When you’re getting ready to publish a book, it’s an exciting time. you want to prepare for a successful book launch and share your work with audiences around the world. this is where the press release for the book comes into play. think of it as a quick, inspiring launch for your book paired with a business card.
Learning how to write a press release for a book launch doesn’t have to be complicated, but you’ll want to know the basics so you can make a good first impression.
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Why do authors need a press release?
A press release is a formal announcement sent to media organizations and public forums to notify people of your new book and generate excitement. With any luck, a press release could lead to interviews, a brief mention in a newspaper or magazine, blog posts, a good book review, speaking engagements, or website traffic. It’s also a free marketing tool, which means any self-publisher or freelance author can use it to present their work in a professional way.
An author website, mailing lists, and social media are also essential parts of any marketing guide, but a press release is specifically designed to get your book in front of a new group of influencers who may not be in your market. address book (journalists, editors, bloggers, editors, book critics and other industry leaders). if you can get their attention, they may be willing to spread the word and help expand your audience.
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And while you may already be having conversations with your fans and creative community on social media, writing a press release for your book gives you another way to share the big news and keep everyone in the loop.
what should a book press release include?
A press release for a well-written book should capture the reader’s attention, describe what the book is about and why people should read it, and provide basic information about the book for sale and distribution (eg. , title, author, publication date, where to buy).
try to find a unique and relevant way to present your book and use it as a hook. what makes it a newsworthy story? possible ideas: a rare or trendy book theme, an intriguing author story, a prestigious literary award, an innovative launch event, a notable milestone.
Is there a standard press release format?
Most book press releases follow a basic format for a reason. Journalists and editors may only have a few minutes (or seconds!) to decide if your press release deserves attention, so keep your writing clear, organized, and easy to follow. avoid cliches and exaggerated language, unless it’s a review quote or testimonial from a prominent figure.
A traditional book press release is between 300 and 500 words and ideally one page. the more concise and compelling, the better. here is a sample schematic:
- contact information: include your name, address, phone number, email, and website.
- publication date: indicate the publication date for your book as “for publication on [date]” or simply write “for immediate publication”. apart.
- city, state, date: City and state must be capitalized.
- body content: The short first paragraph introduces you and your book in a compelling way. the second short paragraph contains a detailed description of the book and its audience (avoid using “I” or “we”). The short third paragraph can include a quote from a book reviewer or prominent person who endorses the book. the fourth paragraph lists where to buy the book or details of the launch event (date, time, location, contact information).
- Cover photo: You can choose to add a high resolution photo of the book cover.
- closing/biography: End with a brief biography of the author. If your book is related to an organization or company, you can also include the group’s mission statement here.
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Large publishers, small publishers, and self-published authors rely on press releases, so you can find many examples of press releases online. Check author or publisher websites to find writers and artists you admire.
When is the best time to send a press release?
A press release for a book release is usually published on the day the book is available for purchase. so you probably want to send your press release to the media or other publications 3-5 days before you would like it to appear. take into account the higher volume of requests a larger media organization might be dealing with and allow additional time, compared to a smaller newspaper or website that might have a shorter turnaround time for publication.
If your book is related to a newsworthy topic, launch event, or awards ceremony, you can choose to adjust the timing of your press release to coincide with that (even if it happens weeks or months later). of the first publication of his book).
Where should I send a press release?
Consider your book’s target audience when deciding where to send your press release. If the topic of your book relates to the mission statement of any local business or non-profit organization, send them a copy of the press release. authors of fiction, poetry, and memoirs may want to seek out literary magazines that publish writings or book reviews in the same genre. If you want a magazine or newspaper to write a review, you will need to include a review copy of your book with the press release.
Check out the blog for more ideas and inspiration on how to sell, distribute and market your self-published book. And don’t forget to set up an author website!
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