Have a Media Strategy Before a Book Proposal

As an author and media trainer I often get asked: “When is a good time to start doing media to promote my book?”

The answer is yesterday – and if not yesterday then now!

Too often people tell me they plan on doing media for their book when it launches.

That is 100% way too late.

You want the media to already know about you way before you have a book or a product to promote. For more insights into what the media wants check out my Checklist to Become a Go-to Media Expert here.

For an example of media strategy for a book launch done right, I recently interviewed my friend and newly-published author Tracy McCubbin. Her book is called, “Making Space, Clutter Free: The Last Book on Decluttering You’ll Ever Need.”

Back when Tracy first proposed her book, she started working on a plan with her agent. It helps that her book is about getting organized, so she already knew how to make a good plan!

Here are some other great takeaways from our interview:

Say yes to everything

Just because an opportunity doesn’t seem like it matches up with your style don’t write it off. It could introduce you to a completely fresh audience and give you a different perspective on your own book! Media begets media. So don’t be a snob!

Try to create a diverse range of media appearances

Television, podcasts, radio… producers like a well-balanced expert who thrives in all mediums. Media is like a party, and you want to be known as the person who will bring ice. If you make a producer’s job easier, they will invite you back time and time again. If you’re interested in getting media, check out my free three-part video course “How to Be a Media Magnet.”

Be on call… always

You never know when a producer will call, make sure you have a few TV-ready outfits so you can hop on a Zoom interview at a moment’s notice. The same goes for meetings and being productive by the way.  

Media that you do well in advance of your book release is not just good practice, but a chance for you to work out your messaging. You’ll know what catches people’s attention and why you shouldn’t wear a striped shirt on TV!

Get your feet wet

It’s not realistic to think the Today Show will book you if you haven’t done any other media yet. And the truth is – you don’t want to do a big media hit like that out of the gate. You need to pitch local news first and get your feet wet.

Check out the interview I did with Tracy here to learn more about the best way to promote your next book way before you even write the proposal.

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