1. Your job is to make the journalist’s job easy
   ○ Journalists are always on deadline. So the easier you make their job – a well-written press release, great graphics, quotes from sources and ALL the details – the more likely they will be to use your story.
2. Give them EVERYTHING they could want in one place
   ○ Don’t make them search for information all over your website or, heaven forbid, have to email you for a book cover, headshot or quote.
3. Use professional photos and hi-res graphics
   ○ If the graphics aren’t high quality, they won’t be used.
4. Give plenty of options in size, orientation, subjects
5. Include as many of the items below as possible. Your press kit will grow with you, so don’t think you have to create these all at once.
   ○ Author Bios – 20/50/100 words
   ○ Press Releases – at least a book announcement, but try to tie it into news
   ○ Sample Interview Q&A
   ○ Reviews/Endorsements
   ○ Book sell sheet (from your Publisher)
   ○ Hi-Res Graphics/Logos
   ○ Copies of media coverage, links to articles
   ○ Video Clips of TV interviews from a clipping service (not just YouTube)
   ○ Sample Radio/TV Interviews ( If you don’t have one, make one! No one wants to be your first!)
6. *You should also have a print version of your press kit to be used for a variety of purposes.
7. If you’d like more information on Book Publicity or details about our PR Starter Kit, please email Leann@buildbuzzlaunch.com.

The post 5 Tips for a Powerful Press Room appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.

1. Wearing the wrong outfit – a plaid shirt and wild tie or large earrings, a necklace that hits the mic, etc.. Keep it basic and make sure your attire reflects the image (your brand) you want to project about you, your business and your book. he topics in your book.
2. Forgetting your 3 main talking points. Practice, practice, practice. And be prepared to redirect if the host steers you off topic.
3. Answering in long paragraphs. You need to get to the point! Answer in bullet points and about 3-4 sentences at most. Practice this. This is crucial to doing a successful interview.
4. Assuming the host will mention your book and website. Don’t count on it! Be sure and hand the host a signed copy of your book before the interview – they will usually put it in the TV shot. Practice finessing your book title into the conversation subtly, give them a hand out and graphics to put on screen, and always thank the host at the end as you quickly mention where your book is available. (All major retailers and on your website!)

If you’d like to learn more about how to give a great media interview, join me and Peg Booth on March 25, 2023, for our much-requested MEDIA TRAINING FOR AUTHORS webinar! Sign up TODAY and get the early bird pricing!

The post Five Mistakes Authors Make During Media Interviews appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.

Have you ever wondered why a particular author was on TV News, or had a feature article written about them in the local paper? Are there authors that you keep seeing in the media and wonder why? It’s not that they have written the best, most important book to hit the shelves, although that could be the case. But if no one ever hears about the book, how would we know? Most likely they have a publicist and press materials working behind the scenes. And one of the most effective tools you can use to reach reporters, and reviewers is a Press Room. This is the first place journalists go when considering a story, review, or covering an event.

Here are some interesting new stats that concur:

• 93% of journalists visit online newsrooms frequently, 29% every day
• 79% visit online newsrooms of small to medium size organizations as well as large organizations
• 100% believe it’s important to able to access PR contacts on the online newsroom
• 88% believe it’s important to access backgrounders, such as the organization’s history, awards and white papers, within the digital newsroom
• 79% say accessing video files in the newsroom is important,
• 25% say it’s very important
• 82% believe links to the organization’s social media profiles is important
• (Survey by TEKGroup International)

So, if you don’t have an online press room or media page, I encourage you to add one. It can hold a lot of content that will not only encourage journalists to write about you or invite you to be a guest on their radio show, podcast or even TV show, but it lends credibility to you and your message. Keep in mind, the media is not your only audience here; book sellers, reviewers, event planners, potential clients if you have a business and the average book buyer often click on the PRESS or MEDIA tab to find out more about you and your project.

If you’re wondering what goes in your press room or media page, just think about how you can make a journalist’s job easier…

1. Succinct press release with quotes that describe your book/cause/project and why it’s important, why you wrote it and what readers can expect. Remember – it’s not about the book; its about the story behind the story.
2. Bio page with three versions of who you are: short (25 words), medium (50 – 75 words) and long (75-150)
3. Hi-resolution graphics. Book cover images in various sizes and orientation, logos, head shots, candid photos, sample social media posts
4. Previous media coverage. Media builds on media, so start small with local media outlets and build. If you want radio or TV interviews, include a high-quality sample.
5. An event Media Advisory if you have an online (or live) event coming up and you’d like some pre-event buzz. Don’t forget about online calendar listings which are free.

Publicity isn’t rocket science, but it takes some skill and experience to do it well. Get professional help everywhere you can, and if you want to get a quick jumpstart on your publicity efforts, check our our “PR Starter Kit”  or email leann@buildbuzzlaunch.com .

See you in the News!

The post Do I need an online Press Room? appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.

We’ve been extremely busy and focused on several exciting projects in the past few months. Most recently, a book launch and publicity campaign for client Dr. Edward Torba’s middle-grade fantasy that we are calling “Harry Potter with a dental twist”

We’ve set up book signings and launched publicity efforts in the Philadelphia area – the largest media market for Latrobe, PA where Dr. Torba, a local dentist and now author, is headquartered. We honed in on National Children’s Dental Health Month for our media hook and included a nonprofit angle which always encourages media coverage. Dr. Torba will donate proceeds from the sale of Matt Monroe and the Secret Society of Odontology to the pediatric dental programs for UPMC Children’s Hospital.

So far, we have six book signings at local Barnes & Noble stores AND Indie bookstores! The Indie stores have also agreed to stock his books on consignment… sometimes all you need is professional press materials and to ASK. Remember, book store owners are looking for new, exciting books to share with THEIR audience. 

Book signings and discussions are a great tool for marketing and selling your book, so it’s best to take advantage of all the opportunities that these events afford you. Though it may seem a lot of work for little profit, there are many benefits, like expanding your social network or building relationships with store owners and future readers.

As we do with all of our BBL Authors and consulting clients, we prepare you for any upcoming events to maximize your effectiveness – and sales. Below are a few tips from our Book Signing Tip Sheet. For the complete list, sign up below.

BOOK SIGNING TIPS

1. Invite everyone you can. Print small flyers. Call or text friends and family. Ask them to share. Post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, LinkedIn if you’re a professional. And use professional, eye-catching graphics. Do whatever you can to get the word out there!
2. Arrive early and bring promotional materials, posters, bookmarks, event balloons, etc. to put outside or in the store.
3. Events at book stores offer the “optics” that your book is important and mainstream. Take advantage and use photos, posters, and in-store displays to promote yourself!
4. They give you something to talk about, and help you build relationships with bookstores and their buyers.
5. If an audience doesn’t gather, just sign books and chat with buyers.
6. Indie bookstores may carry your book on consignment. Have them pre-order the books and promote before the book signing.

Launching your book is a lot of work, but well worth the effort. Start planning early, remember that it’s about creating relationships with your readers, and put together a strong team to help you. Then celebrate!

To your publishing success!

Leann

Remember to get your Book Signing Tip Sheet here.

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The post Creating Buzz Through Book Signings appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.

It’s been a busy, chaotic summer. Here at BBL and across the globe! Hurricanes, fires, an amazing total eclipse (we went to Nashville to see it!).  As well as new authors and exciting manuscripts that our editors have had a blast working on. Congratulations to our authors who have patiently gone through the editing phase of their books and are now ready to start final proofing and – one of the most exciting parts for me – the beginning of cover design and production while we work on the Author Brand. Here’s what is coming in Spring 2018:

“Matt Monroe and the Secret Society of Odontology”, by Ed Torba. A middle grade ‘Harry Potter-ish’ fantasy series. Pre-Launch February 2018.

“In Business, It’s Personal: How to Get the Job and Get Ahead“, by Christy Noel & Mike Noel. A unique collection of real-life business advice from the father-daughter business duo and a handful of other successful professionals. Dubbed “The Little Red Book of Business” by early reviewers for its simple, direct, and practical wisdom. May/June 2018.

“Created: Celestial Beings“, by Gregory A. Rogers. First book in the “Created” series. Debut of an amazing new talent who has studied the biblical account of Creation alongside the science of evolution and developed a totally new – and surprising – viewpoint. Greg weaves this heavenly account of the ‘time before in-the-beginning’ told by an Angel who was there. Pre-Launch April/May 2018.

“A Hero in Time“, by Dr. Peter J Rappa. This second book from our award-winning Dallas physician is a novel that incorporates Dr. Rappa’s life and healing philosophies into a page-turning drama/romance. Available October 1 2019. www.peterrappa.com

The post More Buzz… and new books in production! appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.

We’ll start July 6 and meet live, online for 90 minutes each Thursday for 3-weeks to help you map out a Book Buzz plan. For details on the curriculum and what to expect click here.

Be sure and reserve your spot today; we’re limiting the course to only 15 authors or publishers so that we can personalize it for YOUR projects.

Author education is a top priority for us here at BBL. Our goal is to help you save time, money and frustration while raising the quality of your published work. I hope you’ll join us!

The post Need More Book Buzz Help? appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.

 BREAK THROUGH THE OVERWHELM!  

Join us for an hour of insight into some of the most critical — and often overwhelming — tasks you must master as an Indie Author or Publisher to create a following and sell books – PLATFORM, PUBLICITY, AND LAUNCH.  This live, online event will give you some great tips and tools you can use today to start answering the question: “How do I build my audience, sell books, and manage my publicity and social media — all while trying to write my next book?!”   It’s overwhelming. We know.

The free webinar is a preview of what you’ll learn in our Book Buzz Intensive, a 3-week, online book marketing and publicity course (we’re limiting the class size to 15 so we can help you with YOUR project). However, we’ll give you real tips in the free webinar that you can start using today. (I hate those free webinars that are JUST a sales tool for the course, don’t you? )

Here’s what we’ll cover Thursday June 8 at 3 p.m. Pacific/ 5 p.m. Central.
-Building Your PLATFORM Before You Launch Your Book
-3 Social Media Tips to prevent overwhelm
-3 Things you can change on your website today to build your audience
-Book PUBLICITY and Making News; 3 things you must have before starting
-What’s in a Press Kit and why do I need one?
-The #1 mistake Authors make when contacting the media
-How to amplify your PR reach with Social Media
-Elements of a Successful LAUNCH
-Setting yourself up for Success: Timing is everything
-Get Social: Events, Ads and Reviews

So mark your calendars for next Thursday and bring a question or two for live answers at the end of our chat! More info and registration HERE.

The post Next Book Buzz Webinar is June 8th! Join me and Digital Marketing Pro Jandra Sutton LIVE! appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.

BREAK THROUGH THE OVERWHELM! Join us for an hour of insight into some of the most critical — and often overwhelming — tasks you must master as an Indie Author or Publisher to create a following and sell books – PLATFORM, PUBLICITY, AND LAUNCH.

While this is an intro to our upcoming 3-week online, in-depth BOOK BUZZ course, which begins May 10th, you’ll get plenty of answers, how-to’s and tips to start Building Buzz for your book today! Don’t miss this FREE hour of expert insight from BBL Publishing’s Founder and 25-year Publicity professional, Leann Garms.

We’ll also be joined by a special guest who will give her secrets to mastering social media!

This free webinar will offer solid strategies and takeaways that we will expand on in a new 3-week digital course, BUILDING BOOK BUZZ beginning May 10th.

While this IS an intro to the new course, it is NOT a big sales pitch. I hate those… I value your time, and my goal is to give you some real insight and instruction on how one of the most overlooked areas of
publishing – book marketing and publicity – really works. You’ll get plenty of tips to get you started, but for those who want and need more, you can join us for three Wednesday evenings in May and dig deeper into the details during the course.  Plus, we’re limiting the classes to 15 authors or fellow publishers to give us a chance to help you with YOUR specific marketing challenges.

BE sure to sign up for the free webinar – with lots of meaty takeaways – today!   

The post FREE BOOK BUZZ WEBINAR 4/26 appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.

Although my “voice” is in my book, Bridget’s work has elevated the quality of the writing to something far beyond what I was capable of creating.  – Barbara Gold, LCSW, LMFT

Here’s a little more about our esteemed Editor…

Bridget Boland’s work has appeared in Conde Nast Women’s Sports and Fitness, YogaChicago, and The Essential Chicago. Her debut novel, The Doula, was published by Simon and Schuster September, 2012. Excerpts from her work have won the Writers League of Texas Memoir Prize, and the Surrey Writers Conference Nonfiction Award. Bridget holds an MFA in creative writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a JD from Loyola University of Chicago, and is the recipient of seven residencies at The Ragdale Foundation for Writers and Artists, and recipient of an Illinois Arts Council Professional Development Grant.

On Saturday, Bridget will help you remove any ‘blocks’ that may be keeping you from finishing that manuscript and then show you how to prepare your words and yourself for publishing.

Bridget literally pulled that writer deep inside me to the surface. She artfully and expertly guided me as I wrote my first novel. I finally know I’m on my way to achieving my lifelong dream. –  Jody Hadlock, Semi-Finalist, 2016 William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition 

You can sign up until Friday morning if we still have seats. This will be a small group to give each of you more personal attention. I hope you can join us! Here’s a little more about the schedule:

Writer’s Road to Publishing Success

Saturday, November 19

Clearing the Roadblocks for Inspired Creation: Energetics to Remove Blocks & help your creativity flow.

• What’s holding you back? Identify unconscious, limiting beliefs you hold around your writing and publishing and sweep them from your energy field with guided visualizations and energetic techniques
• Instill empowered beliefs in your subconscious and align with your writing goals for optimal success

Prepare Your Manuscript – and Yourself – for Success

• Identify action steps necessary to implement your new beliefs and reach your goals
• Create a schedule for writing, editing, marketing and P.R. that helps you reach your goals
• Learn how to professionally format your manuscript
• Learn why you must use professional editors and how to work with them

Sunday, November 20

Find Your Path to Publishing: Traditional, Hybrid or Self-publishing

• Pros and cons of today’s publishing options
• Ask Why: Aligning your goals with your publishing path
• What you’ll need. Essentials every author must have for publishing success.
• Time & Money: How much should you invest in editing, design and production?

The Essential Step-by-Step Roadmap to Branding, Marketing and Sales

• What’s an Author Platform, why you need one, and what it costs
• Book launch essentials
• Critical elements of a website
• Using Press Kits, online press rooms, publicity and social media to raise awareness and increase sales
• Budgeting your publishing and marketing dollars

Each session is 2 hours – Total of 4 hours each day, with an hour of social time on the rooftop deck or on the beach!

The post Meet your Writing & Publishing Guides appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.

Do you have a finished manuscript? Is it good enough to publish? What’s the next step to get published? Maybe you’ve published your book but wonder how to build your audience…

Today’s publishing world is full of exciting opportunities for writers – and a lot of decisions. If you’ve ever questioned your next steps to finishing that manuscript, getting published, finding your audience, or finding a team to help you, you’re not alone.

We’re excited to offer our first in-depth workshop that will give you your personal roadmap to success – and save you time and costly mistakes along the way.   Our Lead Editor and Writing Coach, Bridget Boland will join me to work with a handful of writers – it’s limited to 20 – to map out the practical steps needed to move your writing and publishing dreams forward. Bridget will use her years of experience as a writing instructor and coach, as well as her energetic techniques (she’s also a shaman), to help you break through anything that is holding you back from your own success, while giving you solid advice on how to work with editors and prepare your manuscript for publication.

I’ll be focusing on your options for publishing – today’s realities – once you’ve got a manuscript, and we’ll discuss which path to publishing is right for you and your project.  Plus, we’ll look at what it takes to publish, create your author platform, what a book publicity campaign looks like, what things should cost and how to find the team to help you.

With a small class, in our intimate seaside setting in Oceanside, you’ll get personal attention  in an environment to let your creativity flow… and finally get on the right road for your journey as an author. Stop now, and take a look at each day’s activities. You can attend one day or both, and there’s a discount for attending the whole weekend.   But don’t delay, space is limited. More information and registration is available here. 

The post Writer’s Road to Publishing Success! Nov. 19 & 20 appeared first on Build Buzz Launch.