Press Releases

Press Releases:

An area that is often hazy with misconception and intimidation, creating and distributing a press release is an easy task when you take the right approach.

Never underestimate the power of a press release. These formal announcements are mailed to television stations, radio stations, newspapers, magazines, and all types of media outlets.

Press releases announce your status as an author and your book’s status with a publisher. Many writers are intimidated with the image of "press releases." Just the words make you think of busy newspaper offices or political announcements. They are not to be feared, they can be a fun way to creatively market.

Many authors are new to the practice of announcing with a press release on-line. There are numerous sites available for press releases to be posted electronically. If you have a large e-mail list of people who would be interested, there are "mailing list" companies who assist you in compiling the addresses and organizing your release in a professional manner.

We will use fictional author Camilla Fry’s information for example. These are a few versions of what a press release can look like:

Official Press Release:

LOCAL AUTHOR PUBLISHES NEW SUSPENSE!

Local author, Camilla Fry has just released her new suspense novel. Malpractice, takes the reader through the life of Kate Hammond who is coping with the unexpected death of her brother. She seeks the advice of Dr. John Parker, a reputable psychologist, to assist her in the grieving process.

Kate doesn’t realize that she is stepping into a macabre world on her seemingly routine visit. The visit is normal as her prior one, yet he excuses himself for a brief talk with his assistant. He is absent after thirty minutes and the telephone in his office starts ringing.

After twenty rings with no halt she answers it. The malevolent voice on the other end pulls her, unwillingly, in to a world of black markets and deception. Kate may not make it home alive.

Camilla has lived in the area all her life and has wrote for fifteen years. She has also written for such magazines as, "The Medical Journal," and, "Adventure & Action."

With such a notable past and many more projects in the first draft, Camilla promises to be a notable literary figure.

Contact Info:

Camilla Fry, 2154 Parkwood Avenue, City, State, Zip,Telephone
©2001, Camilla Fry. Reproduction of this release is permissible as long as the original author is recognized.

Another example using a slightly different format:

LOCAL AUTHOR’S NEW BOOK ENCOURAGES FEAR OF DOCTORS:

Official Press Release

Malpractice, the long-anticipated thriller of local author Camilla Fry has been released. The novel has had a great reception and promises to ascend in reader popularity.

Malpractice, begins with heroine, Kate Hammond, in a doctor’s office. The sudden loss of her brother prompts her to start visiting a reputable psychologist when depression plagues her.

Dr. John Parker is a pillar of the small community. He is highly recommended by former and current patients. Kate attends the second meeting anxiously, her worst fears pale in comparison to what manifests with a single telephone call.

Dr. Parker excuses himself for a cup of coffee, yet never returns. The entire office goes silent and the telephone starts ringing. After the twentieth ring, with no response from his office, Kate answers. She is pushed into a world of black market medicine and deception.

Kate finds herself in the gray area of a multi-million dollar deal. To comply with those seeking Dr. Parker will eliminate any peace she may find for the rest of her life. To defy their orders will mean her life.

Patients will never feel the same about their doctors.

Camilla has a long history of publication. Her novels are highly sought for their vivid imagery and idealistic messages. She is sure to become a successful author. She has lived in our area all her life and will soon release another thriller.

"The scariest book ever."

-John Doe, author of, "The Book."

"I had nightmares for weeks."

-Melanie Book, editor of "Mystery Today."

Contact Information: Camilla Fry, 2154 Parkwood Avenue, City, State, Zip, Telephone

Notes To Remember on Press Releases:

1. A press release is brief. It gets to the point and keeps the active pace. Releases should not be longer than one page.

2. Have an "angle." Camilla used the aspect of, "local talent," to draw attention. This works well in areas where local talent is encouraged. Fear of doctors is one of the most common fears in our society today, using that to promote a book is a great idea.

If you still need help with an angle, research what the particular publication is interested in. If at all possible, link some fact or event from your novel to that which the paper is interested in. Ex. If the staff likes Harrison Ford movies and you have an action book, relate it to "Indiana Jones" or one of this legal thrillers like "Presumed Innocent."

3. Write press releases in the third-person POV.

4. Whenever possible, use author/editor quotes. This works well if you have other authors as friends. You can give one another quotes for promotional purposes. Quotes from other authors or editors are always impressive.

5. All press releases state what they are "Official Press Release."

6. Attention-grabbing headlines. The originator of the press releases has used the book’s material and the author, to grab attention.

7. Send the release in a "Press Kit."

Where Do They Go?

When you’ve created your press release, now you must mail it. Look through your Yellow Pages to find such places as newspapers, magazines, any periodicals or regional publications of local interests. You should feel encouraged to send your release to television and radio stations.

The best way to get attention from these companies is to know someone who works there. However, that is not always a simple task for authors. Even if you live in a small town, you may not know any person with your newspaper or television station.

Call the companies prior to sending your release. Explain your event and ask whom you should send a release to. The best way to get your press release the attention it deserves it by pulling strings. Ask someone you know if they know employees of the paper or station. Try to get specific names and departments when you want to send a press release or a press kit.