After you’ve spent time and effort to write an excellent mystery novel your work doesn’t end. It changes. Now you must begin the difficult task of marketing your book. A press release is an important part of your marketing effort. You will send it to local newspapers and radio stations. Here is what you should include in your press release.
• Open your press release with a brief list of basic details: John Smith announces the release of his new novel, “Murder in Silence” on April 4, 2012 available on amazon.com in both print and ebook formats.
• Provide a brief summary of your story in the second paragraph. Remember, brief means brief: “Murder in Silence” is the story of a deaf woman who ends up a witness to murder. She now must catch the killer before the killer catches her.
• State why you think this book is worth reading: The novel highlights the struggles faced by a deaf woman in achieving a profession and a successful, independent life. This book will provide the reader with insight and understanding of the challenges of the hearing impaired.
• If possible, include a couple of one-sentence rave reviews about you and your book.
• Last, provide the name of the publisher, ISBN and the price of the book.
Tuck a picture of your book cover and a 5×7 photo of yourself in the envelope with the press release along with a short bio page.
That’s it. Now all you have to do is mail or drop it off at the newspaper office and watch your book sales soar.
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Rather than just sending the release to the newspaper, I’d try to target a specific editor if possible. Check the staff box. With weeklies, I’d try the editor. Smaller papers might be more interested in doing a feature story if there’s an interesting local angle. I just read one about an 86-year-old man who is re-inventing himself as a novelist. With larger papers, look for the book editor. If it’s a hometown paper, I’d send a copy of the book. Is there a local TV station? Add it to the list. You never know.
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By: arthurcarey on April 30, 2012
at 8:21 am
Art, Great suggestions. Sending to an editor is an excellent idea. I know you were a journalist, so here are a few questions: How do you find out if a newspaper would be willing to do a feature story? Could you drop your press release with a book at a local newspaper office? If so, to whom would you drop it? The editor?
At 86 re-inventing oneself is admirable but definitely doable these days. Thanks for the comment.
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By: nancycurteman on April 30, 2012
at 12:46 pm
Great tips, NC!
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By: nrhatch on April 30, 2012
at 8:28 am
I hope the tips are helpful.
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By: nancycurteman on April 30, 2012
at 12:46 pm
Pretty powerful stuff going on for Lysi as she approaches Rowdley Road in your Murder Down Under mystery novel. Good show! I will have to stay away from that little section of town next time I’m wandering around Sidney at night.
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By: Richard B on April 30, 2012
at 9:03 am
Hey Richard, Thanks for reading my novel. I had so much fun writing it. Now I’m in the middle of my next novel set in Cape Town, South Africa.
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By: nancycurteman on April 30, 2012
at 12:48 pm