Tag: how to write a press release

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It’s November 1st! (You know what that means)

November 1, 2021– We had such a great theme last month of daily photo prompts for our October author challenge! I hope you enjoyed writing each day and that you’ll continue the process throughout your entire writing career.

This month, our theme is reaping what you sow…but what does that mean? It means the seeds you plant now as an author will bloom over the coming year and beyond. How exciting is that? We’re going to talk about an idea a day to promote yourself and your books! These daily actions will help you get the word out about who you are, what you do, and write about. Let’s dig in:

Today’s action for authors: Write a press release and send it out to bookstores and the media.

What should a press release include? 

  • 1 page at maximum!
  • Written like a news report
  • How your book will connect with a particular target market, e.g., children, adults, mid-grade readers, etc.
  • A hook/catchy headline
  • Written in the third person
  • Short quote or excerpt
  • Author bio
  • Book info
  • Contact info
  • Call to action

Let’s do an example: 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For the Love of Animals: True stories by collaborative authors about the power of pets
Lacey L. Bakker and collaborative authors

Imprint: Pandamonium Publishing House
On sale: May 7, 2019
Price: $19.99
Pages: 57
ISBN: 123456789

CONTACT:
Gina 
905-979-4949
pandapublishing8@gmail.com

Currently, there are two million pets in Canada without homes who are struggling to survive. You can help save their lives. 

“Animals bring out the best in us. They talk to us without speaking, comfort us without judging, and love us without question. We will not stop until the shelters are empty and every animal has a loving, forever home.” —Lacey L. Bakker, author of For the Love of Animals: True stories by collaborative authors about the power of pets.

Whether cats, dogs, raccoons, or goldfish, the relationships forged with animals are some of the happiest and difficult relationships we’ll ever have; some have crossed over the rainbow bridge, others have been rehabilitated and released back into the wild, but one thing connects us all, unspoken love for animals of all kinds. In their new book, For the Love of Animals: True stories by collaborative authors about the power of pets (Pandamonium Publishing House; Trade Paperback Original; $19.99; on sale May 7, 2019), authors share how animals have changed their lives for the better and how some of them have even saved their lives.  100 percent of the proceeds from this book are donated to local organizations to help animals in need. 

Many stories might sound familiar: “We had to say goodbye to our gentle giant,” or “Unlike dogs, cats are not servants to humans.” We need animals as much as they need us, perhaps even more so because they can’t speak for themselves, and we become their caretakers, their family, and most of all, their voice against cruelty, injustice, and homelessness. Pets and animals hold a special place in people’s hearts around the world; they leave pawprints on our hearts, and we are forever changed for the better because of them. 

With each author’s story, readers will be touched by recollections of happy, sad, humourous, and challenging times with animals that fill the lives of the writers. Proceeds from this book will help animals that are: 

-Scared
-Hungry
-Forgotten
-ill 

Readers will learn how animals impact their everyday life and that the love of an animal is like none other, and most importantly, how they can make a difference in the lives of animals. Order here: For the Love of Animals – Pandamonium Publishing House

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Lacey L. Bakker is an author, entrepreneur, and publisher who studied at Wharton Business School, Copenhagen University, and Stanford. She helps fundraise for animals in need through local organizations that feed, house, and care for animals of all kinds. She has two cats and a dog who give and receive buckets of love daily. 

 

There you have it! Start putting together your press release today, and tune in tomorrow for more ways to promote your books. Check out our classes here: Virtual Courses, Classes, and Workshops – Pandamonium Publishing House and order your copy of For the Love of Animals: True stories by collaborative authors about the power of pets here: For the Love of Animals – Pandamonium Publishing House

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Pressed For Press Releases

March 26, 2021– Happy Friday, Friends! I hope that we’re in for a nice weekend. Next week, we’ll be wrapping up our theme for the month in which I answer your most asked questions. It’s been a really fun experience and I’m grateful to the people who sent in questions via email to pandapublishing8@gmail.com. Let’s see what the question is today:

Q: “I’m reading a lot about press releases and the importance of them when a new book launches. I’ve self-published and I’m wondering how to write one. Can you help?”

A: Great question! The main function of a press release is to announce to the media that you have a new book out and why they should talk about it/read it. Press releases contain the following things:

  • The title of your book. This is self-explanatory.
  • Where to purchase your book. Sometimes, the media such as newspaper reporters, bloggers, and book editors get free copies of books for review, but not always. Most are happy to purchase a copy to support the author and many of them pass the press release on to friends and colleagues that may be interested in reading you book. Be sure to include the websites, bookstores, the publisher’s website, and anywhere else your book is sold. You can also include social media handles provided they are your professional ones (e.g., Book pages, author page, Youtube Channel, Book Trailer etc.).
  • Author information. A short bio works well to introduce you to your readers. Include things that are relevant like your education, interests, and anything you’ve previously had published. It should be short and to the point. Also, some authors include where to reach them as in an email address. For example, L. Colling was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and still resides there today. She’s completed her education in literature in New York, Boston, and London. Obsessed with Her is her first thriller. Including a professional looking headshot of yourself is always a plus. Plus, if you’ve won any awards for your book, mention them.
  • Reviews. Positive reviews from satisfied readers are always excellent to include. Reviews let people know why they should read your book and potentially what they will enjoy about it.
  • An interesting tidbit. This is the blurb usually found on the back cover. It’s a brief synopsis, usually no more than a short paragraph that’s a teaser for what’s inside!
  • Make it clean and uncluttered. We don’t want the press release to be visually overwhelming. When there is too much info, especially info that is disorganized, it looks not only unprofessional, but it’s hard to read and understand the message that you’re trying to convey.

To contact your local press, do a Google search; start in your hometown and branch out from there. Local authors with new books make great news articles and interviewees for podcasts, blogs, etc. Happy Writing X LLB

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Press Here

January 14, 2021-Press releases and publicity are keys to becoming a best selling author. If people don’t know who you are or what you do, how can they find you and your work? I know I’ve said this a hundred times over the course of this program, but it cannot be understated! Press releases are just another tool in your arsenal that can help build your Best Seller status.

A press release is an official statement delivered to members of the news media for the purpose of providing information, an official statement, or making an announcement. Here’s some math to keep in mind when sending out your press releases: For every 100 press releases sent out you’ll have 1 person interested in what you have to say. That’s 100:1 ratio. To some, this may seem like a numbers game, but where the fortune lies, is in the follow-up.  Press releases need to be well crafted in order to properly get your message across and there should always be a call to action. Your press release should include:

  1. Headline. This should grab the media’s attention and give a brief overview of why the following story is newsworthy. It’s especially helpful if you can link your press release to current events.
  2. Contact info. Your name, phone number, email, where your books can be purchased.
  3. Dateline. Not the epic tv show, but the release date of your book, the city, and province/state. It’s essential for the media to know that they’re getting the most current info.
  4. Intro paragraph. Answer the 5 W’s. Start with the most important things first! Who, What, Where, When, Why.
  5. Body. In this section, include all the important info about your book; you can include an excerpt, reviews, and the back cover information. Why should anyone read your book? This is where you sell your work to the reader!
  6. The cover. Include the front cover of your book so that it’s a visual reminder for the person reading your release. Also include your website, and a call to action (where to purchase, where to get additional details).

The point is to keep your press release clean, simple, informative, and interesting. Your press release should entice the reader to take action. Remember to follow up on every press release you send out!

To get more information about press releases and our Best Seller Bootcamp, click here: Best-Seller Bootcamp January 4th-31st – Pandamonium Publishing House