Self-Publishing; the journey

I’m not sure how many books get launched around the world on a daily basis but I imagine it must be a few more than a couple.

Post-launch the book enters into a very competitive environment jostling against many for reviews and media exposure. Reviews and media exposure are crucial to continuously remind potential suitors why your book should be the one that they spend their hard earned cash on.

Who does one approach? (Mainstream)

Print media –  editors, feature editors and book editors/ reviewers

Radio/TV – Programme and content managers. For this medium  live interviews are an option and in this case confidence is key as a wavering voice or a nervous presence is picked up by the camera and microphone.

Online media – content managers. This can be a review in a newsletter/blog or a live interview to be posted on Youtube.

How does one get exposure?

Editors and Content managers are busy people who receive countless review requests on a daily basis. At times the  topic of the review requested fits in with an upcoming content theme so a response will be quick and positive – but on other occasions it will just be herded on to to the ever increasingly pile of requests.

One has to stand out when sending through a 1 sheeter. A 1 sheeter is exactly what it says –  1 page of what the book is about, including information about the author and all detail – including; selling price and where the book is available. Information  longer than 1 page is not recommended as the busy editors etc don’t have the time to read a novel about why the book should be reviewed/mentioned. A suggestion is to write up a 1 sheeter template that can be kept on file and adjusted accordingly.

As correspondence will be via email – use a catchy heading  to grab attention. If  there is an interesting story on how the book came about BRIEFLY describe it in the 1 sheeter. If you’re  some form of expert on the subject mention it. Try to use something that will make your request more interesting than the competition.

Offer signed copy give-aways to readers or listeners as an incentive.

Don’t give up – persistence is key. There is a distinct possibility that your emailed 1 sheeter will slip through the cracks the first/second time around. Just keep trying. Don’t worry about offending the Contacts as you won’t. Sooner or later – if you keep at it – they will let you know if your book fits in with their themes, publication or programming schedule.