Secrets Of Press Release Distribution

Tips to compile an effective press release for your book promotion are discussed in another article (http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-write-press-releases.html). A press release is the same as a news release. It describes the news value of your books in one or two pages. A quick summary of the format to use includes these details:

The most important details need to be located at the top of the article.The less compelling information should be near the bottom. Reporters or readers will focus on the first paragraph, and you need to catch their attention within that paragraph. Include personal quotes from customers about your product or service.

Add information which would be of local interest to the area where you are submitting the release. Your home area is not the only place you would want to submit a press release. File a press release anywhere your book would attract people’s attention.

How To Hire A Press Release Writer

If you prefer to hire a freelance press writer, follow these steps:

1. Go to www.elance.com, www.guru.com or www.ifreelance.com. These sites allow you to post your press release project for people to bid on. Their credentials, rates, feedback and rating system are available.
2. A local college or university may give you a chance to post the project for communications majors. (Don’t underestimate the value of working with local colleges. I found a wonderful editor to proofread my first book at a very reasonable price.)
3. You can post your project (for a $25 fee) on the American Society of Journalists and Authors site – www.asja.org
4. www.imediafax.com (www.imediafax.com) will critique or write press releases. The fee is $200 for one page and $350 for two pages. (See this site for downloadable ebooks to learn how to write press releases. There is a wealth of information in their article files.)
5. You can go to www.bookmarketing.com (www.bookmarketing.com). Enter the words “press release” in the search box and it will take you to a form, where you fill in the blanks and it will create a press release. Once your press release is the best it can be, circulate it to as many people as possible. This will help you get the word out.

If you want to submit your press release to any newspapers or magazines, a great source is: www.ecola.com. This site lists media sources throughout the world and gives links to their websites. The publications are listed by individual categories or location to make your search easier. Your press release can be submitted by fax or email. It is best to find out which method is preferred by the person you want to contact.Where to Submit Your Book Press ReleaseThese online sites allow you to submit your release for free. I recommend posting free releases and then decide if you need the options they charge you to use. A number of these sites have changed their policy and are now charging minimum fees better $10 and $60.

* http://www.clickpress.com
* http://www.press-world.com – BIG Site
* http://www.prweb.com – BIG Site
* http://www.pr.com/
* http://press.arrivenet.com/
* http://www.press-base.com/
* http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/pr.cfm
* http://www.prleap.com
* http://www.przoom.com
* http://www.free-news-release.com
* http://www.marketwire.com
* http://www.pr-usa.net
* http://openpr.com
* http://www.express-press-release.com
* http://www.onlinepressrelease.com

Other Sites to Submit Your Author Press Releases

* http://www.free-press-release.com - (Shorten your press release to post free.)
* http://24-7pressrelease.com - Costs minimum of $9
* http://www.prleap.com - You might not want to publish all the information they require.
* http://www.prnewswire.com
* http://www.businesswire.com
* http://www.internetwire.com
* http://www.internetnews.com
* http://www.ebookbroadcast.com/ebooks/
* http://www.newsbytes.com

It is advisable to follow up with these media outlets to ensure that your press release was received. After you submit your press release to these media outlets, post them on your website. This will help you share the information to website visitors who didn’t see your press releases.

Nikki Leigh
Author of Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

How to Write Press Releases

An effective press release can be a great way to promote your book online and in your local area. Online press release services will not post just any press release. The more effective your press release, the more attention it will get. A skillfully written press release can be a great way to gain wide spread attention for your book or special event.

How To Create Press Release For Your Books

Here are some press release creation tips:

• “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” – place in the top left corner of the page (Some online press release services will request that you delete “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE”. It is best to check their guidelines.)
• Include your contact name, phone number, and email in the top right corner. It is good to use a different email address before you submit press releases.
• Create an attention grabbing headline – Use capital letters, bold print and centered type. Great headlines MUST catch the reader’s attention. A good way to grab their attention is to tie your book topic with current events.
• Include the most important information in the first paragraph. It is best to keep the content focused and simple. Write the press release with your target market in mind.• The press release MUST be one or two pages – NO LONGER. Stick with the important and relevant facts about your subject. If your press release looks and sounds like an advertisement, it won’t generate the response you need.
• Include any details about your book that would be of special interest in a particular area needs should be included in the first paragraph.
• Check, recheck and check your spelling and grammar again. Then check one more time. It never hurts to check your work again or to have someone else check it for you.
• Include quotes from satisfied customers. This will create interest and establish yourself as an expert and the best person to write that book or series of books. Explain any research you did for your book. All of these things help establish your credibility and expertise. This will help the reader believe that NO ONE else is as qualified to write the same story.
  

Things Not To Include In Your Book Press Release

• Do NOT use exclamation points.
• Don’t use the words: BEST EVER, or anything like that. This lowers your credibility.
• Use an easy to read and common font like Times Roman. DO NOT use fancy fonts on your press release and DO NOT or use more than one font. Bold type should be limited to only the most important things.

Key Information To Promote Your Book

• Edit to eliminate any unnecessary words and any repetition. Make your author press release trim, lean and effective.
• The first time you list the name of your book – use all capital letters and include order information, the publisher’s website page, your website and email address.
• The first time you use a person’s name write the full name, after that use just the last name or salutation and last name.
• Use short sentences. People get bored with long meandering sentences.
• At the bottom of the release, type “###” to denote the end.
  

Effective press releases take practice, but are a great way to get the word out about your books. Practice will help you write the most effective press releases.

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Promote in the Real World

Even in this technological age, we can promote books face to face with potential readers. I don’t know about you, but I love to see a reader’s face light up when they talk about my books or my characters. That light in their eyes can be hard to convey in an e-mail or on a message board.

Book stores and other retail outlets can be good places to promote your books. Libraries in some areas may purchase your books to place on their shelves. Other libraries offer classes or chances for authors to speak and the public is invited. Libraries are a natural place to attract readers and to promote your books. I walked into my local library earlier this spring and the librarian recognized my name. She said, “You are a new published author.” The people standing close by turned to look at me. It was like being a kid in a candy store.

Bookstores and libraries are not the only place to promote your books and we’ll discuss other alternatives. They won’t all work for you, but consider who you know, where you shop and the clientele each business attracts. Are they individuals who would like to read your book? It is very possible.

Writer’s conferences are a great way to meet readers and other authors. I recently met one of my favorite authors and discovered a couple of new favorites. These events usually need volunteers, program moderators and authors to give speeches, to participate on panels among other things. These opportunities provide free promotion for your books.

Craft shows are another way to get the word out and to meet new potential readers. I will share a couple of wonderful resources to help you find craft shows and similar events in your area. Once you find a craft show, there are ways to make the most of the event. We’ll discuss ways to get the most out of the shows.

There are almost an unlimited number of ways to promote your books and we’ll discuss many of them. If you have any specific questions, feel free to visit the promotional forum and post your thoughts or questions. I look forward to seeing you there.

More Articles About Real World Book Promotion

How to Promote in the Real World
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/promote-your-books-in-real-world.html

How to Write Press Releases
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-write-press-releases.html

Secrets to Press Release Distribution
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/secrets-of-press-release-distribution.html

Find Craft Shows to Sell Books
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/find-craft-shows-to-sell-books.html

Promote Books at Craft Shows
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/promote-books-at-craft-shows.html

Economical Book Promotion at Craft Shows
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/economical-book-promotion-at-craft.html