Expert positioning
Positioning authors as experts for press and speaking
Last updated Published by C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists
Expert positioning means the media, event organizers and prospective clients see you first as the authority on your subject, and your book as the proof.
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists builds campaigns to position authors as newsworthy experts in their field, then combines publicity with speaker services, media coaching and writing services from professionals it works with frequently, so press coverage turns into speaking engagements and new business.
How does press coverage lead to speaking engagements?
Press coverage gives event organizers evidence that you can hold an audience. Interviews, bylined articles and contributor columns show your ideas, your voice and your credibility in public. When an organizer searches your name, they find a body of work, not just a book listing.
Definition: author media platform
An author media platform is the accumulated visibility an expert builds through repeated media exposure: interviews, columns, podcasts and a strong online presence. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists describes its goal as helping authors build a compelling brand and a solid media platform, generating book sales and opening future opportunities in publishing, new client acquisition and high-value speaking engagements.
The four services that build expert positioning
| Service | Goal | Typical output |
|---|---|---|
| Book and author publicity | Turn authors into newsmakers and build name recognition | Interviews, features, reviews, mentions and op-eds |
| Speaker services | Land lucrative or professionally valuable speaking opportunities | Talks to demographically targeted audiences |
| Media coaching | Look and feel confident on TV, radio and stage | A message that is powerful, effective and memorable |
| Writing services | Place your ideas under your own byline | Ghostwritten op-eds, bylined articles and newsletters |
Creating your own breakthrough moments
The firm's blog calls them aspirational moments: the times an author connects with an audience in a way that drives a spike in sales and visibility. They can come from a heartfelt interview, a social post that spreads, or a strong launch event. A campaign cannot promise one, but steady, well-placed exposure creates more chances for one to happen.
For a deeper look at storytelling in publicity, read Cathy Lewis's interview with Pixar storyteller Matthew Luhn on how to leverage Hollywood storytelling in book publicity.
Common questions
Can a publicist help me get speaking engagements?
Yes, as part of a broader team. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists can add speaker services from professionals it works with frequently, aimed at lucrative or professionally valuable speaking opportunities that support book sales, reach targeted audiences and create new business. Regular media exposure also builds the credibility that event organizers look for.
More answers in the FAQDo you offer media coaching for authors?
Yes, through specialists the firm works with closely. Media coaching gives authors insider tricks and training to look and feel professional and confident on television, on radio and before live audiences, so they deliver a message that is powerful, effective and memorable. It is especially useful before a first national broadcast interview.
More answers in the FAQCan a publicist help me write op-eds and bylined articles?
Yes. Writing services available through C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists include ghostwritten op-ed pieces and bylined articles based on your book and expertise, for placement in major newspapers, magazines and key trade journals, plus newsletters and marketing material for your business or professional practice.
More answers in the FAQCan I become a regular contributor at outlets like Forbes or Psychology Today?
It is possible, and it is part of the firm's work. Cathy Lewis helps clients become regular bloggers at sites such as Huffington Post, Forbes.com, Inc.com and PsychologyToday.com, and David C. Lewis helps authors become contributors at Thrive Global, Forbes.com, Chief Executive and PsychologyToday.com. Acceptance is always the outlet's decision.
More answers in the FAQWhat does author PR mean?
Author PR is public relations built around the author as a person and expert, not only around one title. The goal is name recognition that outlasts a launch: regular interviews, contributor columns, and relationships with editors and producers who come to see the author as a go-to source. That idea sits at the center of how C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists designs campaigns.
More answers in the FAQWill publicity guarantee book sales?
No one can honestly guarantee sales. Publicity raises visibility and credibility, which supports sales, speaking and new business. The stated aim of C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists campaigns is to reach the widest possible audience, build a compelling brand and solid media platform, and open future opportunities in publishing, client acquisition and speaking.
More answers in the FAQ