Many
authors will work with a book publicist, whether: it’s someone from their book
publisher (if they have a publisher) or someone the writer hired to help make them a
star. What should the author reasonably expect to come from the relationship?
Certainly,
you can’t expect to be turned into an instant celebrity, best-selling author
and media darling. You can hope for it, though. And overt time, with enough
luck and grass roots successes to build on, you may just rise up the fame
charts and become famous. But the first expectation should be that your publicist
helps define and grow your brand.
Another
expectation is that expectations should be set. You should agree on what your
goals are and the publicist should start to handicap where he or she envisions
success coming. It’s okay to reach high, but know the difference between a
long-shot and a layup.
Authors
should expect that a plan is created, shared with them, and pursued
aggressively, creatively, and in a timely fashion.
Expect
to be updated on progress regularly.
Expect
to be media coached.
Expect
to brainstorm together and to exchange ideas.
Expect
to get advice beyond PR, such as on marketing, sales, advertising or other
related areas.
Expect
to receive feedback on the campaign and on what the media is reaching to when
pitched on your behalf.
Expect
the publicist to be responsive to your needs and to return calls or reply to
emails in a timely fashion. Communication is key.
Publicists
should understand your vision, hopes, desires, and needs. They should fully
know all about who you are, what you’ve done, what you stand for, what you
like, what you’ve written and what you have to say on a host of topics.
You
should expect the creation of strong pitch letters and press kit materials.
You
should expect the publicist to share resources and to tap into his or her
network to help you in all possible ways.
You
should expect results, but be careful to define what those results should be…
One
other note -- you should expect that your publicist will be honest when taking
you on as a client, that he or she is only providing the services that you
need, that he/she feels capable to deliver, and make the proper commitment to
dedicate time and resources to you.
Lastly,
expect to be surprised!
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Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog
are his alone and not that of his employer, the nation’s largest book promoter.
You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He
feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by
BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2013
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