Killer Press Kits - Press Kits That Demand Attention

So, you've had your book published or you've gone the self-published route, but what do you do now?

You contact a newspaper, radio or television station requesting an interview and they ask you to send them a press kit.

First of all, don't panic. A press kit is not some magical entity that only those published by the big houses can have. You can create an affordable and great looking press kit on your own.

Here are some things that you can include in your press kit to send to interested reviewers and interviewers.

  • An author's bio detailing all your professional writing credits, contest wins, short stories, articles etc. A little bit about what you enjoy in your spare time, but most of it should be about your writing life.

  • Include the clippings (or photocopies of them) from newspapers or magazines where your articles have appeared. If you've only ever written for the web, print out a copy of the article and mention the website where it was selected to appear. Don't include your own website as a writing credit.

  • An author photograph, as professional as possible. A head and shoulders shot is usal. Don't send your latest holiday snaps.

  • A picture of your book's cover, or postcard or poster of it.

  • Any previous good reviews you have had for your book.

  • Any speaking engagements or booksigning events that you have coming up. Or the details of previous ones and how successful they were.

  • You could also inlcude a previous interview, it might save them some time and at least you know what sort of questions might be asked of you.

    If you can afford it, a nice presentation folder for your press kit goes down well, but it isn't a necessity. On your website, you can also list the things above as a virtual press kit, but if a newspaper etc. ask for a press kit, don't just send them to the website. They would probably prefer everything in hard copy, but it doesn't hurt to ask if they would accept an electronic copy.

    About The Author

    Annette Gisby is a novelist and freelance writer. Her articles have appeared both in print and online, and to date she has three fiction books published, Silent Screams, Drowning Rapunzel and Shadows of the Rose. Her non-fiction book, Writing the Dream has lots more hints and tips for writers. Please visit Annette's website for more information on her books: www.annettegisby.n3.net

    In The News:

    • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Publicity - The Right Media Person to Call for Free Publicity

    You won't accomplish much if you call the gas company... Read More

    Public Relations: Toast?

    Could be, when unit managers in businesses, non-profits and associations... Read More

    Managers Who Tap Into PRs Value

    Business, non-profit and association managers get a ton of satisfaction... Read More

    Put Yourself in the Reporters Shoes

    Imagine you're the technology reporter at a daily newspaper. You... Read More

    Managers: Why PR is SO Key

    When outside audiences important to your operation do not understand... Read More

    Press Kit Elements That Work

    Considering how fundamental they are to the publicist's trade,it's always... Read More

    A Winning Game Plan

    You want to sell your products or services, and that... Read More

    Anxious About Your Public Relations?

    Shooting from the hip always creates anxiety.Especially when managers order... Read More

    Take the High Ground With Quality PR

    Quality public relations does something positive for business, non-profit and... Read More

    Preparing For Your Media Interview

    Media interviews are an important part of an overall public... Read More

    Media Relations: Making Your Story More Newsworthy

    During my career as the head of media relations for... Read More

    TV Reporter Shares the Secrets to Getting Covered on the News

    Do you have a great idea for a story, but... Read More

    Business Community Relations 101 - Getting the Most Out of Your Chamber of Commerce Membership

    Since the major part of a small business typically comes... Read More

    Its CNN! They Want To Talk To You!

    Being invited to appear on radio and television used to... Read More

    Think Big

    Would you like to be the next Dr. Phil, Suze... Read More

    Public Relations & Your Small Business

    The practice of public relations is often misunderstood, thus overlooked... Read More

    Know What Matters Most About PR?

    When, as a business, non-profit or association manager, you are... Read More

    Talk Radio Success

    You do not have to hire a publicist or advertise... Read More

    Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Its Not Who You Know But What You Know

    Almost every day, I hear the same question, over and... Read More

    Something New For Managers?

    A new public relations blueprint could be a good idea... Read More

    Getting Free Publicity with Radio Interviews

    Imagine that you are a radio producer. You have to... Read More

    Effective Public Relations: Why Did Bec And Lleyton Do It At 3:15AM?

    If you are in Australia at the moment, it is... Read More

    Publicity: Financial Planners That Get It Follow One Rule

    Advice about business and life often gets around to one... Read More

    Dont Put Up With Junk PR

    In public relations, "junk" is more about attitude and lack... Read More

    How to Write Press Releases That Work And Get Free Publicity

    One study found that as many as 90% of the... Read More

    Cultivating Positive Media Relationships

    Some people think that publicity is all about paparazzi snapping... Read More

    Its Just Common Sense!

    When a group of outsiders behaves in a way that... Read More

    What Some Pros Know About PR

    They know they had better do something positive about those... Read More

    Does Your Small Business Have a Grooming Policy?

    They say that image is everything and some of us... Read More

    Do I Really Need a Publicist?

    Are you hesitating about hiring a publicist or, if you... Read More

    Anatomy Of A PR Campaign

    The message is determined by analyzing the brand being marketed,... Read More

    Media Relations: How We Landed on the Wall Street Journals Front Page

    Media relations is a great profession.On good days, I earn... Read More

    Publicity Tips from the Pros

    If you want to know the best way to approach... Read More