What Is The State Of The New Media Today For Authors?

                                          

There are multiple types of media available to authors seeking to promote and market their books today, including news media and social media. Both have paid and free opportunities, and both allow for others to write about or interview you and for you to write things or interview others. So, what are the opportunities out there – and what is the state of mind for the media these days?

 

Let’s start off with a map of the media that you can utilize to get the word out about your book:

 

(1)   News Media:

 

a.      Print Publications

·         Newspapers

·         Magazines

·         Newsletters

 

Types of coverage could include a solo interview, quoted in a news or feature story, written about in a feature piece, book review, byline article or op-ed by you.

 

b.      Digital Media

·         Newswires

·         Web sites

·         Podcasts

·         Blogs

·         Newsletters

 

Types of coverage could include a solo interview, quoted in a news or feature story, written about in a feature piece, book review, byline article or op-ed by you, or a guest post

 

c.       Television

·         National

·         Local

·         Regionally syndicated

·         Streaming

 

Types of coverage could include being interviewed one-on-one, being quoted in a story, participating in a round-table discussion, or being talked about in a news segment.

 

d.      Radio

·         National

·         Local

·         Regionally syndicated

 

Types of coverage could include being interviewed one-on-one, being quoted in a story, participating in a round-table discussion, or being talked about in a news segment.

 

(2)   Social Media

 

a.       Posting content on your platforms like FB, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, YouTube

b.      Other people’s social media posting about you or resharing a link/post/comment

c.       Guest-posting on someone’s social media or being interviewed by them or having them write a book review

d.      Your own blog or podcast that promotes your book or brand

e.       Using social media to reach out to targeted groups or make one-on-one connections

f.        Emailing or texting content from your social media, such as a You-tube video or your blog post

 

Muck Rack, an expensive but respected media database company, recently released its annual report on the state of journalism. When it comes to the media, there are many challenges and concerns shared by journalists, including dealing with issues of:

 

·         Disinformation and misinformation from those feeding them news stories

·         A lack of funding/profitability as a news agency

·         Public lacks trust in journalism

·         The unregulated or unchecked use of AI in journalism

·         Understaffing and time-sensitive deadline pressures

·         Government interference in the press

·         Politicization and polarizing of journalism

·         Low media literacy of the masses

·         Legal intimidation or abuse of the legal system to silence the press

·         Editorial independence

 

So, while you worry about getting attention, the media is concerned with its own issues as well.

 

Another issue for journalists is that, according to Muck Rack’s survey of over 1,000 journalists, nearly half of full-time journalists earn only between $40,000 and $70,000, leaving them overworked and underpaid.

 

If you are wondering which social media platforms journalists find most valuable, No. 1 was Facebook, then LinkedIn, X and Instagram. Only 2% said Tik Tok. But when asked if journalists increased their time on a specific platform since last year, LinkedIn showed the biggest increase. Then Instagram, you tube, and Reddit. So, FB influence on the media could be trending downward – even though it is at the top for now.

 

Journalists still say they get a lot of spam. 47 percent said they seldom or never get relevant solicitations or queries. This tells us you need to know who it is that you are contacting to seek media coverage form.

 

62% said they prefer one-on-one email pitches. 78% want to receive a pitch before noon their time. 69% prefer pitches that are 200 words or less. 50% say a follow-up email is ideal and it should come within 3-7 days later.

 

When pitching them media, keep in mind:

 

·         Not to use AI

·         Know that the journalist and their media outlet cover books/stories like yours

·         Keep the pitch short and simple

·         Personal relationships matter

 

Lastly, journalists have a wish-list of what they would like to be available to them when being pitched for a story or interview:

 

·         Show clear relevance to their beat

·         Provide interview access to all relevant sources

·         Provide original data or research

·         Give high-resolution images

·         Provide an exclusive or embargoed content

·         Share usable quotes

 

There are more opportunities today than in the history of mass communication, but each one, on average, has less influence than major media outlets used to have, so the formula is quantity and quality. You need to secure many different types and levels of media exposure in order to have a chance to move the book sales dial. Keep plugging away or hire a professional book publicist to get the job done for you.

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 6,650,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 15 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2026.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

 

 

 

Interview With Author Brice Mbonde

 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

My love for mythology, traditional stories, and folklore of different cultures inspired me to write this book.

 

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?

Sower, Gon’s Infinity is the second book in the Sower series, following Apollon Sower and the Ensorcelled Scroll. It continues the story of demigod Apollon Sower and his companions as they face a new threat from titans and the demigod Hadow, where they must solve puzzles and find relics to prevent a kingdom’s fall. Although it includes elements of action, mystery, thrillers, comedy, it is ultimately written for lovers of Young Adult Fiction and Fantasy.

 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

A powerful emotional experience.

 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

The story revolves around a musical box with a luminous infinity symbol. So, I decided to use

the infinity symbol for my cover design.

 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

Read as much as you can and write what you love to read.

 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? 

To be honest, I don’t quite see trends in the book world or have an have inkling of where the

book publishing industry is heading. I work with a good publishing team, and they help me with things like that. I just focus on writing the best books I can.

 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? 

Yes, there were experiences in my personal life that came in handy when writing this book. I

went through a phase of poor mental health, and it amplified during the lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Writing this book was therapeutic, it helped siphon my pain into the story and find ways to heal.

 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

I don’t emulate the writing style of any writer. I study the writing style of several writers whose books I love, then I create a writing style that resonates with me. I believe that if I like it, there’ll be readers out there who’ll have the same taste. And as for how I generate my writing style, I think about what and who I am writing for. I am writing Young Adult Fiction for readers of the 21 st century who have social media at their fingertips; who watch full movies within a few hours; who can watch the entire season of a series in a day. I try to match the fluidity of that kind of entertainment. So, I’ll describe my writing style as a fast-paced character driven plot.

 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

As Sower, Gon’s Infinity is the second book in the Sower series, there weren’t as many

challenges as I had when writing the first book: Apollon Sower and the Ensorcelled Scroll. In

writing Book 1, I spent a lot of time honing my writing skills, finding my voice, my style, my

stride. The main challenge I found in writing Book 2 was maintaining the consistency of the story thread in books 1 and 2 (and the upcoming books in the Sower series).

 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

When readers read – Sower, Gon’s Infinity – they will laugh and they will cry. They will solve complex puzzles. They will feel the suspense; they will feel the thrill. But above all, they will get a powerful emotional experience!

 

About The Author: Brice Mbonde was born in Cameroon. He is the author of “Apollon

Sower and the Ensorcelled Scroll”, the first book in the Sower series. After graduating from

Lancaster University with a Creative Writing MA, he wrote the second book in the Sower series – “Sower, Gon’s Infinity.” For more information, please see: https://bricembonde.com/

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 6,400,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 15 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2026.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

 

 

 

Interview With Mid-Life Self-Help Author Sarah Barry

  

Q1. What is your award-winning book, 9 Habits of Happy Retirees, about?

Most retirement books talk about money. This one doesn't. 9 Habits of Happy Retirees looks at the side of retirement that catches most people off guard: the identity shifts, the loss of structure, the quiet question of who you are when the job title is gone. It walks readers through nine practical habits covering mindset, health, social connection, lifelong learning, purpose, volunteering, and adventure. The goal isn't to motivate people. It's to give them something useful: an honest, grounded guide to designing a retirement that actually feels like theirs. It won the Independent Press Award and the Literary Titan Gold Book Award in 2026.

 

Q2. As a retirement author, what are the three things too many people get wrong about retirement?

The first is assuming that financial readiness equals retirement readiness. It doesn't. You can have a solid nest egg and still feel completely lost on day thirty. The second is underestimating the identity piece. For many people, their job was a huge part of who they were. When it ends, there's a real grief process that nobody warned them about. The third is expecting retirement to feel like a permanent holiday. It doesn't, at least not for long. Without purpose, structure, and meaningful connection, even the most comfortable retirement can start to feel empty. Planning for how you will spend your time is just as important as planning for how you will fund it.

 

Q3. What do you say to someone in mid-life looking to retire in a decade or less?

Financial planning is not my lane, and there are much better people than me to advise on that. What I would say is this: start thinking about who you are outside of your work right now, not the week before you retire. The people who transition most smoothly are those who already have a sense of themselves beyond the job. Build friendships that aren't tied to your workplace. Develop interests that don't depend on your professional identity. The financial side matters, but so does knowing what you're retiring to, not just what you're retiring from.

 

Q4. You say there are secrets to discovering a fulfilling retirement. Spill a few.

The first is that fulfillment in retirement is built, not found. It doesn't arrive automatically when you stop working. You have to create it deliberately. The second is that structure matters more than people expect. Not a rigid schedule, but a loose framework that gives your days shape and meaning. The third is that identity needs to be renegotiated. The most fulfilled retirees I work with are those who ask themselves honestly: who am I now, separate from what I did? That question is uncomfortable, but answering it changes everything. Purpose doesn't disappear at retirement. It just needs a new address.

 

Q5. There are many books on retirement. What makes yours different?

Most retirement books either focus on finances or paint an unrealistically rosy picture of what lies ahead. This one does neither. It talks honestly about the disenchantment phase: the point where the initial excitement fades, and people are left wondering what comes next. It addresses identity loss, social isolation, and the very real challenge of building a new sense of purpose. And it does this through nine habits that are practical and immediately applicable, not abstract. It also comes from someone who coaches real people through real transitions, not just someone who researched the topic. That makes a difference.

 

Q6. What do you say to people who fear retiring too soon: that they will run out of money or be bored?

The money question is one for a financial advisor. But the boredom question, that one I can speak to. Boredom in retirement is rarely about time. It's about the absence of purpose and connection. The people who struggle most are those who retire from something without retiring to something. The antidote isn't staying at work longer. It's getting clearer, well before retirement, about what gives your life meaning beyond your career. When you have that clarity, you don't retire into a vacuum. You retire into something that is genuinely yours.

 

Q7. Why do people wait for retirement to become the people they always wanted to be?

Because work is a very convenient excuse. It fills the calendar, justifies the delay, and lets us tell ourselves that the real version of our lives is just around the corner. But retirement has a way of calling that bluff. When the diary is suddenly empty, the question of who you actually are, without the role, the routine, and the colleagues, can feel confronting. The people who thrive are those who start answering that question early. Not by overhauling their lives overnight, but by quietly and consistently investing in the parts of themselves that have nothing to do with their job title.

 

About The Author: Sarah Barry is a Certified Professional Retirement and Life Transition Coach, author, and global citizen who has lived and worked across Gibraltar, the UK, Australia, Japan, and Dubai, UAE. Her work focuses on the side of retirement that financial planning doesn't cover: identity, purpose, structure, and what it actually means to design a life after a long career. She is the author of 9 Habits of Happy Retirees, winner of the Independent Press Award and the Literary Titan Gold Book Award in 2026, and several other titles on life and work transition. Sarah works with people who are not in crisis, but in change. Website: sarahbarry.com  

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 6,400,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 15 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2026.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum