For books launching soon
How a book publicity campaign works
Last updated Published by C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists
A book publicity campaign moves from a goals conversation to a media kit, then to targeted outreach, persistent follow-up and a steady run of interviews and placements.
At C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists, each step is customized to the author's expertise, personality and professional goals. Authors and publishers with a book launching soon are the firm's top priority, because the earliest steps take time and many outlets plan coverage well ahead.
What happens in a book publicity campaign?
A conversation about you
Your expertise and strengths, your media experience and, above all, your professional goals.A custom media kit
Background material, reviews, story ideas, interview topics and bylined article ideas for producers, journalists, editors and bloggers.A target list
Top media contacts the firm has relationships with, matched to the audience and content preferences of each outlet.Distribution and follow-up
Books and media kits go to every contact that matters, followed by an intensive process to secure interviews, features, reviews, op-eds and bylined placements.Timely pitching
A continual stream of short, original pitches aligned with breaking news, often the same day.Appearances and travel
Media appearances coordinated with your travel schedule, including major markets you plan to visit.Updates and relationships
Regular updates as opportunities emerge, and long-term relationships with editors, producers and journalists.
When should the campaign start?
As early as you have a firm publication date. Building the media kit and target list comes first, and long-lead outlets such as monthly magazines plan issues in advance. Fast channels, including radio, podcasts, online outlets and breaking news commentary, can still move quickly close to launch.
Launching soon? What to have ready
- Publication date and publisher
- A short description of the book and its main ideas
- Your credentials and area of expertise
- Past media experience, if any
- Goals: speaking, new clients, another book deal
- Travel plans during the launch window
Working alongside your publisher
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicistsworks closely with publishers' and businesses' publicity teams so its efforts complement theirs. Tell the firm what your publisher already plans, such as review mailings, so the campaign concentrates on interviews, features and bylined articles. Compare the options on the publicist versus publisher page, or go back to the nonfiction book publicist guide.
Common questions
How does a book publicity campaign start?
It starts with a conversation. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists asks about your expertise and strengths, your media experience, and above all your professional goals. From there the firm builds a customized, creative media kit and a strategic campaign designed to generate interest in you and your book among the editors, producers and hosts who matter to your audience.
More answers in the FAQWhat is in a book media kit?
A media kit is the background package journalists use when deciding whether to cover an author. The kit C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists creates is built for television and radio producers, journalists, print and online editors and bloggers, and supplies background material, reviews, story ideas, interview topics and ideas for bylined articles.
More answers in the FAQMy book comes out soon. Is it too late to hire a publicist?
Usually not. Authors with a book launching soon are the highest priority for C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists. Breaking news pitching, radio, podcasts and online outlets can move quickly even when some long-lead print opportunities have passed. Share your exact publication date when you get in touch so the firm can tell you what is still realistic.
More answers in the FAQWill I get updates during my campaign?
Yes. Clients describe being kept informed as opportunities appear. Author Mark Pastin wrote that Cathy Lewis "keeps you up to date as opportunities emerge and gives you a monthly summary of results." Ask about the reporting format and how often you will hear from the team when you first discuss your campaign.
More answers in the FAQCan a campaign work around my travel schedule?
Yes. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists evaluates and pursues opportunities in major media markets you plan to visit and coordinates appearances with your personal travel schedule. The firm gives a simple example: if you planned to visit a relative in Florida, it could arrange a local television appearance or coordinate a book signing in the area.
More answers in the FAQWill a publicist work with my publisher's publicity team?
A good one will. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists works closely with publishers' and businesses' publicity teams so its efforts complement theirs instead of duplicating them. Share what your publisher already plans, such as review mailings or launch events, so the independent campaign can concentrate on the gaps that matter most for you.
More answers in the FAQ