Learn to use the media to create free exposure for yourself also to sell your books. And most importantly, how to be a great guest once you get on the air.

Prepare talking points before making media appearances.

Many new authors spend so much time also energy trying to get in the newspaper or on radio that when they get there, they don't know what to say. But if you take an hour to prepare concise, compelling comments about your book, you will come off as a real pro, increase sales, also maybe even be asked back!

The average radio interview lasts five minutes, of which three might be broadcast, also on average you might get six inches of coverage in your local newspaper. You don't have a lot of time to waste hemming also hawing about your book, also the journalist interviewing you does not want to waste his or her time either. So before you even start soliciting press coverage, write down also memorize your talking points.

You say you know your book? I'm sure you do. But when you're under the gun of a timed interview, or an interviewer hits you with a surprise question, it's easy to stammer or get confused. Talking points are your lifeline. I suggest preparing a list that looks like this:

a. What's the "elevator pitch" (a 10-second summary) of my book?

b. Who is my book targeted to?

c. How did I decide to write it?

d. What are three passages in my book that I want to quote?

e. What can people get out of my book?

f. Where can people buy my book?

Write those down on note cards also memorize them, however keep the cards with you when you do interviews, just in case. That way, you will come off more professional also make the most of the time you get.

Focus heavily on PR.

If you don't believe in the power of public relations also the media to turn an unknown book into a bestseller, I have two words for you: Oprah Winfrey. Get your book 15 minutes on her show also you will sell a million copies. That's the power of the media.

Of course, getting on Oprah is the Holy Grail of book marketing, also while you should not NOT try to get on her show, you should not focus only on that. PR is your most powerful tool for creating awareness also selling books. So early on, while you're still in final editing, start making lists of media outlets, cashing in on contacts, making calls also sending out e-mails.

PR works because it's got credibility. Instead of a paid ad, people see an objective journalist reviewing your book, or a talk show host who's chosen to have you on her show because she liked your book. Media exposure carries tremendous weight with book buyers. Ask your friends how many books they've bought after hearing about them on "Fresh Air" on National Public Radio.

These are some of the PR avenues you can pursue:

• Reviews in any also all publications, print also online especially.
• Features in print also online publications.
• Radio interviews.
• Television interviews.
• A regular column in a magazine or newspaper or online.
• Speaking engagements.
• A role as an "expert source" for one or more journalists.
• Creating press events.
• Tying your book to a charity or cause.

It all begins with your press kit. That's a snazzy folder that contains the press release about your book's publication, a bio of you, a black also white photo of you (professionally done) also any press coverage you may have already received. Once you've identified your media list, send that kit to the key contacts at each paper, magazine, TV or radio station.

But don't stop there. PR is about relationships, also you've got to strike the right balance of "eager to help" also "respecting your time." Follow up your press kit with an e-mail in a week or so, also stay in touch. Offer story ideas or to be quoted for a feature. Make yourself an asset to journalists also editors also you will be surprised at the results.

Two final tips:

• Always include your Web address in your PR, stories, interviews, etc.
• Always get reprints, videotapes, etc. of your press coverage to use later.

Learn to use the media to create free exposure for yourself also to sell your books. And most importantly, how to be a great guest once you get on the air.

Prepare talking points before making media appearances.

Many new authors spend so much time also energy trying to get in the newspaper or on radio that when they get there, they don't know what to say. But if you take an hour to prepare concise, compelling comments about your book, you will come off as a real pro, increase sales, also maybe even be asked back!

The average radio interview lasts five minutes, of which three might be broadcast, also on average you might get six inches of coverage in your local newspaper. You don't have a lot of time to waste hemming also hawing about your book, also the journalist interviewing you does not want to waste his or her time either. So before you even start soliciting press coverage, write down also memorize your talking points.

You say you know your book? I'm sure you do. But when you're under the gun of a timed interview, or an interviewer hits you with a surprise question, it's easy to stammer or get confused. Talking points are your lifeline. I suggest preparing a list that looks like this:

g. What's the "elevator pitch" (a 10-second summary) of my book?

h. Who is my book targeted to?

i. How did I decide to write it?

j. What are three passages in my book that I want to quote?

k. What can people get out of my book?

l. Where can people buy my book?

Write those down on note cards also memorize them, however keep the cards with you when you do interviews, just in case. That way, you will come off more professional also make the most of the time you get.

Focus heavily on PR.

If you don't believe in the power of public relations also the media to turn an unknown book into a bestseller, I have two words for you: Oprah Winfrey. Get your book 15 minutes on her show also you will sell a million copies. That's the power of the media.

Of course, getting on Oprah is the Holy Grail of book marketing, also while you should not NOT try to get on her show, you should not focus only on that. PR is your most powerful tool for creating awareness also selling books. So early on, while you're still in final editing, start making lists of media outlets, cashing in on contacts, making calls also sending out e-mails.

PR works because it's got credibility. Instead of a paid ad, people see an objective journalist reviewing your book, or a talk show host who's chosen to have you on her show because she liked your book. Media exposure carries tremendous weight with book buyers. Ask your friends how many books they've bought after hearing about them on "Fresh Air" on National Public Radio.

These are some of the PR avenues you can pursue:

• Reviews in any also all publications, print also online especially.
• Features in print also online publications.
• Radio interviews.
• Television interviews.
• A regular column in a magazine or newspaper or online.
• Speaking engagements.
• A role as an "expert source" for one or more journalists.
• Creating press events.
• Tying your book to a charity or cause.

It all begins with your press kit. That's a snazzy folder that contains the press release about your book's publication, a bio of you, a black also white photo of you (professionally done) also any press coverage you may have already received. Once you've identified your media list, send that kit to the key contacts at each paper, magazine, TV or radio station.

But don't stop there. PR is about relationships, also you've got to strike the right balance of "eager to help" also "respecting your time." Follow up your press kit with an e-mail in a week or so, also stay in touch. Offer story ideas or to be quoted for a feature. Make yourself an asset to journalists also editors also you will be surprised at the results.

Two final tips:

• Always include your Web address in your PR, stories, interviews, etc.
• Always get reprints, videotapes, etc. of your press coverage to use later.

About The Author

Dr. Jamie Fettig

Are you interested in the one seminar that has created more Best-Selling authors than any other seminar? A seminar put on by the guy who has sold more books than every other book in the history of the world except the bible? Then get yourself to the Mega Book Marketing Seminar also train yourself to be a mega-successful author also become a sought after speaker. Make the difference with your book that you want to make. To Register also for more information go to http://www.bazuji.com/book