Maximizing Local Media Coverage: Tips for New Authors

Maximizing Local Media Coverage: Tips for New Authors

a close up image of an older man's hands typing on a laptop. He is sitting at a wooden table in a public place.

Connecting with local media outlets can be a game-changer for new authors looking to build their presence and reach a wider audience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively contact local media outlets and secure coverage to promote yourself and your book.

1. Identify Relevant Media Outlets

Research Local Media

Start by compiling a list of local newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, and online news platforms that cover community news, arts, culture, and literary events.

Find the Right Contacts

Identify specific journalists, editors, and producers who handle book reviews, author interviews, or cultural features. Look for their contact information on the media outlet’s website or social media profiles.

2. Prepare Your Press Kit 

Write a Press Release or Re-use Your Publisher-Provided Press Release

Create a compelling press release that includes:

  • Headline: Catchy and informative.
  • Lead Paragraph: Briefly covers the who, what, where, when, and why.
  • Body: Detailed information about you as an author, your book, and why it’s newsworthy.
  • Contact Information: Your name/pen name, author/business email, and social media handles for your author/public accounts.
    • For privacy purposes, you can also retain the contact details of your publisher in place of your personal details.
  • Quotes: Include quotes from yourself and possibly early reviewers or experts.

Find the Right Contacts

Identify specific journalists, editors, and producers who handle book reviews, author interviews, or cultural features. Look for their contact information on the media outlet’s website or social media profiles.

Author Bio and Book Summary

Prepare a concise author bio and a summary of your book. This helps journalists quickly understand your background and what your book is about.

High-Quality Images

Include high-resolution images of your book cover, author photo, and any promotional materials. Visuals can enhance your press kit’s appeal.

3. Craft a Personalized Pitch

Personalize Your Approach

Tailor your pitch to each media outlet. Reference recent articles or segments they’ve done that are similar to your story. Show that you’ve done your homework and understand their audience.

Be Concise and Clear

Keep your email brief and to the point. Highlight the key details about your book and explain why it would interest their readers, listeners, or viewers.

4. Send Your Press Kit and Pitch

Email Your Press Kit

Email your press kit along with your personalized pitch to the identified contacts. Ensure the subject line is attention-grabbing but professional.

Follow Up

If you don’t hear back within a week, send a polite follow-up email. Express your continued interest in working with them and offer any additional information they might need.

5. Leverage Social Media

Connect on Social Media

Follow local journalists, editors, and media outlets on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing relevant content.

Direct Messages

Consider sending a brief direct message on social media to give them a heads-up about your email. This can increase the chances of your pitch being noticed.

6. Build Relationships

Attend Local Events

Attend local literary and community events to network with journalists and editors. Building a personal connection can make them more likely to cover your story.

Offer Exclusive Content

Offer exclusive content or interviews to certain outlets. Exclusive stories can be more appealing to journalists and increase your chances of coverage.

7. Be Prepared for Interviews

Prepare Talking Points

Prepare key talking points about your book, your writing journey, and any unique aspects of your story.

Practice Your Delivery

Practice answering potential questions in a clear, concise, and engaging manner. Be ready to discuss your book passionately and professionally.

8. Express Gratitude

Thank the Media

If a media outlet covers your story, be sure to send a thank-you note or email to express your appreciation for their support and coverage.

Share the Coverage

Share any media coverage on your social media platforms and website. Tag the media outlet and the journalist to show your appreciation and boost their visibility.

Connecting with local media outlets as a new author can significantly enhance your visibility and reach. By following the detailed steps listed above, you can effectively engage with local media and build a strong presence for yourself and your book. Good luck on your journey, and may your literary career flourish!

Author Jacqueline Atkins Hosts Book Signing at Queens College

Author Jacqueline Atkins Hosts Book Signing at Queens College

We’re excited to share that our talented author, Jacqueline Atkins, recently held a book signing event at Queens College in New York on March 19, 2025! Invited by the Dean of the Education Department, Jacqueline connected with students and faculty to celebrate her inspiring book, From Panamá to New York: Jacquelina’s Story. Congratulations, Jacqueline, on a wonderful event and the incredible impact your story continues to make!

Want to read more about Jacqueline Atkins’ incredible journey? Visit her official author page to learn more about From Panamá to New York: Jacquelina’s Story and order your copy today!

Mining Your Memories: Turning Personal Experiences into Story Gold

Mining Your Memories: Turning Personal Experiences into Story Gold

an open book resting on a wooden table with sparkles coming out of the book

Every one of us carries a vault of unique memories—moments that shaped us, taught us, or stayed with us because of their humor, heartbreak, or beauty. These memories are more than snapshots of the past; they’re treasures waiting to be transformed into powerful stories. Whether you’re writing fiction, memoir, or poetry, mining your own experiences can create authenticity and emotional depth that resonates with readers.

Here’s how you can turn your personal experiences into literary gold.

1. Start with the Spark

Think back to moments that left an impression on you. What made them stand out? Was it the emotion you felt, the people involved, or the life lesson learned? These sparks are the seeds of compelling stories.

For example:

The summer you moved to a new town and felt like an outsider.
A conversation with a grandparent that changed how you see the world.
A seemingly mundane event, like waiting for the bus, that turned extraordinary.
Write freely about these moments. Don’t worry about structure—capture the raw emotion and details first.

2. Zoom In on the Details

What makes a memory vivid isn’t just the event itself but the small, sensory details that bring it to life. Instead of saying, “It was a hot day,” describe how the sun baked the asphalt, the ice cream melted faster than you could eat it, or the cicadas screamed in the trees.

By weaving in textures, sounds, smells, and tastes, you can create a setting that feels real to the reader.

3. Find the Universal in the Personal

Your memories are uniquely yours, but the emotions behind them—love, loss, fear, joy—are universal. Ask yourself:

What themes emerge from this memory?

How might others relate to this experience?

For instance, a memory of failing a test might turn into a broader story about overcoming self-doubt, which can resonate with readers in various walks of life.

4. Play with Perspective

The way you view a memory today may differ from how you experienced it in the moment. Use this duality to your advantage.

Write the memory as your younger self experienced it.

Rewrite it from the perspective of who you are now.

This exercise can add layers of meaning to your story, offering readers insight into your growth or a deeper understanding of the event.

5. Fictionalize Wisely

While personal stories can be powerful as is, sometimes adding fictional elements makes them more dynamic. Change names, blend events, or imagine conversations that never happened to enhance your narrative while staying true to the emotional core of your memory.

Fictionalizing your experiences allows you to explore “what if” scenarios, turning a memory into something even richer and more layered.

6. Use Conflict as Your Compass

At the heart of every great story is conflict. Look for the tension in your memories:

A difficult choice you had to make.

A disagreement with a loved one.

An internal struggle between fear and bravery.

Conflict drives stories forward and makes readers care about the outcome. Explore the stakes and resolution of your memory to create a compelling narrative arc.

7. Honor Vulnerability

Sharing personal memories can feel like exposing your soul, but vulnerability is what draws readers in. Don’t shy away from the messy, imperfect parts of your story—they’re often the most relatable and moving.

Ask yourself:

What am I afraid to say about this memory?

How can this story connect with someone who feels the same way?

8. Polish with Purpose

Once you’ve mined your memory and written your story, step back and ask:

What’s the heart of this story?

Is the focus clear, or do I need to refine it?

Revisit your work to tighten the narrative, enhance the imagery, and ensure the story conveys what you want it to.

Your memories are an endless source of inspiration. By mining them thoughtfully and creatively, you can craft stories that are not only deeply personal but also resonate universally. Every moment, big or small, holds the potential to become a piece of story gold.

Start mining today—you might be surprised by what you uncover.

Top Tips: 4 Easy Steps for Video Book Marketing

Top Tips: 4 Easy Steps for Video Book Marketing

a top angle image of a clapperboard, succulent and storyboard resting on a dark wooden table.

Great job taking action! You’re diving in at the perfect time to start building lasting momentum for your book. Whether you’re still in the writing phase or beginning the publishing journey, this is your opportunity to connect with readers and generate interest before your book even hits the shelves.

The earlier you start sharing your process, the better. By letting people in on your journey—your ups, downs, and milestones—you’re giving them a reason to care. And when your book is finally released, you’ll already have a built-in audience that’s excited to support you. Promoting becomes easier when you’ve created real connections and curiosity along the way.

One of the most effective (and personal) ways to do this? Video. It gives your audience a glimpse into your world, and helps you stand out online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a short video and share it on Facebook. We’ll assume you already have your Facebook account ready.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Posting a Video on Facebook

Step 1: Plan Your Video

Pick Your Topic
Think about what your followers might enjoy or be curious about. Some ideas:

  • Introduce yourself and your book
  • Read a short excerpt
  • Share a writing update or milestone
  • Give a behind-the-scenes look at your writing setup

Prepare What You’ll Say
You don’t need a full script, but it helps to jot down the main points. Practice a few times so you feel confident and natural on camera.

Step 2: Record Your Video

Get Set Up
Use your phone or any recording device. Make sure it’s steady—prop it on a solid surface or use a tripod.
Good lighting is key! Face a window or use a lamp to light your face. Keep your background tidy and distraction-free.

Start Recording
Look into the camera lens, smile, and speak clearly. It’s okay to stumble or restart—this doesn’t have to be perfect. Aim for warm, enthusiastic energy.

Step 3: Edit Your Video (Optional)

Keep It Simple

Use built-in tools or free apps like iMovie (iOS), InShot, or Adobe Rush to trim the beginning or end, add text, or insert transitions.

Add Captions
Captions help viewers who watch with the sound off and improve accessibility.

Step 4: Post Your Video on Facebook

Open Facebook and Create a New Post
Tap “What’s on your mind?” at the top of your feed, then choose “Photo/Video.”

Upload Your Video
Select the video from your gallery.

Write a Short Caption
Tell viewers what the video is about and why they should watch.
Example: “Sharing a quick read-aloud from my upcoming novel! This scene gave me chills—can’t wait to hear what you think. #BookTeaser #AuthorLife”

Use Tags and Hashtags
Tag any relevant people or pages. Add hashtags to reach more people: #WritingCommunity #BookLaunch #BehindTheScenes

Hit Post!

Tips for Success

  • Be Yourself: People connect with honesty and personality more than polish.
  • Invite Engagement: Ask viewers to comment or share their thoughts.
  • Keep It Short & Sweet: Aim for 1–3 minutes unless you’re doing a deeper dive.
  • Stay Consistent: The more regularly you show up, the more your audience will grow.

By sharing your process through video, you’re not just promoting your book—you’re creating a story your audience can follow and feel part of. That’s powerful marketing, and it all starts here.

Let’s get your first video up and running!