How to Get Published

by Michael Geffner
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received for getting writing assignments was this: Never ever act like you’re begging.

That came from a pretty savvy, super high-level editor friend of mine.

“Always make editors seem like you’re this very hot writer, even when you’re cold,” he said. “All editors, just like all movie directors, want to work with people who are hot, not cold. Heat in any industry is huge. So always act confident, even when you’re not. Just fake it for awhile. Eventually, if you’re good enough, you’ll catch up to your own hype.”

Mind you, this doesn’t mean that you’re acting like an arrogant diva, just someone sure of his or her talent and track record.

A couple of ways to accomplish this: (more…)

by Carole Barnes

What is it? Do I need one?

An author’s press kit (also known as a media kit or a promo kit) is a package of information about you, the author.  Often authors are asked to provide details about themselves and their work to members of the press, their publishers, or potential clients. A press kit is a simple tool for handling this request quickly and efficiently. A press kit is a great, cost-effective way to generate exposure for you and your business. If you don’t already have one then it may be time to consider one.

A well prepared press kit is an all-in-one package that summarizes you as an author and all of your professional information. It allows you to have pertinent information about your books, biographical information, activities, achievements and press coverage at your fingertips whenever needed. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, with its main purpose being to pull together all your information and make a good solid first impression.

The most important element of your press kit is its professional appearance and packaging. We want to promote you, your products and your business, as well as providing your contact and ordering information.

So, what’s actually in the Press Kit?

The contents can vary, depending on the intended purpose and/or audience, but in general, a press kit contains the following:

1. A brief biography - a one page summary about you, what you do and what makes you unique. This is a good place to insert your contact information and a photo of you.
2. If you are promoting your current book, your press kit will include a summary, title, publisher, publication date, synopsis, and a picture of the book’s cover. This is a great place to add reviews about the book, as well as an order form.
3. If you wish to promote your general writing services, a list of what you’ve done for others in the past and some testimonial comments from satisfied clients can be added.
4. Reprints of newspaper and magazine articles, printouts from websites and references to TV and radio shows where you have been mentioned. Articles and media exposure lend tremendous credibility.
5. All awards and citations you have received.
6. A list of all your works, including where and when they were published.
7. Previous book signing photos as well as mention of any upcoming signings.
8. Of course you’ll need something to put it in so it all stays together - a professional folder with your photo or logo on the cover.

With all of your information put together in an attractive, professional kit, you’ll have a cohesive, convenient, and centralized marketing package. This packet will clearly communicate all the key facts about you, your work and achievements. The best part is that it will be ready to distribute at any time, with the goal, of course, of attracting future business and interest.

In these hard economic times, if an agent/publisher requests a summary of your information, it makes sense to have a showcase of your work ready to send out or take with you. A press kit can be handed to anyone… TV executives, agents, publishers, reviewers, etc., and can also be used to introduce yourself to prospective bookstores.

Press kits can be as simple as a one page summary of you and your work, or as detailed as you like. The best part is you can customize your kit for any occasion.

Whatever your preference, I can work with you to develop a professional press kit specifically for you and your needs!

Carole Barnes & Associates provide individual press kits for authors and speakers. “Clients are assisted with articulating their vision and personality by having promotional materials developed and made into press kits that will effectively communicate to their target audience.”

by Marti Talbott

A good summary is targeted directly at the reader and it is important to remember that the reader wants to know only one thing - what is the book about. Not paying attention to this most important element can spell disaster. Here is an example of a summary that is sure to fail:

“I spent a year writing this book and I know you will love it. It’s exciting, filled with action and well written. It’s the story of a girl and boy who fall in love under dire circumstances. First they have a hard time meeting, then they hate each other, and then they fall in love. I know you will enjoy reading my book.”

Here’s why this summary is doomed to fail. (more…)

by John Bowers

You read an awful lot these days about the good writers who never get published.  You read how the system is structured to make it very difficult to break in.  And what you read is true.

There’s another reason good writers often don’t get published.  That’s because they never really try to break in.  They become discouraged and give up.  That query letter is just too intimidating, or researching the markets just seems hopeless. “I can’t do it.”

I understand that mentality completely.  I’m one of those writers.

I discovered a love of writing in junior high.  Long before I bought my first typewriter, I was writing short stories with a pencil.  I just loved to create adventures in my head and write them down.  When I got to high school, four of my English teachers (which means…ALL of them) were astounded at my natural gift (I didn’t even know I had one, I just thought it was fun), and expected great things of me.  So I began to believe in myself.

Then I ran into the world of reality.  People I knew - friends of the family, people at church - they smirked.  They laughed.  “You want to be a writer?  Who are you? What makes you special?” (more…)

by Jessica James

Look between the pages for new ideas to market fiction

Photo by galleryquantum

If you’re like me and have finally gotten that novel published, you’re beginning to realize that writing it was the easy part-now you have to sell it.

There is probably no tougher job in today’s marketplace than promoting fiction, so I thought I’d share a few ideas that have worked for me, including a cross marketing plan that is just coming to fruition. (more…)

by Laura Holka

Are you ‘going on the air’ as an expert? Things you should know about tv media

Real television is very different from the “dramas” that entice us on a daily basis. Everyone is beautiful, spoiled and catered to, but the truth of television is very different. Here are the top seven “real situations” you will encounter as a guest.

(more…)

by Al Kalar

Most first-time authors don’t get picked up by one of the big New York houses (but don’t let that stop you from trying). Chances are, your first book will be published by a small press, an eBook outfit like AKW Books, or perhaps self-published through a short-run or Print on Demand vanity press.

Now, your small press publisher isn’t going to have much of an ad budget and a “vanity” press won’t spend a dime on you (you pay them). So, as a first-time author, or even a second time author, you’re going to have to learn how to market your own writing. (more…)

By Al Kalar

Write something every day

You’ve found a publishing house and they’ve agreed to publish your book. The editing/re-writing process is over. All the decisions about cover, dedication, and such have been made. It’s time to celebrate!

Maybe a trip to the Bahamas? A cruise? Why not? You’re gonna get rich off your book. Right?

Weeellllll, maybe. (more…)