How to Write a Press Release for a Book

New books need promotion with press releases.

There's no such thing as bad publicity, but there may be such a thing as pointless publicity. A poorly written press release will be ignored and thrown away. Authors have different issues to consider when preparing a press release for a book.

Things You'll Need

• A book to promote

Instructions

1. Use simple fonts and keep paragraphs short. Don't make the press release exhausting to look at, even before the person starts reading. Include contact information at the top: name, address, phone number.

2. Begin with a tag line -- a short, two sentence description: Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water ...

3. Include a few reviews If the book has yet to be reviewed, include reviews of past books or of the writer: "John Doe is a gifted writer."

4. Write a brief, enticing synopsis -- similar to what would be on the dust jacket. Not too detailed.

5. Include a brief biography, including awards, books published, birthplace, job.

6. Include detailed info on the book: ISBN number, order information and publisher information. Repeat author information from the top of the press release as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare different press releases for different outlets. For example, your press release for bookstores should be different than the press release for book reviewers. The first should emphasize sales potential, while the second should emphasize the article-worthiness of the book/writer.

• Try to keep the press release to one page, if possible.

• Don't go overboard with the sales-speak: The best book ever written by anybody. Keep the press release factual.

• Use a press release submission service. Fee services are online or else you may need to pay a fee for a more extensive submission. The most important venues may need to be "hand delivered": emailed or snail-mailed by the author.

References

• Scott Nicholson: Haunted Press Release