As a new author, you need to use various promotional strategies to get your book and your author brand in front of the right audience. Your book needs to do the publicity rounds to get the boost it needs. A media kit is the perfect way to send out information about you and your book to journalists and reviewers to promote your book effectively.
What is an Author Media Kit?
A media kit, also known as a press kit, is a package that provides essential information regarding a particular product or event. In the case of self-published authors, the kit consists of the information regarding the author and their work, especially the current book they are promoting.
It is a marketing package that makes it easy for people who want to know more about your book and promote it. An author media kit can be sent to book reviewers, journalists, book bloggers, bookstores, and libraries.
Why do you need an Author Media Kit?
Several reasons as to why self-published authors need to have a media kit are listed below:
- It is helpful for busy people like journalists and other media people. They can copy-paste the sections from your press release and synopsis into the articles they are writing.
- It is beneficial for magazine editors and book reviewers to find a high-resolution book cover in the kit. They don’t have to send an email to you requesting a book cover.
- Most interviewers don’t get the time to read your book and create questions. The media kit will have a list of interview questions, and you can choose the questions you want to answer.
- The kit also has an essential piece of information- ways to contact you. It includes contact information, including email id, social media profiles, phone numbers, etc.
What to Include in an Author Media Kit?
Coming to the crucial question, what components need to be included in the media kit? Let us get straight into the features that have to be added:
1. Author Bio
In the author’s bio, you need to include a few personal details about yourself that will be interesting to the readers. It can be about how you started writing, a few backgrounds into your past and current life, your hobbies, and so on. Try to resonate with the genre in which you write in the author’s bio, if possible.
For example, if you are a non-fiction motivational writer, you can include personal, inspiring incidents in it. If your books have a funny streak in them, you can make your bio sound funny too.
2. Contact Information
You need to give information to people who want to contact you regarding the book, so keep it short and neat. Include this information on it:
- Full name
- Email addresses
- Links to your professional social media accounts (Author website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Goodreads, etc.).
3. Book Synopsis
Write in 3rd person POV. Consider the full scope of the book before writing each synopsis. Examine what your book offers, the most thrilling parts of the story, or what your book serves. Write short sentences suitable for a general audience and pitch your book in a few words as needed.
It is ideal for including a 2-line summary of 140 characters, a short, medium, and a long synopsis.
4. Book Excerpt
It is an essential chance to intrigue the readers. Don’t include more chapters and the whole book in the kit. It is best to have the first few pages or the opening chapter. It is enough to draw the attention of the readers.
5. Sample Interview Questions
A lot of interviews are prepped before the author sits down for it. Many journalists and media people are busy and don’t get time to read the book and ask relevant questions. So, it is helpful to include sample questions and answers in the kit.
You may include these questions:
- What inspires you to write your books?
- Where do you find inspiration for writing?
- What is the biggest obstacle while writing?
- Do you ever get writer’s block? If yes, how do you get out of it?
- Who are your favorite authors?
- Where do you get your ideas?
6. Press Release
A press or media release is an easy cut-and-paste option for the coverage of your book. Your press release should ideally be concise and straightforward.
For a great press release, include these elements:
- A catchy headline
It is not the title of your book. It must be something that encourages people to read the release. When it comes to fiction, it’s best to focus on the premise, plot, storyline, central theme, or the conflict involving the main character(s). The headline can be up to 20 words.
- Short Synopsis
Keep the synopsis concise and highlight the critical points of the book. Ensure the reasons as to why your book is unique and how it appeals to your target audience.
- Cover Image
Attach the cover of your book to become more accessible for bloggers, book reviewers, or journalists to use when needed.
- Book Details
Include publication details, ISBN, and price details here.
It might seem like a lot of work, but if you plan and execute well, a media kit is the perfect way to launch your book.
