Nine Tips on How to be Your Own Publicist

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Nine Tips on How to be Your Own Publicist

Fellow writers frequently ask me what I am doing to market Half-Truths. I have learned a lot from podcasts and blogs on this topic, but since becoming the volunteer publicist for my publisher, Monarch Educational Services, I now have hands-on experience publicizing books. Since Half-Truths doesn’t come out until April, it’s too early to say what will yield results; but I’m happy to share what I’ve been doing.

Create a Website

Anyone you contact will want to find you online. Having a space where people can find out about you and what you offer is paramount. Once you create it, keep it current. If you offer workshops or provide events, delete ones that have passed and add the new ones.

Tip #1: Look at other author’s websites. Take notes on what you like about them and what you don’t like. What colors and/or fonts appeal to you. If you are hiring someone to create your website this will help that person make a site that appeals to you. (Feel free to look at mine and tell me what you think works or doesn’t!)

Tip #2: If someone else creates your website, make sure you learn how to update it yourself.

Make a System

I use google sheets to keep track of who I am contacting, when, and any notes about the contact. Here is what my “Media Outlets” page looks like. I highlight people I need to follow up with and important dates. I’m probably a little extreme about this, but I have pages for ARC readers, Awards, Bookstores, Conferences, Community Groups, Endorsements, Fairs & Events, Homeschool, Libraries, Museums, Schools, Senior Centers (because I’m counting on a crossover market with seniors), and Trade Reviews.

Will I contact ever single person on my spreadsheet? No. But at least I know who I have contacted and when.

Tip #3: Don’t contact people too soon. I sent out emails a year ago to local media sources. That was too far in advance. Three months before your book comes out is probably the sweet spot.

Tip #4: Gather the information ahead of time. That will make the process smoother when it’s time to send out emails.

Network

I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times, but building relationships with potential readers and gatekeepers is key. For kidlit authors that includes parents, grandparents, librarians, and teachers Many people are excited to meet a “real” author and want to hear about your book. But make sure that the conversation isn’t just about you. Asking them about what types of books they read is a natural conversation starter.

Social networks are good as long as you don’t use them to only promote your self or your book. Share other writers’ books and successes as much as you can.Build an email list of people interested in hearing about your book.Respond to whoever reaches out to you. Thank them for taking the time to contact you. (“Please” and “Thank you” are evergreen.)Smile when you talk to people. It comes through. Remember, this is what you wanted– a book that you could talk about!Follow up on leads. I have a list of people who asked when Half-Truths is out.

Tip #5: Pay it back. If someone reads and reviews your book, read theirs. If you learn something from an author or workshop leader, shout it out on social media.

Image courtesy Pixabay and Ritinha Corain Ritinha

Think Outside the BoxWhen I told Nicole Hewitt I had preordered her forthcoming book, THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN, she sent me a map of the story world and a package of seeds. Both items made me curious about her story.Sarah Hickner was a guest on Thomas Umstattd’s Novel Writing Podcast. She writes books about horses. So, where does she sell her books? At horse shows!Since I’m new to getting into schools, I hope to volunteer at area high schools and speak to writing clubs or the school newspaper staff. This fits in with my book since my protagonist wants to be a journalist.I plan to contact area homeschool co-ops and church youth groups. My presentation, “Choices and Voices,” will compare the choices that were available to teens in the 50s and choices that are available now. We’ll also talk about the different ways teens can have a voice. I will offer a free Zoom discussion for bookclubs that read Half-Truths.If your book fits the audience, check out senior living communities. Senior centers and recreational facilities that give classes are often excited to hear from local authors. Provide library workshops. My workshops are listed on a separate page of this website. My classes on creative writing have opened the door with teen librarians. Adult workshops have been well received by patrons and the librarians who provide programming.I plan to approach a local coffee shop about holding a “Meet the Author for Coffee and Conversation” evening. What teen can resist free coffee?

Photo courtesy Pixabay and Grafmex.

Tip #6: Find your audience.

Find Your PeepsFind other authors who write in your genre so you can promote each other. I left messages on Author Media and Author’s Guild to find other YA and MG historical fiction authors. Other authors find groups on Facebook, X, Instagram, or Discord. If you find someone you click with, consider co-publishing a newsletter and or creating conference presentations together. I am fortunate to have started TALKING STORY with my amazing mentor Joyce Hostetter; she and I also co-taught several times. Now, I share those tasks with the talented Rebecca Wheeler. It’s more fun, we split the work, and we extend our outreach!

Tip #7: Form a partnership with another author.

ReviewsGetting ARC readers is crucial. My ARCs are digital, but I will provide hard copies of the book to individuals who have difficulty reading that way. Reviews help before a book is published to gain preorders, and after the book comes out to help gain visibility.

Tip #8: Treat your reviewers well. They are taking the time to read and review your book. Make sure you thank them and send love and appreciation their way!

Podcasts & InfluencersListen to podcasts and learn what works well on a podcast and what flops.Pitch yourself as a guest on appropriate podcasts. Thomas Umstattd had a great podcast on being prepared to be on a podcast. I highly recommend listening to it. Honestly, I haven’t cracked the nut on influencers, but I understand there are a ton on Instagram and TikTok. If you have experience in this area, please leave it in the comments or maybe you can write a guest post for me on this topic.

Tip #9 Do your homework. Be prepared.

Finally….Have Fun!

Sure, it’s a lot of work. but like the characters in your books, you’ve wanted something and despite a TON of obstacles in your path–you’ve gained it. You’re an author. Smile and celebrate!