Some confusion exists about what exactly is PR, mainly, I admit from PR practitioners trying to maintain an aura of mystery about the services being provided to clients. It's actually not about the press release, which is what most people think is PR. Public relations is simply marketing, and to be precise, it's marketing to the narrow niche of editors and journalists who would consider you and your books newsworthy.
As an author, you've already been engaged in PR, without even realizing it. At least fifty percent of public relations is polishing up your marketing collateral, so that you'll make a great first impression when a media opportunity arises. If you've written your bio, selected your photograph, consulted on the design of your book cover, composed your product description, or sought reviews—then, you've engaged in PR. Public activities such as guest blogging, participating in a blog hop/promo, book signing, or book club discussion also fall under the umbrella of PR.
Another huge component of PR is digital marketing. An editor or journalist will conduct basic online research when deciding whether you and your book should be featured. In addition to their online bookstore presence, authors will be evaluated by their websites, blogs, FaceBook pages, YouTube book trailers, and Twitter accounts. Online reviews and interviews may also be considered (expect the media to conduct a brief search on Google to see what turns up).
The first step in launching a PR campaign is to evaluate all your current marketing materials. Are there gaps? Is everything at a level that suggests that you should be taken seriously? You need to think about how you are presenting yourself and your books to the world…
Just writing a book can be overwhelming, but taking shortcuts with your marketing will cost you, not only in book sales, but also in reviews and interviews. After you have created the best product possible, it is now time to consider the packaging. It's time to put your house in order. How is your curb appeal? Are you a 'drive-by' or inviting people in? It's a well known fact, in real estate, that curb appeal is key. If people won't walk in the door, it doesn't matter that your house has a gourmet kitchen and spa-like bathrooms.
Yes, a book must be well-written, but that's on the inside. It'll be a well-kept secret unless the outside beckons people to look further. Think of PR as that brand new welcome mat, a little landscaping, and house numbers that can be seen from the distance. This blog will be about identifying the best practices that you can follow in order to create a public image that will attract both readers and the media!
As an author, you've already been engaged in PR, without even realizing it. At least fifty percent of public relations is polishing up your marketing collateral, so that you'll make a great first impression when a media opportunity arises. If you've written your bio, selected your photograph, consulted on the design of your book cover, composed your product description, or sought reviews—then, you've engaged in PR. Public activities such as guest blogging, participating in a blog hop/promo, book signing, or book club discussion also fall under the umbrella of PR.
Another huge component of PR is digital marketing. An editor or journalist will conduct basic online research when deciding whether you and your book should be featured. In addition to their online bookstore presence, authors will be evaluated by their websites, blogs, FaceBook pages, YouTube book trailers, and Twitter accounts. Online reviews and interviews may also be considered (expect the media to conduct a brief search on Google to see what turns up).
The first step in launching a PR campaign is to evaluate all your current marketing materials. Are there gaps? Is everything at a level that suggests that you should be taken seriously? You need to think about how you are presenting yourself and your books to the world…
Just writing a book can be overwhelming, but taking shortcuts with your marketing will cost you, not only in book sales, but also in reviews and interviews. After you have created the best product possible, it is now time to consider the packaging. It's time to put your house in order. How is your curb appeal? Are you a 'drive-by' or inviting people in? It's a well known fact, in real estate, that curb appeal is key. If people won't walk in the door, it doesn't matter that your house has a gourmet kitchen and spa-like bathrooms.
Yes, a book must be well-written, but that's on the inside. It'll be a well-kept secret unless the outside beckons people to look further. Think of PR as that brand new welcome mat, a little landscaping, and house numbers that can be seen from the distance. This blog will be about identifying the best practices that you can follow in order to create a public image that will attract both readers and the media!
