Congratulations on writing your book! Now it’s time to get the word out there. One of the best ways to do this is to pitch your book to media outlets for coverage opportunities. But how do you know which outlets to pitch?
Here are five strategies for identifying relevant media outlets that would be interested in your book as well as how to find the right contacts at those outlets.
Identify your Target Audience
The first step is to identify your target audience. For whom are you writing? What are their interests? Once you know your target audience, you can start to identify media outlets that reach those people.
Research the Media Outlets
Once you have a list of potential media outlets, it’s time to do some research. Read their websites, subscribe to their newsletters, and follow them on social media. This will help you get a sense of their editorial style and what they cover.
Find the Right Contacts
Once you’ve identified a few media outlets you think would be a good fit for your book, it’s time to find the right contacts. Look for journalists who cover your topic area or who have written about similar books in the past.
Pitch your Book
Once you’ve found the right contacts, it’s time to pitch your book. Be sure to tailor your pitch to each contact and outlet. Include a brief overview of your book, as well as why you think it would be a good fit for their audience. End the email with a call to action for a review copy or an author interview.
The Importance of Following Up
After you’ve pitched your book, be sure to follow up with the contacts who have expressed interest in you and your book. This shows you’re both serious about getting your book covered and you’re reliable enough to meet their deadlines. And it gives them a chance to ask any questions they may have.
Pitching your book to media outlets is a tough job – it includes rejection and lots of unanswered emails. But when you land a big media hit that does increase your book sales, it’s worth all the hard work!
If you’re still not sure where to start with the publicity campaign, drop us a note to schedule a consultation call!