Monday's Helpful Hints - Press kits.

Late again. Sorry about this.

Okay, what is a press kit. It's something to give to the press, make available through your web site, send to your publisher, provide to a speaker's group. There are any number of reasons why you should have a press kit available. So what should it include and basically - why?

Yes, I have a press Kit, and yes, I prepared it myself. You can do it yourself, or you can pay to have it done. I don't have the kind of money available to spend on things like a kit when I can do it myself. So what did I use and how did I assemble this advertising medium, because that it what it is. This summarizes your writing career - in detail.

Fist, I started with a clear plastic binder to hold the information. You can get these at any office supply store. Next I printed a copy of the book cover I was presently promoting in good glossy photo paper. Also with everything I printed I used good 24 lb paper. Think of it as a resume for an important job.

I printed a bio, and this was extensive. But it was only about my writing experiences and career, starting with the education classes I took to learn to write fiction. Since I didn't teach English I didn't bother with a description of my teaching experience. Only that I taught high school and recently retired.

I did detail the books I had published, the kind of genre I wrote, and awards I'd received. Next, I included a recently professional photograph of me, a book mark, a list of my published works, a short description of any speaking engagements or appearances I planned, offices held that involved my writing career.

Some authors include a disk of their ebook, or a copy of their print book, but unless the organization you are submitting to, is reviewing books, or is interested in you genre, it might be a waste. That's for you to decide.

Last but not least, I include my online connections, URL's, publisher's URL, and personal contact information.

The object is to look professional, sell yourself and your career. Do you really need a press kit? It's another of those things you have decide for yourself. I decided years ago, I needed one.

I'd love to see what those of you who have press kits would be willing to share.

Allison       
www.AllisonKnight.com
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch
Betrayed Bride available from Champagne Books
Lynbrook's Lady available in August from Champagne Books

Monday's Helpful Hints - What you must do

Okay, there is only one thing you must do. Whether you are self-published, traditionally published, or indie pubslished, you must have a web presence. And, that is the trick. How you establish a web presence is up to you.

I would recommend a web page, be it through a blog, or a traditional web page, you need some way for people to see your name and your books.

I have a web page. If you are reading this, then you know I have a blog. I also blog for other people on their web sites or blogs. I tried to visit some of the reader loops that are on line as well, but not as much as I probably should.

So you have to decide how you are going to make yourself known on the web. And, yes, I know not everyone has a computer, but the number is decreasing dailey, and most readers do check the online book sites to see what books are available, if they are reviewed, or if there are any comments about those books.

So your marketing plan must include some information about how you are going to promote yourself on the web. It's also a good idea to decide, at least for yourself, how often you intend to visit your web page, blog, or the loops on which you want to promote your books.

Today social media is the big buzz. Your marketing plan needs to detail if you intend to promote on one or more of those sites. I'm talking about facebook, google +, pinterest, twitter, to name a few.

Then there is the paper market. Are you going to make bookmarks to pass out and where are you going to give them out? How much money are you going to spend? Paper products cost money, whether you make them yourself, or have them made for you. What you plan to use becomes part of the marketing plan.

Remember, a marketing plan is how you plan to sell your book and most publishers want some idea of just how you are going to go about it. Let's face it. Unless you are a seven day wonder, the next best thing to Nora Roberts, or Steven King, you are going to have to promote yourself.

Next Monday, I'll cover some of what I tried that didn't work for me and if I don't run out of space, what a press kit should look like and whether you need one or not.  See you then.

Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch
Betrayed Bride available from Champagne Books
Lynbrook's Lady coming in August from Champagne Books

Two interesting bits

Soon I'll be posting a blog from an author friend.
We've agreed to share blogs, so you don't have to
listen to (read) me all the time. So, that's the first
bit. I'll post her blog's URL on the 18th, when I will
visit her. When she's ready to post here, she'll post
my blog address on her blog. So I think you will find
her work fascinating. Be sure to check back often to
see when she'll post.

The second bit is almost important. I'm a great believer
in the digital market. All but one of my children and my
husband reads books on the Kindle. I have a Sony, and one
of my granddaughters has a Nook. This week, I take each
day to lead you through my adventures into digital
publishing on Novel Spot.

You'll need to register to make a comment but you can
read about my experiences by going to:

Novel Spot - Behind the Scenes

Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
watch for Roses For My Lady available
from Champagne Books in February