For
local and regional publicity
Look up the names and addresses of all local TV and radio stations in the phone book. Call
the station and ask what shows they have that take guests. Ask for the name and phone number of the producer or the individual who books guests. Bacon's media directories provide you publicity directories for Radio TV and Cable Newspapers The
Intro Metro California Metro bacons.com. These
directories provide you with the right contacts New York
and more. Contact
them at www.at stations as well as contacts for for programs which do interviews
with authors.
The
first step: Put a package together and send it to the shows producer.
This
includes:
1. A news release about the book
2. A bio of the author
3. Talking points: a list of questions the host can ask you the author
4. Copies of the cover of your book. Obtain these from your publisher.
5.
Include reprints of any newspaper articles about you or the book.
6. Include
a cover letter
Here are the sections.
The first paragraph: Explain
that you are the author of a recently published book (Give the title) and ask if they
would like to have you come on the show. simplified
carpentry for people who have five thumbs on each hand and you can tell anybody easily how to
Second
paragraph: Tell why you think their audience would be interested in your book or why you would
make a good guest. If this is a book
about CARPENTRY FOR DUMMIES tell them that you have fix a faucet repair a broken window hang a door
and do all the things unhandy
people hate to do. The idea is to bring out the best about yourself and your book.
Now send these to
the producers of radio and TV programs you would like to be on (from your phone calls or the guides).
The
second step: Wait about 7 days and call the person booking the show. Ask if they
got your material and if they would like to have you on the show If the producer says no add some points. With the book on CARPENTRY
FOR DUMMIESexplain that you have included a complete section on carpentry for women for instance. Or that youve included a section on tools with big-how-to pictures that will interest
the listener or viewer who can't handle tools.
The Next Step: Now prepare for you interview. Start by listening to
the show a live? taped? listener
call in? All of this will help will few times. Hear how the host handles the interview. Is he or she controversial
low key? man or woman Does the show
help prepare you for your own appearance. Make sure your book is available in
book stores. You can be the best salesman in the world but
you wont move one book if it isnt available. Call your editor and ask for help if needed. Often you can get faster action
by calling the regional salesman. Tell them about your appearances and ask for help.
Roll
play in advance on tape. Ask a friend or wife or husband to play talk show host
and have them ask your prepared questions. Answer them the best you can. But keep trying to get better. Listen
to yourself and decide how to improve.
Besides the questions prepare some funny incidents and examples that fit your questions. look for these in newspapers magazines and conversations. Then keep a file and work them into your presentation whenever possible.
Try
also to tie celebrities into the subject of your book. If your book is about
fishing in Alaska... and the president goes fishing in Alaska ...tie this in some way.
This helps give the book star quality.
Listen to your mock interview.
How can you improve it? Repeat this at least three times before you go on your first
Interview. After that it doesnt hurt to check yourself once in awhile. Improve...improve...improve.
