How to Create an Author Press Kit, For Dummies!

If you are an author, whether you’re a new author or one who has just started to promote your own writing, you have probably been spending a lot of time researching ways to work both smarter and faster. One way (albiet a tough, time consuming activity) to get potential PR inroads is doing “cold” calling (calling journalist for opportunities to promote your book and gain exposure). If you have tried this, you will quickly see the benefit of having a Press Kit.  

Once created, the Press Kit is a very useful PR tool. You can make it available on your website, send it quickly and efficiently to media sources or others who may request your author or book information.

Your Press Kit can also be used if you want to solicit the services of a book blogger, reviewer, retailer, librarian, or event planner. Even your editor might ask for your Press Kit.

What to Include in Your Press Kit:

The following includes most of the information anyone who asks for a Press Kit will need.

Contact Information

Your contact information includes making both you and your book(s) easily available. You should include your email address, your website, fb, Pinterest, LN, Twitter, Google+, StumbleUpon, Reddit, Library Thing, Goodreads, etc., and the URL of where your book(s) can be purchased. Include any links to book trailers, reviews, or relevant articles.


Pearly Whites

Invest the time and money, as soon as you are able, in a flattering photo. If you need one right away, try to pick one in which you are "doing" something interesting, or are at an interesting location or event. 

Biography

A biography is a given. You need it for your website, for guest posts on blogs, or even for publishing submissions. If you check out some biographies on Amazon or blogs, you will notice that they are generally about 150-200 words. You should include your name, where you’re from, what you do for a living, your publication genre(s), why you became interested in that genre(s), unusual or interesting hobbies or travel. Try to add something that will make people remember you.

Press Release

The actual press release should focus on what’s new or upcoming. It needs to be short, to the point, and clearly state what makes you or your book stand out in the crowd. To hear how-to from the pros, visit: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-write-a-press-release-with-examples/

Author Q&A

Make a list of interview questions and answers about you and your book. This can include questions about your background, your genre choice, your writing style or habits, works in progress, etc. You can do a Q & A as one of the main characters in the book. These Q & A’s provide easy research for interviewers and book bloggers. They can just cut and paste them if they are so inclined.

 Information on Your Book

This is your chance to make your work stand out among the crowd. What makes your book special? It is probably related to why the genre/topic caught your own interest. Your target audience is also interested in that genre/topic. So ask yourself what specifically captures your interest. Then, describe it. Remember that the person that is reading your press kit has to be convinced your work would interest “their” readers.

Sample

Let your work speak for itself. To garner more interest, include a separate file with the first three chapters.

You may also include things like: editorial reviews, testimonials, links to relevant media content like audio and video, any awards you’ve won, etc.

Provide a PDF version of your press kit. Also, don’t forget to have a downloadable version on your website.


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