You know you have to alert the public about your book, but you may not have any idea how to get started.



I have been doing book public relations for twenty years and have a really good idea of generating media attention for our authors books. As many bestselling authors will tell you, talk radio is one of the best and most cost-efficient vehicles to get your message out to consumers. But how do you choose the right publicity firm to really shoot your book through the stratosphere? Here are some tips I have learned that will come in handy.

* Experience. Experience and understanding is very important. You need to employ a company who has had years of experience promoting books. Book publicity is a very specialized field. Marsha Friedman says, An experienced professional firm uses many tools to secure media interviews.

A skilled firm knows how to develop an angle from your book that will get you the most media mileage. They will know how to write an effective press release that stands out from all the rest. And most importantly, they give producers everything they need to book a show. These will all help ensure that you get a number of quality media placements.

*Quality Markets. Where will you be heard? Always check on the caliber of markets youre being scheduled to appear in. Marsha Friedman adds, You want to get what you are paying for which is quality interviews in quality markets. Theres no question that stations in smaller markets have value, but you dont need to pay top dollar for someone to arrange it for you.

*Quality Stations. Are the stations of a good, solid, respectable caliber? Marsha Friedman adds, The criteria that my national pr firm uses for booking interviews is nothing less than 5,000 watts or above on the AM dial. You will find high and low powered stations in every market. Obviously, the more power a station has, the more people will be listening in. So seek out those high powered stations!

*Expediency. Can we get started tomorrow? Make sure that your publicity firm is on the same page as you and your timeframe. Marsha Friedman says, Every campaign takes a bit of preparation before getting off the ground. In the planning stage, always make sure that your timeframe is taken into consideration by the publicity firm you are working with.

*Guarantee. What sort of guarantee is in place? Look for public relations firms with guarantees. Marsha Friedman says, There are quite a few public relations firms that work on a performance basis. Take advantage of this opportunity to get your moneys worth. If you are paying them based on their performance, guess what: they will perform!

*Price. How much is it all going to cost you? Most of you wont really be too hung up on this point. But, in the end, this is the final factor you need to take into consideration.

Marsha Friedman says, Take all of the above into consideration and you will almost definitely be working with a great public relations firm soon!