How to Create a Publicity Kit

You may be a recording artist, singer/songwriter, author, playwright, actor, producer, engineer, or abel executive. Your name may be a household word or completely unknown. You may be an expert in your field or perhaps you are an ordinary person caught up in extraordinary circumstances. For whatever reason, you have a story to tell. In order to tell it well, you are going to need a publicity kit.

Things You'll Need

• 1- to 2-page biographical sketch
• Head shot
• Press release
• Press clippings (optional)
• Sample of your work (optional)
• 2-pocket folder

Instructions

1. Create a compelling, concise, succinct biographical sketch (bio) of yourself. This bio should be at least 1 page long, but no more than 2 pages. While it is possible to write your own bio in most cases, you are better off hiring a professional to write it for you. Good bio writers are not always easy to find. Ask for referrals from colleagues in your industry or local public relations firms.

2. Print the bio on good quality paper. Use a clean, easy to read font. Place the bio in the left-hand pocket of your 2-pocket folder.

3. Get an 8-by-10-inch head shot photograph. You can have a friend take the photo, but if you can afford it, you will get better results by hiring a professional photographer. The head shot may be color if you are a film actor, otherwise it should be black and white. The photograph should include your name and contact information on the bottom.

4. Print copies of your head shot on good quality photographic paper. Place the head shot behind your bio in the left-hand pocket of the 2-pocket folder.

5. Make photocopies of press clippings of your work if they are available. Place these photocopies in the right-hand pocket of your 2-pocket folder. Place a sample of your most recent work (if available), such as a CD, book excerpt or DVD, into the right-hand pocket of your 2-pocket folder in front of your press clippings.

6. Create a lively and informative press release detailing why it's important for the recipient to consider you for coverage. The press release should be between 1 to 2 pages long. Unless you are a professional writer it is best to hire a professional to write the press release. Print the press release on good quality paper with a clean, easy to read font. Place the press release in the right-hand pocket of your 2-pocket folder in front of your clippings.

Tips & Warnings

• Include contact information on each piece of information in the press kit. That way if one item gets separated from the kit, the recipient still knows how to get in touch with you.