Publicity Tips for Authors: Have an Interesting Back-Story!

By Jeff Rivera 

We’re hearing time and time again that media is shrinking and book-related media is shrinking even faster. So, how do you as an author get the media’s attention when everyone and their mother is pitching the same outlets?

To find out, we asked veteran independent book publicist Susan Schwartzman to give us a tip.


Q: How does an author grab the attention of the media when so many other people are trying to pitch them all at the same time?

SUSAN:If you have an interesting back-story, use it
If you are a novelist with an interesting back-story, you are more likely to get great media coverage than if you simply plug your book. Kyra Davis was in the midst of a messy divorce and bankruptcy when she wrote SEX, MURDER AND A DOUBLE LATTE, the first book in her Sophie Katz mystery series which led to a three-book deal. Reporters and producers loved her inspirational success story.