Publications are still going strong. When developing your promotion strategy, don’t overlook this sort of media as many also have sizable online presences. Find magazines and blogs that your target audience usually reads and get in touch with them instead. Here are some tips to land a guest post or print interview to promote your book:
- Browse publication websites to see if they allow guest submissions or interview pitches.
- Search for a contact page and find a way to send a cold pitch.
- Pitch to journalists through LinkedIn.
- Use HARO (Help A Reporter Out), where you can contribute to exclusive stories that reporters and journalists are in need of.
Even if you’ve never conducted a print interview before, using these strategies will pique the interest of regional magazines and bloggers in your new book’s promotion. You were granted a press conference! Use these guidelines to practise writing like a pro (even if your voice is cracking from nerves).
Don’t Let Hard Questions Throw You Off
Don’t let unexpected or difficult questions derail you. You can never be completely ready. All you can do is pay attention to the question and provide the most uplifting response you can. Remember that you have as much time as you need to think before responding, unlike in an audio recording or on-air interview. Make use of it to your benefit.
Plan Your Hooks
You need to have some print-friendly “sound bites” to intrigue your audience. Here are some questions to think about when planning your hooks:
- What makes your book special?
- Who is this book perfect for?
- Will be this be useful?
Get to the heart of why your audience needs your book before you do the interview. Then, make sure you talk about it.
Sell Yourself
Compared to TV or radio advertisements, print interviews are a little more laid-back, but you still have a limited amount of time to communicate your message. It’s acceptable to be more frank and market yourself on this platform. To pique curiosity among potential readers, focus on your book’s strongest selling qualities.