written by alr212 on 21/06/2004
Putting It On Paper: The Ground Rules for Creating Promotional Pieces that Sell Books
Dawn Josephson, Ground Rules Press, $19.95, 170 pages, ISBN 0-9744966-1-8 (January 2004), available at bookstores and online at www.cameopublications.com
Many authors think that once their book is published, their work is done. On the contrary, their work is just beginning. If they want the public to notice their book, authors have to promote it, and that takes a lot of time and effort. But where do they begin? In her new instructional guidebook, Putting It On Paper: The Ground Rules for Creating Promotional Pieces that Sell Books, promotional writing expert Dawn Josephson explains the critical, yet often overlooked first step in developing a book marketing campaign - creating the book media kit.
Josephson begins by helping authors realize the importance of developing a book marketing campaign. She then goes on to explain why creating a media kit is essential for success. Not only does she explain why a media kit is important, but she also takes her explanation a step farther by showing readers how to create a media kit that will generate the results every author desires. A media kit acts as a book's resume, she says, and if the "resume" looks impressive, it will draw more attention to the book.
Josephson's down-to-earth and sometimes even humorous approach to creating a media kit puts readers at ease and makes what can seem like a daunting task enjoyable. Through Frequently Asked Questions, Real-Life Samples, and Key Points, Josephson successfully answers every question an author may have about creating a media kit. She even includes templates that authors can customize to fit their needs. Her instructions for creating powerful promotional pieces are thorough and detailed, allowing authors to easily put the given ground rules and strategies into action immediately.
In Putting It On Paper, readers learn that a media kit is sent out to three primary groups of people: 1) The Media, 2) Book Distributors, and 3) Individual Bookstores. Josephson explains that although each kit should contain the same basic components, it should also be customized to meet the needs of the specific group to whom it is sent. The elements that she recommends including in a press kit are a cover letter, a press release, a mock book review, an author bio, a sell sheet, a catalog sheet, a chachki (give-away) item, and an article. Each of these elements is significant and will give the target reader the information he/she needs.
Sharing insider secrets and giving plenty of helpful advice, Josephson teaches readers how to write like a promotional pro. With the tips and ground rules given in this book, authors can confidently begin a book marketing campaign that will yield great results. Armed with a new media kit and the knowledge of how to effectively update it through months of promotion, they will be able to follow any promotional program with resounding success.
Dawn Josephson, founder and president of Cameo Publications, is an editor, ghostwriter, and idea development consultant. She helps professional speakers, business leaders, and non-fiction authors maximize their exposure and increase their recognition through the printed word. Dawn got her first piece published at age 8. Today, she has over 1,000 published articles and 14 published books to add to her list of accomplishments.
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