 Are you an aspiring writer who has finally put pen to paper to write your first novel? Did the global coronavirus lockdown provide the necessary escapism for an established writer to create his or her latest masterpiece? Now that your Pulitzer has been written, are you wondering how to market and promote your book and generate a lifetime of royalties? Allen Marketing Communications, Inc., a boutique travel and lifestyle public relations agency based in New York City, shares tips for introducing a new book and securing loyal fans during this global pandemic. Media Relations Media relations is an effective tool to introduce an author and his or her book. In developing our press materials, our lifestyle PR pros always conduct a deep dive with the author to learn the inspiration for creating his or her literary masterpiece. The personal and human touch helps to break through the clutter and stand out in the press. Our team always identifies an industry trend or survey to make the author’s book timely, topical, and newsworthy for journalists. When you write a non-fiction or fiction book, you become an expert. We are always striving to connect our clients with a subject from their book that we believe they have a deep understanding of a particular topic. It’s a valuable method we use in pitching to the media. For example, one author wrote a book on finance, and at the time, it also happened to be Domestic Violence Awareness month. Research shows that most victims don’t leave their abuser because of finance, our client identified five steps on how a person could move forward. During the interview, she was not only able to talk about her role as a finance expert in town, but she was also able to promote her book. Our personal relationships with books and lifestyle reporters have played an invaluable role in opening the doors for new and established writers. By having a personal connection with various media outlets, we are able to place our clients with front and center media opportunities that some authors may not have with other boutique lifestyle public relations agencies. Social Media Marketing Facebook and Instagram are an effective platforms to launch a new book and engage the writer’s followers. Organic posts are always beneficial to keep your followers current and connected about book signings around the country. It is important to post stunning, high-resolution images, as well as respond in a timely manner to your loyal fans commentary on a post. If the author’s budget permits, targeted Facebook and Instagram ads can translate to book sales. One of our clients gained a significant number of new followers, and the money spent on advertising was nominal compared to the end results. Literary Festivals Research has shown that avid book lovers will travel to the end of the world to meet his or her favorite author. In fact, the Berlin International Literature Festival, Brooklyn Book Festival, National Black Book Festival, South Florida Book Festival, Harlem Book Fair, Cheltenham Literary Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival bring die-hard literary fans to a destination to meet their favorite author(s). During this coronavirus epidemic, the literary festival has gone online once again, connecting book lovers with their favorite authors. It is possible the literary festival may evolve to be a hybrid experience – live in-person readings with virtual online sessions – as we embrace life in a post-COVID-19 world. Our lifestyle public relations professionals are here to help. Give us a call. By Olivia Almagro, consultant, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc.
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