Congrats, you’ve finished writing your book and now you’re prepping to get it out into the world. Maybe you’ve been building an online audience along the way or perhaps you’re just getting started on your publicity journey. Either way, you’re in need of a press kit to draw attention and potential readers to your book release.
A press kit is a succinct package complete with everything that your reader or the media may want to know. Your press kit is used to make a first impression in order to get some media attention for your book release. Since publishing is a competitive field, you aren’t automatically given publicity just because you’re writing a book—you have to be willing to go the extra mile if you want to garner any attention. The exception here is if you’re already a big name in the publishing or writing world. But since it’s unlikely that you’re Jack Canfield or Richard Calrson, you’re going to need a press kit to convince people to invest time and money in your book.
Your press kit should include:
- A high-resolution file of your professional headshot.
- Biography including any achievements, awards, etc.
- Any prior media coverage.
- Your complete contact information.
- All of your (professional) social media information
- A summary of your book.
- The selling description of your book (the one already on the back cover will work).
- A list of the book’s product details: full title, page count, publication date, ISBN, publisher, price, available formats, and where it’s available for purchase.
- A full-resolution file of your book’s cover.
- Selected reviews of your book.
- A list of books that are similar or comparable to your own.
- A short excerpt from your book.
- Suggested questions for an interview.
This sounds like a lot of content, but in reality, you have most of this developed already. It’s just a matter of copying and pasting the work into one document. This isn’t a complete list either– if you’re in a highly specialized field or writing about a niche subject, you may have to include more information about it. If you’re still unsure how your press kit should look, there are templates available online, oftentimes for free. In addition, many authors include their press kits on their websites for easy consideration. The more press kits you see, the easier it’ll be for you to write one.
If you’re ever at a loss on if you should include something, step back and consider whether the information will further your book through air time or articles. If not, you probably don’t need it. Does anyone really care if you can balance a spoon on each finger at the same time? Not really, and it doesn’t lend any credibility to you as a writer. Keep your press kit clear, keep it concise.
As you wrap up the final touches on your press kit, remember that the quality of its contents can significantly impact your book’s reception in the media and among potential readers. Developing a compelling press kit requires attention to detail and a keen insight into what captures attention in a competitive publishing landscape. We recognize the importance of presenting your book in the best possible light, which is why we offer comprehensive publishing services to guide authors through every step of the process. From refining your press kit to designing an eye-catching cover and implementing effective marketing strategies, our team is dedicated to helping your book stand out in the crowd.
Schedule a call with us today to learn more about how BrightRay can enhance your book’s visibility and success in the market.
