Some may say gone are the days of the traditional press kit where you have a two pocket folder with your press release on one side and the sheet of endorsements or reviews on the other. Even though these may still be relevant, there is something that is more vital than ever for authors to have and that is an online media (or press) kit.
Like the traditional press kit, you will want to include a recent press release and a list of reviews in your online press kit, however, a few more things will help round out the online press kit such as:
1) Book Cover Image – In a jpeg file format and in a few different sizes to help facilitate placement on websites and print.
2) Author Pictures – In a jpeg file format and in a few different sizes to help facilitate placement on websites and print.
3) Book Description – Use the book description to convey the key points or message of your book to help it stand out.
4) Author Bio – Share with your readers about you and your expertise on the subject matter of your book. You should have versions available–short (about 200 words) and long (about 500 words).
5) Q & A – Allow this Q&A to be your ideal interview. Showcase those questions you want an interviewer to ask you about your book.
and I will add the other two must haves back on the list–
6) Press Release – Remember with a press release,make the information newsworthy, do not include opinions. Just give the facts.
7) Endorsements or Reviews – Offer to the media, what others have said about your book. You can give this a bit more pizazz with pictures and titles of the people offering their reviews or reviews.
As the digital age of publishing is increasing and the popularity of ebooks has risen over the last couple of years, so has the need for ease of availability for the press to be able to find your author and book information on the web in the form of a online press kit.
With your online promotion you do not want to rush or push it into getting done. You may have heard that “Having something up there is better than nothing.” Well, not really. Yes, it is important to have a web presence, to include a website and blog. But it is more important to have a cohesive online promotion layout.
When you tend to push yourself into having something up online, either on your website, blog or even an program, you may lose out in the following ways:
1) Things get missed: Many times when you push something to get done, something will get missed such as a page title, or keyword importance, or checking the formatting, spelling or grammar errors
2) Possible connections can be delayed: Before you realize of the errors on the page, you may have several potential connections come to your site but be destracted by the errors and leave your site, not to come back for awhile or at all.
3) Deflates your professionalism: When someone comes to your website, it is reflection of who you are and what you represent. Be sure your website enhances and conveys the message you wish to portray to the visitors.
When you are putting your online promotion pieces together, remember it is better to take the time you need instead of rushing it so you don’t put out something less than what you wish to put out there in front of others.
I do. I used to use Internet Explorer until I discovered Firefox. Well, because I don’t use Internet Explorer anymore, I don’t go in and check anything from Internet Explorer. Well, did you know that just because you see everything fine in one browser, your website/blog may not be seen the same way in another browser?? And did you know this can have an effect on your online promotion efforts?
Here is a short Aug 26thTMT. of what happened to me and what I did about it regarding online promotion and internet browsers–
Authors, it is true, the “IN” thing is to be a part of social media platforms online (such as Facebook, Twitter & Linked In) for help promote your book. However, it is just as important for you not to get overwhelmed with the process either. As you know, if you get overwhelmed with something, the more likely you won’t continue doing it. And this is true for social media marketing for your book too.
So here are a few helpful tips to ease the overwhelm of social media:
1) Do your research – With social media like with anything new, do your research and find out what each social media platform is all about. Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn have help centers(Twitter Help, Facebook Help, LinkedIn Helpwhere you can go in and ask questions to the online community forum to get answers from those already involved in using
2) Start Slowly – When you first get on a social networking site like Twitter or Facebook, first things first…fill out your profile. And do it as completely as possible and do it correctly. With that being said, you just need to allow yourself an allotted amount of time to complete it because this is the first impression someone who wishes to connect with you will see. For example, be sure you have a appropriate picture of yourself for your profile. Also, fill out your bio to include not just your professional attributes but some personal highlights as well (your hobbies). Remember, people do business with those they know. And readers buy from authors who give them glimpses about their lives.
3) Take your Time – Social media can seem like it is a racetrack or run away train that you are trying to climb onto if you don’t know how to approach it. Yes, social media is pretty instantaneous and face paced but you don’t have to be. Give yourself time to get used to the pace of Twitter and Facebook. Once you are a part of these social media platforms, you will find your own rhythm and what works best for you.
4) Set up a Schedule – Once you have been a part of the social media arena for a little while, you may find that setting up a schedule for yourself will work to allow you to get the best part of what social media can do for you as an author and your book. You may find that scheduling 15 minutes each day on each platform works or you may decide that split up your social media tasks can be done a little in the morning and then a little bit in the afternoon. Also, by setting up a schedule you won’t find yourself using unnecessary time on social media —it can become like that run away train I wrote about above and then you look up and you have been on Twitter or Facebook for 2 hrs and you only meant to be on it for 30 minutes. Good rule of thumb—set a timer and stick to it.
5) Add on when ready - It seems like each week, there are more applications and add-ons for technology and social media is no different. Each social media platform has additional applications (like video and TV) you can add on to enhance your social media experience. However, be sure you are ready to add these applications. Make sure the applications will serve you and your readers well. Again, your readers are your clients, and it doesn’t do you and your readers any good to add a “throw a pillow” application on your Facebook page. However, being able to allow your readers to join in a video/TV application with you, the author is something you may be interested in looking into more.
Even though social media is the IN thing to be a part of, this does not mean it has be also be confusing and overwhelming to you as an author. The social media platforms (Twitter, FB and LinkedIn) have provided you with help centers so you can familiarize yourself with how each work. Also, you don’t have to race anyone so you can take your time and get used to having social media to the promotion of your book. And once you get the hang of it and you want to, you can add on some special applications (extra bells and whistles) to your social media plan.
So here’s to you and social media!
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