Resources & Articles - RE-Leesburg.com

In the 'old days,' there was a specific formula to book promotion. A no-holds barred author tour was the answer where the author would go for a winning mixture of television, radio, print and book signings. It was a hold-nothing-back author tour where the writer would 'appear' in a given city and get some combination of heavyweight radio, TV, book-signing and newspaper coverage. When the author left that city, residents knew his or her name and the name of their newly-released title. So!is this kind of intense media blitz still realistic today? Actually, it depends. Depends? If you have the right public relations firm following the right guidelines, then success is almost guaranteed. But if you have the wrong PR firm!then it really is a crap shoot. Marsha Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Event Management Services Inc, a national publicity firm says " Like most important things, there are rules to this game!rules you can insist your PR firm follow." Here Marsha shares her 5 author tour guidelines that will help you bring successes to your book's promotion.

1. 'Anchor' each city with at least one interview on a major network TV affiliate. Marsha Friedman says, "You really need to land a major network show in order to really get the most value out of your trip to that city. Remember, you will spending money and time to get there, so you need to maximize your efforts. Just cancel that city and move onto the next."

2. Secure at least 2-3 media appearances within two days. This is a corollary to rule #1 and the real meat and potatoes of an author tour. Friedman says, "If you go out fighting for a day or two and things come together, you really have a good chance at "household name" status in that market."

3. Schedule at least one book signing. Want to drive distribution of your book into a city. Then this is one of the best methods to do so. In addition to distribution, book signings really create public relations opportunity and excitement that can usually set you back a pretty penny. Marsha Friedman adds, "This is a great way to create a combined effort with your other media appearances." 4. Use your down time and visit area bookstores. Unless your PR agency is an absolute wizard, you're going to have some down time in a given city. Got an extra hour, then check out a local book store. Marsha Friedman says, "If your books are in stock, offer to sign them. And if they don't carry your books, let the manager know you're available for a book-signing bookstores adore promotion-minded authors."

5. Increase visibility by speaking at relevant functions. Here's another way to take full advantage of those hours after you do that interview on the six am morning news: Arrange speaking engagements at the local library, Church, Chamber of Commerce or professional affiliations these groups are usually clamoring for interesting speakers - especially those with a hot new book that's just been released! Gearing Yourself Up to Be a Promoter! When you started off as a writer you probably never knew that you would also have to become a bit of a promoter as well! But that's just the reality of successful writing. With an author tour, you really need to get promoting and make sure that you make every media appearance and book signing count!

So! yes, 'Author Tours' can be very effective for creating a buzz about your book and generating sales - providing enough quality media and exposure is obtained in each city you travel to. Make sure though, that you follow the 5 tips above!If you would like to learn more about gaining national or local media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha Friedman would love to help. Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a PR expert Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without budget busting monthly retainers.