Hi

I'm wondering what people here think of these. I get 20 free copies of my novel in June, and I'm thinking whether I should write up a press release and send out a copy of the novel to UK magazines. Anyone else here tried this method of promotion?

Even though the novel is published in America, it'll be available on Amazon and the publisher said they'll be seeking a UK distributor. Might help to raise awareness?

Just hoped for some advice, as I'm a bit in the dark when it comes to this area.

JB

there was a thread in the lounge not long ago with advice from journalists on the site but i don't know how to search for it. i was going to write it up for the site but there is still no place to put these things.

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Do look at it though. Perhaps Nik can tell us how to find it as it was an offshoot of his discussion about the local paper.

Thanks Snowy. Yes, it would be good to have a FAQ page on WW.

JB

This was one of them, though there have been others - searching on 'press release' might pick them up. Our resident journalists like Lola Dane, Gillian75 and others might be able to advise further.

http://www.writewords.org.uk/forum/48_101043.asp

Emma

Thanks Emma, much appreicated.

JB

JB - I would do it. The trick is to have a punchy release and carefully select who you send it to (surprise, surprise) - but it's worth doing. Cast your bread upon the waters, and it will return tenfold and all that ... Good luck.

Jim

It's a good idea to draw up a list of target magazines for your press release.
Your press release is more likely to get picked up that way. Your list should include some obvious publications and possibly some not so obvious ones. Once you have your list, phone up the editors or some one on the editorial team and ask them if they cover new authors etc. It is worth doing this if only to avoid sending them a press release that won't be picked up.

You will have to develop a good press release. Forgive me if I am teaching you to suck eggs but it might be an idea to draw up 5 or 6 key messages to go in your press release. These will differ from what is at the back of the book. Your messages should ideally cover what you want people to surmise about your book and its publication.

So, young UK author, breakthrough in the US, etc.

I think you have mentioned in some threads that another author has given you permission to use or quote from his work? It would be great to have a quote in your press release by an established author so: Shika, nobel prize winning author described Unrequited as, "An amazing debut....". If you are able to get a quote from a credible source it will GUARANTEE you coverage. (In the UK, there are some agents and newspaper critics who can be just as credible)

Hope this is helpful. S

Not many papers will have time to read your book, so rather than sending out all your copies, instead send a blurb-style synopsis and some quotes from the book, along with your biog.

Don't expect to get the copies of your novel back.

Local papers always like printing a story about local authors.

It's always a good idea to get in touch with a 'local' paper as they are always keen to run a story on a 'local' author (Life is Local after all!!)
If you were born in another town, it may also be worthwhile to get in touch with a paper there, as there is still a 'local' angle.
I have interviewed many authors and it does help if you can provide a few quirky storys for the journalist, also how you came to write the book, where you got the idea from etc...etc...Just relax, be friendly, be yourself....

Gillian

Another good place to try is any old school or old university newsletters, or the trade journals etc. for any industry you've been involved in - they're always looking for material with a 'local' angle too.

Emma

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I have interviewed many authors and it does help if you can provide a few quirky storys for the journalist, also how you came to write the book, where you got the idea from etc...etc...

Seconded, from the other side of the microphone: I found it a real help having sorted out a few little stories for my website - they recycle very nicely for interviews.

The one it took me ages to work is 'What's it about?' in one sentence. It's the first thing interviewers ask...

The 'what's it about?' should be summed up in three to four sentences, not a 15 minute monologue!

JB, just an afterthought: those free copies are technically part of your advance - the idea is that you sell them. If you're undertaking to do your US publisher's review-and-publicity job in the UK for them, spending all the attendant time and money, the least they can do is supply the review copies to you free over and above your author's copies.

Emma

Don't forget The Big Issue. It carries a number of press releases and reviews of new novels. I don't believe they're reviewed in house, usually reviews etc are sent straight to them, so it would save you a copy of your novel. It might be worth trying to blag an interview though...I would

The local paper aspect is good. It might also be worth considering local radio...oh, and if there are any civic societies with newsletters in your area...

Juliet

While on the subject, I received one book in the post for review from the dire Publish America! It was littered with spelling mistakes.

Hi

Thanks you everyone for making this clearer. Emma, I've copied that article you pointed me to, and will peruse it in depth later. I also think you make a good point about review copies. The American review copies are clearly not part of my 20 free ones, but I thought I'd take it on myself to promote over here in the hopes of snagging a UK publisher or distributor. Every little helps, right?

I'm also going to brain anymore of my friends if they ask for a free signed copy. I've taken up referring to myself as a business, and a business starting out at that. If I was making jewellery, would everyone ask for a free necklace or a free broach? I doubt it. Support at this stage is crucial, so I've told them if they want to read my book, they can bloody well buy it! (This doesn't apply to family, of course).

Yes, The Big Issue might like a look. The gay lifestyle mags will also get walloped with it.

JB