How to Leverage Online Media to Promote your Book

Promoting your book using online media—specifically, by being a guest on internet radio shows, podcasts, and teleseminars—can be advantageous for several reasons:

-The show host will promote you to his or her networks prior to the show. Many promote interview announcements on numerous sites across the internet.

-The shows are often archived online for years, giving you ongoing promotion value.

-Many are now posting their shows on iTunes.

-You get far more time online. A traditional radio show might have you on for 5 to 15 minutes. An online show will often make you the primary guest for a full hour.

-Because many online listeners are sitting at a computer, they are more likely to visit your website or purchase your book right away. Listeners in a car have to jot down your information and remember it later.

-Online show hosts are always in need of guests, so the opportunities are abundant.

To become a guest on an online teleseminar, podcast, or internet radio program, start by putting together a brief pitch. Mention your credentials (“I am an author/expert/consultant/speaker/etc.”) and one to three suggested topics that you can cover. Highlight a few benefits of your discussion in a bulleted list and then send it to hosts and ask if they would be interested in having you as a guest.

Tips for locating interview opportunities:

-Search the internet for keywords related to your target audience, plus “teleseminar,” “radio,” or “podcast.”

-Check sites like www.BlogTalkRadio.com, www.wsradio.com, and www.airamerica.com to find relevant programs.

-Search podcasts on iTunes and visit the host’s website.

-Search for events on online directories to find shows that would be a good fit for you. Some directories to check are www.EventBrite.com, www.PlanetTeleclass.com, and www.SeminarAnnouncer.com.

-Always be on the lookout for opportunities. And remember that if you’re building an online platform as an expert, eventually these opportunities will start to find you!

Once you are invited to be a guest, provide the host with a media sheet. This should include a brief bio about you, your professional photo, an image of your book, and contact information. Most importantly, include a list of ten to twelve sample questions for the host. Most media professionals love these and may interview you directly from your list. Whether they use your questions or not, they will appreciate your professionalism.

Lastly, be sure to thank the host after every interview. Take the time to send a personal note. This is a great way to not only show your gratitude, but to be remembered and invited back in the future.

Stephanie Chandler is the author of several books including The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan: The Professional Guide to Profitable Self-Publishing and The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan: Online and Offline Promotion Strategies to Build Your Audience and Sell More Books. Stephanie is also founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association, a vibrant community for writers, and the Nonfiction Writers Conference, a traditional writers’ conference experience conducted entirely online. A frequent speaker at business events and on the radio, she has been featured in Entrepreneur, BusinessWeek, and Wired magazine. See also: @steph__chandler and @NonfictionAssoc on Twitter and Facebook.com/NonfictionAuthorsAssociation.