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What are the steps involved in the process of the Book Marketing
and Expanded Book Marketing service?
After you purchase the Book Marketing or Expanded Book Marketing service, we will
send you a submission form questionnaire via email, which helps us collect some
additional information about your book in order to write the press release. Once
you have completed the questionnaire, you can return the form via email, fax or
mail.
You'll work with a Wordclay press release specialists who will use
the information on your questionnaire to compose your press release. It will be
sent out for your approval via email within two weeks from the time we receive your
questionnaire. After you receive the press release, you should review the document
for accuracy. You can send in your approval form if no changes are desired. If you
would like to make some changes but do not care to see the final version again before
it is distributed, you can send in your approval with the changes. If you send in
the corrections only, we will complete the changes, and then send you a new press
release to approve.
On the approval form, choose cities where you
would like the press release distributed to media outlets in the area. You can choose
up to three cities for the Book Marketing service, and up to five for the Expanded,
plus your hometown. Once your signed approval form and city selections
are received, within about 5-7 days we will compile a list of at least specific
media outlets: 100 outlet for the Book Marketing service, and 300 outlets for the
Expanded. We will distribute your press release to the media outlets in your selected
areas. Then, we'll send you a copy of the media list via email or mail with about
5-7 days after the release is distributed.
The Expanded Book Marketing also includes 30
Press Kits.We will compile promotional flyers for the Press Kit, including the "sell
sheet" about your book and author biography flyer. It takes approximately 2
weeks to design the flyers and send them for your approval. You can submit changes
or your full approval of the flyers. If you send the approval with the changes,
you will not see another final copy of the flyers before they are finished. Once
your approval is received, you can expect the completed 30 Press Kits about 2-3
weeks later.
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How will I know who receives my press release?
Your press release will be distributed via email to newspapers, radio stations,
and TV stations in the areas that you choose. We cannot distribute press
releases to retailers or other non-media organizations. After
your press release is distributed to the media, you will receive a copy of the media
list, which displays the media outlet, where they're located, contact information,
and the name of someone to ask for when you call.
Can I make sure my local paper gets a copy of the release?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that any particular media outlet will receive
a copy of the release due to a variety of factors. However, we will do our best
to get a copy of your release to all the media in the areas you choose.
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What cities should I list for distribution?
Choose cites where you have a local connection, such as hometowns, previous residences,
locations mentioned in the book, or where your target audience most likely resides.
We strongly suggest that you not choose cities such as
New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Atlanta unless you
have a local connection. Since media in these cities receive thousands of press
releases each day, without a local angle, your release will likely be lost among
the competition.
What outlets or organizations are is considered "media?"
The media are organizations such as newspapers, radio, television, magazines, etc.
Bookstores are not considered media.
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What is a review copy?
A review copy is a finished, printed copy of your book that is sent to media members
in order to urge reviews of a book and interview requests with the author. With
the standard Book Marketing service, we will send up to five free review copies
upon request, and we'll send up to ten free review copies with the Expanded Book
Marketing service.
How can someone request a review copy?
A member of the media can request a review copy by contacting Wordclay via phone
or email. Along with their request, they must provide the name and shipping address
of the person who will be receiving the book.
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Can I make a request to send a review copy to a certain
media organization?
No. We can only send review copies to media organizations if they contact us directly
for a review copy. On a situational basis, we can review an email that was sent
directly to you from a reputable organization, and we will determine if it constitutes
an appropriate and legitimate request.
Why are some of the abbreviations and punctuation on my
press release incorrect?
Our press releases are written in Associated Press (newspaper) style which differs
in certain respects from literary style. Even small media outlets are often swamped
with press releases; any release that is not in AP style runs a great risk of receiving
little or no attention. Your press release has gone through an "AP edit,"
and is configured specifically for the media using the industry-standard writing
style. Of course, although we strive for perfection, it is not impossible that our
writers could have missed something and we will certainly correct any errors.
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Can you list my Web site address on my press release?
If you registered a domain name with us, it will automatically be included on the
release. If you have set up your own Web site for your book and would like it included,
simply include the information on your questionnaire form and request that it be
added in the press release. We will review your site and include it in the release
at our discretion (we reserve the right to reject your request if a Web site contains
material that we deem inappropriate or offensive).
Does AuthorCrossing include their contact information at the
top and bottom of my press release?
Yes. All of the press releases we distribute include our contact information and
information about how to order a media review copy. This information is required.
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Can my press release be longer than one page?
No. To be most effective, a press release should not be more than one page.
Can I send out my press release myself?
Yes, the press release is yours and you are free to give it to anyone that you feel
would be interested in your book. However, please remember that if you decide to
fax or email your press release, you will need to remove our contact information
and replace it with your information.
Specifically, at the top of the release, leave the line of text, "For immediate
release," but delete AuthorCrossing's name, phone number, email, information about
review copies, etc. Replace our contact info yours; include your name, email and
phone number. Then, at bottom of the press release, you can change the last paragraph
to include review copy request information, such as: "For a complimentary copy
of this book for review, or for interview requests, members of the media can contact
the AuthorCrossing Promotional Services Department by calling 877-655-1720 (When requesting
a review copy, please provide a street address.)."
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