Get media coverage without exhausting your brain and keyboard

Research pays off. Have you ever wondered how certain books get so much press? There are lots of ways to gain media coverage for your book, but the task can be confusing and daunting. One internet search query can turn into hours of tedious reading. Here are two tips to help you get more coverage without exhausting your brain and keyboard.

TIP #1 

Reverse press contacting - Look for successful books similar to yours (genre, content, audience, theme, region, etcetera), and see what press they have gotten. Then, contact those press outlets. If you aren’t’ sure how to tell if a book is successful, visit the book’s Amazon page and look for rankings and reviews.

TIP #2

Go where you will automatically be liked. Instead of trying to convince someone who rarely endorses authors to endorse you, go where you will more likely be liked! (I made that one kind of a riddle-tongue-twister😊. If you see a write-up, hear a podcast, or read a blog post about a book, contact the source. The source likes books and authors, so he/she may like and promote your work, too. I learned this technique from my father when he coached me on dating. He said, “Jody, I always liked the girls who liked me. That made the whole process easier.”

Happy marketing!

xoxoxo

If you would like to know the next, best step in promoting your book, book a "Next Steps Call" here: https://calendly.com/jodydyer/free-first-consultation

Get creative and collaborate with illustrators and artists, but also be creative and cost-conscious!

Hello from Crippled Beagle Publishing Headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee. The dogwoods are blooming, and I am feeling energized by the spring weather and scenery. How about you?

Lately, I’ve been answering lots of questions about book illustration, artwork, and photography. There are multiple ways to find the right illustrator for your work. Here are a few “fancy” methods I’ve tried, all of which have been successful.

• Word of mouth – I created a post on social media and asked for recommendations.
• Online marketplaces – I’ve used Fiverr, Reedsy, and Upwork to find subcontractor talent.
• Canva – Often, I can create artwork or use royalty-secured artwork through my pro account with Canva.
• Friends and relatives (mine/clients’) – Ask around in your social circles. You may be surprised at what talents are hidden among your family and friends!
• Clients – Many of my clients provide their own photography or artwork, which adds to the creative experience while saving them money.

Visit www.crippledbeaglepublishing.com and go to the bookstore page to see lots of cover designs created by all the above.

If you do decide to collaborate with an artist, there are a few issues to consider. For that reason, I created a short guide to help you. If you would like my “How to Work with an Illustrator Tip Sheet," email me at jody@crippledbeaglepublishing.com.

Happy springtime from East Tennessee!

xoxoxo

Jody