PR Talk with Cherrie Woods, Eclectic PR: 15 Minutes of Fame

Every author wants their 15 minutes of fame via traditional media which is typically two minutes on television, a short print article or 15-20 minutes on radio. However, the traditional media route is highly competitive, are usually more amenable to traditionally published authors and are better accessed via a publicist. Nevertheless, indie authors should not despair. Why? Because as many authors already know, there is a whole world of online media that may not have the large audiences attributed to traditional media, but they are very effective in growing your public profile and book sales. 

These online media include blogs, video podcasts, audio podcasts, IG videos, etc. and are much easier to access. Even more important, they provide a great way to share your interviews via links that can be posted on your social media channels and on your website. In addition, they provide invaluable practice should the big opportunities come along in the future. 

If authors are not able to afford a publicist, there is a toolbox of items that can prepare them for both online and offline interview opportunities. They include the following six items below: 

1. Have your author PR toolkit on hand. This includes your website, your professional headshot, a professional bio (100 words), and your professional book synopsis (200 words).
2. Practice being on video via your phone and/or Zoom. Most interviews during this pandemic will be via Zoom so it’s important that you are comfortable with this web-based video conferencing tool.
3. Have a list of talking points. It is very important to have talking points about you and your book product on hand and to practice delivering them.
4. Ensure you have an up-to-date, user friendly website. If an outlet wants to learn about you, they will go to your website to gather the information they need. You must ensure your website has that information.
5. Do your research. Always do research on all of the media outlets (offline and online) that you are interested in securing an appearance. Be familiar with their interview styles, the typical questions they would ask and whether they are focusing on specific topics.
6. Know what’s happening in the book industry. Knowing what is current in the book world helps you look professional in your interaction with media. Topics like holidays related to books are especially important to know like National Poetry Month (April), National Book Month (October), National Novel Writing Month (November) or months that relate to your book topics like Mental Health Awareness Month (May), National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), etc.  

So, I encourage you all to always be ready since we all know opportunities are rare and often fleeting if you aren’t prepared for them.  In other words, LUCK is when preparation meets opportunity!

If you want to learn more about securing a media interview then check out my workshop on Saturday, Oct. 24th, 11 am – 12:30 p.m. Use the code “Eclectic” and save 25%. Registration ends at midnight on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/123579159593