Learn about press releases and talk show etiquette before promoting your book on a talk show.
Every author of a first-time published book has to face the reality that their publisher won't always put forth money for local or national promotion. That means the author has to get out and promote the book himself. Even if you're a relatively unknown writer, using these methods of getting yourself on radio or possible TV talk shows may not be as challenging as you might assume.
Instructions
Contacting Talk Shows
1. Create a one- or two-page press release that tells about your book. Send it to the editors of magazines or newspapers that fit your niche in order to get a possible book review. Getting one may help interest a talk show producer later.
2. Know the market of your book and scope out radio and TV talk shows that would be more apt to have you on as a guest. Find a particular talk show by looking them up on any search engine. All local and national talk shows, whether on radio or TV, have official websites.
3. Try contacting local talk shows first, since a newer author will have an easier time getting on one.
4. Fax or mail the producer your earlier press release. Provide your contact information in the press release so the producer can contact you if interested.
5. Make sure your publisher sends the talk show a copy of your book if the interview is confirmed. Publishing houses usually do that automatically. But never email a talk show producer and ask them directly to schedule an interview. It's not that easy.
Conduct on the Talk Show
6. Be at the ready if a talk show producer contacts you. Sometimes a talk show will have a last-minute cancellation and contact you at the last minute. Even if it's an a.m. talk show, don't pass up the opportunity.
7. Respect the idea that the host is the center of attention. Don't interrupt the host or monopolize the conversation. Be careful giving the impression to listeners or viewers that your ego is out of control before you're even a success.
8. Type up questions that you'd like the host or hosts to ask you. While that might not work as often on a national show, local talk shows are more willing to do this. It works best when you're a newer author and if you're a last-minute fill-in guest.
9. Learn talk in controlled sound bites that don't go on too long or stray from topic of your book. Also, give as much information about your book as you can without giving away too much--to the point where no one will be interested in buying it. The best rule to follow is to provide the essentials of your book, though only allude to the biggest selling points to whet the appetite of the audience.
10. Provide accurate information on where the audience can buy your book when the host asks for it at the end of the interview. If you're selling it at a website, be sure to get the web address right. Nervousness can sometimes bring mistakes and you only have one chance.
Tags: talk show, your book, talk shows, press release, show producer, talk show producer