Killer Press Kits - Press Kits That Demand Attention

So, you've had your book published or you've gone the self-published route, but what do you do now?

You contact a newspaper, radio or television station requesting an interview and they ask you to send them a press kit.

First of all, don't panic. A press kit is not some magical entity that only those published by the big houses can have. You can create an affordable and great looking press kit on your own.

Here are some things that you can include in your press kit to send to interested reviewers and interviewers.

  • An author's bio detailing all your professional writing credits, contest wins, short stories, articles etc. A little bit about what you enjoy in your spare time, but most of it should be about your writing life.

  • Include the clippings (or photocopies of them) from newspapers or magazines where your articles have appeared. If you've only ever written for the web, print out a copy of the article and mention the website where it was selected to appear. Don't include your own website as a writing credit.

  • An author photograph, as professional as possible. A head and shoulders shot is usal. Don't send your latest holiday snaps.

  • A picture of your book's cover, or postcard or poster of it.

  • Any previous good reviews you have had for your book.

  • Any speaking engagements or booksigning events that you have coming up. Or the details of previous ones and how successful they were.

  • You could also inlcude a previous interview, it might save them some time and at least you know what sort of questions might be asked of you.

    If you can afford it, a nice presentation folder for your press kit goes down well, but it isn't a necessity. On your website, you can also list the things above as a virtual press kit, but if a newspaper etc. ask for a press kit, don't just send them to the website. They would probably prefer everything in hard copy, but it doesn't hurt to ask if they would accept an electronic copy.

    About The Author

    Annette Gisby is a novelist and freelance writer. Her articles have appeared both in print and online, and to date she has three fiction books published, Silent Screams, Drowning Rapunzel and Shadows of the Rose. Her non-fiction book, Writing the Dream has lots more hints and tips for writers. Please visit Annette's website for more information on her books: www.annettegisby.n3.net

    In The News:

    • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    How to Make Publicity Work for Your Business: Six P.R. Strategies to Use Right Now

    Public Relations (or P.R.) is a wonderful, yet often overlooked... Read More

    Publicizing Your Company

    Got a huge need for publicity and a tiny publicity... Read More

    Making Press Releases Work - Creating News Where None Existed

    Aren't you tired of hearing how extremely easy it is... Read More

    How Video Production can be used in PR

    At the core of any successful public relations campaign is... Read More

    Andrew Bogut - His Big Media Blunder And What You Can Learn From It

    Andrew Bogut, the Australian basketballer is now officially in the... Read More

    Go Ahead, Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Call a Reporter

    Yes, you can call a reporter.I've said it before, in... Read More

    Ramp Up Your Newsletter to Build a Strong Business

    To survive in business, you've got to focus your attention... Read More

    Some Cool P.R. Tips for These Dog Days of Summer

    Yup -- it's hot and sticky and you don't feel... Read More

    Free Radio Publicity for Marketing-Minded Financial Planners

    Radio is a powerful publicity tool. Most stations offer news... Read More

    Getting Articles Published - Eight Steps for Trade Publications

    Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain... Read More

    The 7 Deadly Sins of Press Releases

    A press release is often your only chance to make... Read More

    Pressure From the Top?

    Yes, and that pressure often comes from a CEO who... Read More

    Media Relations: How to Get Your Letter to the Editor Published

    You may remember Forrest Gump's Vietnam pal ? the one... Read More

    Make Your PR Budget Work Harder

    Do it by restructuring your business, non-profit or association public... Read More

    PRs Big Bang Theory

    Lots of theories out there about public relations.Everything from "publicity's... Read More

    Company Dress Codes for Small Business; Shorts and Pants

    Most small businesses have logo'ed shirts, usually polo shirts with... Read More

    Your Organization: What Role PR?

    As a manager, does your current business, non-profit or association... Read More

    Does Your Small Business Have a Grooming Policy?

    They say that image is everything and some of us... Read More

    Cultivating Positive Media Relationships

    Some people think that publicity is all about paparazzi snapping... Read More

    Are You Dissing Public Relations

    If you leave a star player sitting on the bench,... Read More

    Media Relations: What To Do When Youre Misquoted

    When ABC News anchor Peter Jennings announced he had lung... Read More

    Get Outsiders on Your Side

    Especially good advice for business, non-profit and association managers whose... Read More

    The Key to Great PR

    The Key to Great PR is PerseveranceBy Paula Gardner of... Read More

    24 Killer Press Release Secrets

    1. Your press release should sound like news, not an... Read More

    35 Quick Tips for Writing A Press Release

    Layout1. 1-2 pages in length.2. Double-space.3. 1.5 to 2 inch... Read More

    A Winning Game Plan

    You want to sell your products or services, and that... Read More

    The Role Of Public Relations In Branding

    Because PR can be difficult to control, it is often... Read More

    Etymology- How Words Change Over Time

    Etymology is the study of the origins of words.As languages... Read More

    Why Not PR That Gets Real Results?

    And not results you can measure only in terms of... Read More

    Mastering the Media

    What do Monica Lewinsky, Shoshanna Lowenstein, and even Richard Hatch... Read More

    What People Believe Can Bring You Success

    Just think about it.If I come to believe that you... Read More

    Smashing the Myth of the Press Release

    A musician spends years honing his craft. He writes world-class... Read More

    Managers, Have You Been Shortchanged?

    You have been if you're a business, non-profit or association... Read More