At M Com Publishing, we have books presented to us all of the time for only public relations services, which we certainly do take on. Well, only on a case-by-case basis. Here is a list of marketing needs we recommend to those clients, as well as all of our M Com Publishing clients. You cannot have an effective book publicity campaign without the following items.
1. A quality book. Do some serious research regarding your publisher and look at their work. A book reviewer will never speak to a publicist again if it is a crappy product, and smart publicists will not take on such projects as a result. Look at paper quality, make sure you have all elements required in a book (disclaimer, bio, and much more) in the right place and no major errors. Most books, even best sellers have errors on the first run. They are fixed on the second. Just make sure you do not have some blatant mistake on the back cover. Also, cover design is equally as important. Most people pick up a book, turn it over to read the back, and then purchase. Make sure you are appealing to your target audience.
2. Hire a Publicist with experience in your genre. Here is the deal. You do not want to hire someone who has zero experience in book PR and focuses mainly on tech. Well, maybe if they have experience in tech. PR you should be in decent shape. Ask for results and coverage for any past clients. Last, ask for references. Make sure your publicist can write a quality press release that has edge and entices reporters to pick up the story, request the book and get you media attention.
3. Professional marketing is the only way. Do not attempt to create your own website if you are not a web designer. You also want the following sub-pages: About, Bio, Press/Events, Blog and Contact … AND PURCHASE! Here is the deal – the media will read a release, check out your web page and then call back your publicist. If your website is not professionally done, then the media is not going to call back your publicist. Think twice very hard about this. Last, don’t forget about social media and all other marketing collateral (media kit, newsletter, etc. ) Professional is the only way to present on a big and national front.
Questions? Contact us at info@mcompublishing.com
