ Category
I’m very pleased that one of my clients recently landed a contract with a book publisher. I enjoyed helping her develop and distribute her book proposal. I’ll tell you right now…it was a lot of work.
 Authors who just focus on writing a great book are going to miss the key to success—your book proposal needs to SELL YOU not just your book. In today’s competitive market publishers are looking for authors that have marketing savvy. They are looking for authors with some national visibility. So before you approach the publisher, you should establish yourself as an “expert” through speaking engagements, seminars, articles, media coverage and a strong Internet presence. Then you have to package you book proposal in a way that will showcase all this expertise!
Need more advice? I recommend Rick Frishman’s newsletter which contains loads of helpful tips for authors. You can sign-up at www.rickfrishman.com. Feel free to contact me with questions or take a look at some of the services I provide for authors at http://www.internetwritingpro.com/services.html.
Posted in Marketing, Public Relations | 1 Comment »
There are two methods of press release distribution that I recommend to my clients. The first is an internet distribution service like www.prweb.com. This type of distribution is a very effective way of giving your website a traffic boost since these sites rank high on search engines. If reporters are searching for a related topic this is a good way of attracting their attention.
The second type of distribution I recommend is more likely to land you media coverage.  You need to build a media list based on location or industry. This does require more work because you need to generate your own list. You’ll need to do your homework and find out who the best person is to send your release to and the best method – email, fax or online form. This is a service I provide to my clients who are too busy to come up with their own list.
Make sure you have the right angle when you’re distributing your release to individual reporters. Consider using a “local” angle or and “industry” angle. An experienced copywriter can help you come up with an angle to make your press release newsworthy – www.internetwritingpro.com/services.
Posted in Copywriting, Internet Marketing, Public Relations | No Comments »
Let’s assume you have a good story and a well written press release. Chances are sending the release to news editors or using an online service to distribute your release won’t get you media coverage. You need to cultivate a relationship with the media if you want their attention. Here are a few suggestions:
- Develop a media database of all the media outlets such as radio, television, and newspapers in your area. Make sure that your release is addressed to a specific name instead of “editor.”
- Study your media by reading, listening, and watching to determine the type of stories each journalist is interested in. You can also find this information on their individual bios posted on their website. Target each release to those reporters who are likely to find it interesting.
- Get to know local journalists. You can ask the journalist to share a coffee with you so you can get to know them personally. Also try sending a personal note volunteering yourself for future interviews on issues related to your field and then give them a list of hot topics.
- When you do get media coverage make sure you follow-up with a phone call or note to thank them.
If you follow these steps your press releases will get noticed. Hopefully, you will achieve the public relations ultimate goal of having journalists initiating contact with you.
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