Articles

As an author, you may have recently published a book. I would venture to guess that you have put a lot of time and passion in order to create a piece of literature to be read by people all over the nation! Getting the attention of consumers though, can be really tough. In this crowded marketplace (there were nearly 300,000 books published in 2007 alone) you MUST take an active approach to let book buyers know that your book exists, on both a national and a local level!

As you know, national attention for your book is fantastic, but that is not to say that there is not any power locally. There absolutely is! Marsha Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Event Management Services, a national publicity firm says that "Building attention for you book on a local level will really grow your fame and recognition as an expert which will benefit your national campaign. If you can create the local "buzz" you will also get some fantastic media experience that will come in handy when the national media starts calling!"

The good news is that there are lots of local media that are interested in interviewing authors just like you. As a local resident, you have a jump on the competition as the local media loves local success stories!

So If you want to create solid book "buzz" in your hometown, here are some of Marsha Friedman's recommendation that will help you achieve your promotional goals:

*Book Signings: When it comes to the secret weapon of gaining local exposure for your book, they don't make 'em any stronger than this! At every book signing: Will drive distribution of your books into the stores where you have the book signing The store will give you free advertising in their customer mailings Highly visible placement of your books in store a week before your signing You'll earn powerful third-party endorsements by store employees whom have met you during the signing As you can now see, these really are a hidden book promotional goldmine. Marsha Friedman says, "Do as many as you can. Even look at other cities that are close by. Heck, even get your family and friends to set up signings in their local book stores." So let's get out there and create the buzz that sell the books!

*Radio and TV Interviews : Almost every city has a talk radio or TV programs that have a guest format. Marsha Friedman adds, "Go on the internet and do some research to see what is available in the local market that you are targeting. Marsha Friedman says, "Look for those with a format for guests and find the contact information for the producer." Then call and pitch yourself as a guest. Aim to get as many interviews on TV and radio as possible.

*Local Print Media : Marsha Friedman says, "My firm finds that how-to or tips-type articles really interest the print media. So if your book offers a solution to a problem, then go ahead and work on a tips-type article." Write an article that gives 5-7 helpful, quality solutions (or "Tips") to a problem that many people face. Next, identify the newspapers and magazines in your local market, go to their website and find the right "beat" your topic falls in - for example - religious, business, health, lifestyle, etc - and send your article to the journalist that covers that "beat." No one relevant listed? Gun for the editor-in-chief. Make sure that the article is professional and print worthy, if so some publications will print it "as is." But since you're a writer, this should not be a problem.

And once again, get as many print placements AS POSSIBLE! If you would like to learn more about gaining media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman is available to be of service . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Marsha has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without budget busting monthly retainers.

Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.