Book Publicity: All You Need To Know You Learned In Kindergarten
Five Things To Remember From The Age Of Five
1) First,
Learn Your ABC’s and 1-2-3’s
When my first client hired me, I didn’t panic; I started reading. I
knew I needed to learn some basics about book publicity; I needed to
learn my ABC’s. So I read everything I could get my hands on about
publicity. Twitter, Google, and the library were all great playmates
for this adventure. And the best part? Most of that stuff was
totally free, which was really great since my lunch money was
limited.
2) Its Hard To Go Wrong With Peanut Butter & Jelly
I am sure that there were weeks in kindergarten when I ate a peanut
butter and jelly sandwich every day for lunch. Why? Because they
never let me down. They were simple and always good to the last
bite.
The same is true of a great pitch. Grab onto something that works, a pitch formula if you will, and this will keep you from having to completely re-write pitches and lessen the chance of leaving out critical details. Change the hook in the subject line (the flavor of the jelly), but have a consistent pitch letter for yourself. Put your basic author information in it and why you should be interviewed (the peanut butter), surround it with credentials, accomplishments, and media experience (the bread) and end it with your contact information and availability (the wrapping that keeps it from going stale).
Don’t forget your lunch box: make note of the city and time zone you
reside in as well as indicating that you can sometimes be available
for same-day telephone interviews (if in fact that is true). The
last little tidbit is something that may move you to the top of the
list for those appreciative producers trying to fill an opening from
a last-minute cancellation.
3) Don’t Let A Little Rain Get In The Way
In life, as in nursery rhymes, distressing things can and do happen.
The itsy-bitsy spider kept climbing up the water spout and getting
washed out, again and again. You may feel just as washed out at some
point, or you might take some lumps and falls like and Jack and Jill
and Humpty Dumpty. Sometimes you have to cut your losses and move
on, but more often than not persistence pays off.
When you are courageously and politely persistent like the spider,
however, the sun does shine after the rain.
4) “If You Never Did You Should. These Things Are Fun and Fun Is
Good.”
As adults we are bombarded with “Just Do It”, but back in
kindergarten it was more of “Just Try It” from authors like Dr.
Seuss. His words of wisdom have application far beyond the age of
five, especially when it comes to publicity and you. If you are
feeling stuck or lacking courage, if you feel like the itsy-bitsy
spider on a rainy day, post these words of Dr. Seuss on your
bathroom mirror or tape them to your desk:
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can
steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And
you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
And remember, you don’t always have to shoot for the high profile shows that may be an excess of pressure for you. Do some smaller shows with hosts that you like and just have some fun (while at the same time gaining valuable experience).
And if you are still not having fun, it may just be time for a short
recess.
“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and
three-quarters percent guaranteed!”
OK, so you don’t get a 100% guarantee, but keep in mind that you
have already accomplished the hardest part – writing your book and
getting it published. Have some publicity goals, make a plan and
work your plan, and before you know it you will have arrived at the
summer of your dreams.
When it comes to book publicity, every author
has a deep well of life experience, going way back to kindergarten,
from which they can draw upon and use to their advantage. Believe in
yourself, and what you know, and you can go far.