In my last post, I gave a very detailed explanation of how things have changed in the way you generate media interest for you business, product, service, or cause.
Because I believe we have to put our money where our mouth is, I have created a one-day seminar designed to help you generate more sales, more media, and more mojo!
This will be on the ground in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, October 23rd with other dates and cities to follow. The good news about Portland is that this one will be a third of the regular cost of this program. This is because it is in my own city and it's a pilot program for now. I have taught this material many times before, but this is a new seminar and it's going to shine! You will leave with a well-produced video and tons of information on how you can use it. Would love to have you there.
Contact me at joanne (at) teleport (dot) com or 503-642-4191. When you're ready to make this happen, you'll know it. Call me.
Warmly,
Joanne
Showing posts with label book publicity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book publicity. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Build your Own Media Platform and Take Back the Power
Wow…Times are changing. It isn’t enough to reach out to media anymore when you want publicity. Now you have to build your own media empire so that media can find you—and you can talk directly to your clients and potential customers too!
The key is, you want to deliver the right message. Here’s an example of what NOT to do: I had an epiphany earlier this summer when I viewed a video posted on Facebook by a well-known, small business expert and then watched his brand deteriorate in mere seconds. The years he had spent building and nurturing his business image blew up in about 6 seconds (maybe less). My heart ached for him because with a little training, he could have put out a compelling and informative piece of video that enhanced his brand, his business, and his book. Instead, it hurt him. And, here’s the scary part: the video doesn’t go away. It’s still online and still available for all to see. You do not want to make a similar mistake by communicating an unpolished look that distracts from your important message. It could cost you a lot of business.
I hope this story caught your attention. It certainly caught mine, and prompted me to expand my service offerings to ensure others are not only protected, but understand how significant the changes taking place regarding publicity and marketing can impact a person's business, product, service, or cause. I also have suggestions on what actions need to be taken now to ensure your business stays healthy and profitable.
As a publicist and “media insider” stemming from my career in broadcasting, I’d like to talk about the “olden days” for a moment (which is only a couple of years ago, by the way). Media worked like this: You, the expert, pitched media a story or segment idea. If they liked the idea, they then interviewed you, which is turn was presented to their audience…the readers, viewers or listeners who then bought your product or services.
Reality check: This model has morphed considerably.
The above is still true—you still pitch media for interviews—but now in addition to the traditional media model, you have what some call the “new media”—all the online opportunities through Web sites and bloggers. But that’s not all. You now have direct access to your audience through your Web site, blog and social media and they can all talk to each other! We have a completely different landscape than ever before, but wait! There’s more. We now have the ability to go viral. One video has the capability of circling the globe—sometimes many times over. Problem: If you don’t know how to take this information and make it work for you, then it really can’t help you. In fact, it can really hurt you. Again, the story of the small business expert blowing his brand in mere seconds illustrates this point well.
Reality check: You no longer have the option about whether to be online or not.
In fact, it isn’t enough anymore to simply have a Web site. To be effective in this day and age, you have to be present in all the places where your market expects to find you, AND you have to be proficient in multimedia. Gone are the excuses, “I don’t have time for social media,” or “I don’t know what I’m doing, or….” etcetera, etcetera. I’ve watched people either sit back and deny what’s happening or downplay that they don’t need it. I’ve watched others get proactive but because they don’t really know what they’re doing, they make a lot of mistakes: no plan, no strategy.
Here is the secret to success. Are you ready? The time has come to learn how to take powerful control of your business—your brand—and have fun doing it! You see, I value having a good time while working and I’ll bet you do too. However, it’s hard to do that if you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s hard to do that if you feel scared. You may worry that it’s going to take too long, or maybe you’ll never really get it. (Why do I need social media anyway?)
Reality check: You can’t afford to wait.
You can’t afford to put it off any longer because the world just keeps moving forward—whether you’re there or not. So, If you’re ready to figure this stuff out, then let me help you. For years I have been preparing people to do interviews, to prepare their own publicity materials, and to prepare for doing media interviews.
Now—I am helping people to prepare in a new way. I will have more on this soon. It's a good time to reflect on all of the changes that are taking place.
Joanne
The key is, you want to deliver the right message. Here’s an example of what NOT to do: I had an epiphany earlier this summer when I viewed a video posted on Facebook by a well-known, small business expert and then watched his brand deteriorate in mere seconds. The years he had spent building and nurturing his business image blew up in about 6 seconds (maybe less). My heart ached for him because with a little training, he could have put out a compelling and informative piece of video that enhanced his brand, his business, and his book. Instead, it hurt him. And, here’s the scary part: the video doesn’t go away. It’s still online and still available for all to see. You do not want to make a similar mistake by communicating an unpolished look that distracts from your important message. It could cost you a lot of business.
I hope this story caught your attention. It certainly caught mine, and prompted me to expand my service offerings to ensure others are not only protected, but understand how significant the changes taking place regarding publicity and marketing can impact a person's business, product, service, or cause. I also have suggestions on what actions need to be taken now to ensure your business stays healthy and profitable.
As a publicist and “media insider” stemming from my career in broadcasting, I’d like to talk about the “olden days” for a moment (which is only a couple of years ago, by the way). Media worked like this: You, the expert, pitched media a story or segment idea. If they liked the idea, they then interviewed you, which is turn was presented to their audience…the readers, viewers or listeners who then bought your product or services.
Reality check: This model has morphed considerably.
The above is still true—you still pitch media for interviews—but now in addition to the traditional media model, you have what some call the “new media”—all the online opportunities through Web sites and bloggers. But that’s not all. You now have direct access to your audience through your Web site, blog and social media and they can all talk to each other! We have a completely different landscape than ever before, but wait! There’s more. We now have the ability to go viral. One video has the capability of circling the globe—sometimes many times over. Problem: If you don’t know how to take this information and make it work for you, then it really can’t help you. In fact, it can really hurt you. Again, the story of the small business expert blowing his brand in mere seconds illustrates this point well.
Reality check: You no longer have the option about whether to be online or not.
In fact, it isn’t enough anymore to simply have a Web site. To be effective in this day and age, you have to be present in all the places where your market expects to find you, AND you have to be proficient in multimedia. Gone are the excuses, “I don’t have time for social media,” or “I don’t know what I’m doing, or….” etcetera, etcetera. I’ve watched people either sit back and deny what’s happening or downplay that they don’t need it. I’ve watched others get proactive but because they don’t really know what they’re doing, they make a lot of mistakes: no plan, no strategy.
Here is the secret to success. Are you ready? The time has come to learn how to take powerful control of your business—your brand—and have fun doing it! You see, I value having a good time while working and I’ll bet you do too. However, it’s hard to do that if you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s hard to do that if you feel scared. You may worry that it’s going to take too long, or maybe you’ll never really get it. (Why do I need social media anyway?)
Reality check: You can’t afford to wait.
You can’t afford to put it off any longer because the world just keeps moving forward—whether you’re there or not. So, If you’re ready to figure this stuff out, then let me help you. For years I have been preparing people to do interviews, to prepare their own publicity materials, and to prepare for doing media interviews.
Now—I am helping people to prepare in a new way. I will have more on this soon. It's a good time to reflect on all of the changes that are taking place.
Joanne
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Apolo Ohno & Joanne McCall
You just never know who you are going to meet next.
That life lesson was brought home to me again recently while on a business trip from the West Coast to Orlando, Florida. I was on my way to visit my client, Dr. Richard Bandler, the co-founder of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) when I had a three-hour layover in Salt Lake City. (I prefer non-stop flights--doesn't everybody?--but for circumstances beyond my control I found myself on my laptop at the airport getting some work done while I waited.)
I didn't pay much attention when a couple of guys sat down next to me and started talking. At some point I looked over and before my eyes was one of the few people in the Universe I would be tempted to interrupt for a photo.
Speed skating great, Apolo Ohno. For those of you who watched the Winter Olympics, you know who I'm talking about. If you didn't, well, you might wonder why I am writing this at all. Trust me, he's very, very good and he's pretty darn cute too. I remember reading that during his training season he has four two-hour workouts a day. I complain when I have to exercise for an hour, but four two-hour workouts each and every day? Amazing. He looks it, too.
So there I was, blackberry in hand, when I posed this question to my Facebook friends: "I am sitting here in the Salt Lake City airport and Apolo Ohno is sitting next to me. Do I interrupt him for a picture?" Within moments I got a response from Amy who said, "Throw caution to the wind. Go for it!" and from Lisa, a publicist friend of mine who said, "YES!" That's all I needed to hear, so I grabbed my phone and in my most pleasant manner found a moment to break in. He was very, very gracious (made me swoon even more) and his friend snapped the photo. I'm not sure who his friend was and I feel a little bit bad about that. After all, he may be the #2 best speed skater in the world, which is pretty darn good, but Apolo is #1.
I thanked him and got back to my seat, immediately uploading the photo onto my Facebook page. Then I looked at the picture. He looks great. I am closing my eyes...Dang it! But, aside from that, not a bad pic.
Which reminds me: You just never know who you might meet next. When you are in line at the grocery store and you casually strike up a conversation, you have no idea who you're talking to. You may find out the most incredible thing about him or her. Yes, I had an advantage here. I watched Apolo skate for a couple of weeks and he is a celebrity now. But people don't have to be a celebrity to make an impact on us. He or she could be an agent (and you're looking for one for your next book) or a radio or TV producer (and you have a segment that would be perfect; he or she thinks so, too), or you might be next to someone who has just suffered a tremendous loss in this life and they are grieving. A smile from you might do wonders for his or her spirit. The person next to you might some day become your best friend, your husband, your wife.
Life is full of mysteries. When it comes to promoting your book, the process can sometimes seem mysterious (haha) but there are lots of steps you can actively take, and there are other coincidences that simply seem like fate. The stars lined up and you found the right people along the way. Stay open to life. Expect the miraculous. You never know who you're going to meet next. Enjoy each and every moment. I sure enjoyed my moments with Apolo. Oh, and Apolo? If you're looking for a publicist, I'm one of your Facebook friends.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Geneen Roth, author of Women Food and God
I have the very good fortune of being able to work with the most amazing authors and publishers because of my profession as a book publicist. Geneen Roth is among the very best. She's smart, funny, and kind. She cares about people and that comes across in everything she says and writes.
Geneen is the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers including her newest effort Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Anything, a book which is getting a lot of attention, and rightly so. Geneen has been writing on the issue of food and our reponses to it over for 30 years. Here is what Oprah talks to Geneen about in the April 2010 issue of O Magazine.
Geneen says that the most radical part of her own story is not that she stopped dieting; it's that she stopped trying to fix herself. She stopped fighting with herself, stopped balming herself, her mother, her latest boyfriend for her weight. And since diets were her most flagrant attempt at fixing herself, she stopped them as well. Women Food and God. It's an exceptional book from an exceptional writer.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Book Marketing and Publicity Tip #5
Book Publicity Tip #5: Read, Watch, and listen to the online and traditional media outlets you want to feature, mention, or cover you and your book in some way.
I'm a big believer in doing what works. Always have been. The key here is to remember that as much as things change, e.g., platforms, popular media outlets, etc., some things always stay the same, e.g., treat people well, don't spam, get to know who you want to cover you, etc.
It does not work to get a huge list of media folks and then spam all 2000 of them with your latest pitch letter. You would be amazed at how many people do exactly that. I can see the temptation: you can save time, money, and effort, but it just annoys people and makes them never want to talk to you, which completely defeats the purpose. Spamming is just wrong on so many levels that I don't know where to begin talking about it. So, here is my suggestion:
Create your own "wish list". This is a list of both online and traditional media where you think you and your book should be featured or mentioned or included in a story. This list can contain everything from your wildest dreams to the obvious--from Oprah to your local daily newspaper.
Research, research, research. Find out what outlets are interested in what you have to offer by reading them, watching them, or listening to them. Who writes on your topic? Who should know about you and your book? You want to be able to pitch them intelligently and knowing what the outlet or writer writes about is critical. The point here is to show you care and to show that you're a professional. You understand their job, which isn't to educate you or anyone else on what they cover. Through research, you will know. Show them that. It will take you far.
There is much written by online journalists and bloggers on how they do and don't want to be approached. The truth is, it hasn't changed over the past several decades. Online or offline, we all want to be heard and respected. If you do your homework, approach media like a professional with an understanding of what their work is about, you will be successful. Will everyone say yes? No. But at least they will know you took the time to understand their needs and the next time it may be yes!
I'm a big believer in doing what works. Always have been. The key here is to remember that as much as things change, e.g., platforms, popular media outlets, etc., some things always stay the same, e.g., treat people well, don't spam, get to know who you want to cover you, etc.
It does not work to get a huge list of media folks and then spam all 2000 of them with your latest pitch letter. You would be amazed at how many people do exactly that. I can see the temptation: you can save time, money, and effort, but it just annoys people and makes them never want to talk to you, which completely defeats the purpose. Spamming is just wrong on so many levels that I don't know where to begin talking about it. So, here is my suggestion:
Create your own "wish list". This is a list of both online and traditional media where you think you and your book should be featured or mentioned or included in a story. This list can contain everything from your wildest dreams to the obvious--from Oprah to your local daily newspaper.
Research, research, research. Find out what outlets are interested in what you have to offer by reading them, watching them, or listening to them. Who writes on your topic? Who should know about you and your book? You want to be able to pitch them intelligently and knowing what the outlet or writer writes about is critical. The point here is to show you care and to show that you're a professional. You understand their job, which isn't to educate you or anyone else on what they cover. Through research, you will know. Show them that. It will take you far.
There is much written by online journalists and bloggers on how they do and don't want to be approached. The truth is, it hasn't changed over the past several decades. Online or offline, we all want to be heard and respected. If you do your homework, approach media like a professional with an understanding of what their work is about, you will be successful. Will everyone say yes? No. But at least they will know you took the time to understand their needs and the next time it may be yes!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Successful Book Event with Career Intuitive Sue Frederick
I am watching a fascinating phenomenon occuring within this country right now. The catalyst is one of my authors, Sue Frederick. Sue is a career intuitive who has written a book called I See Your Dream Job: A Career Intuitive Shows You How to Discover What You Were Put on Earth to Do (St. Martin's Press; 2009). This book is taking off in ways I never imagined and Sue is having to hang on for a wide ride. More on that in a moment...
I liked Sue from the moment we first spoke on the phone. She is one of the most gracious and warm human beings I have ever had the pleasure to know. Deciding to work with her was an easy decision. Sometimes you just know when something is right, you know?
During this time of economic difficulty and job layoffs, Sue's message is powerful: This is your opportunity to reassess. Were you really happy doing what you were doing? When you're in a job and comfortable, it's very difficult to take a bold jump and leave. When you're forced to leave, before locking yourself into another similar position, stop and take a good, hard look: Is this what you are meant to do? Then talking with Sue gives you new, added insight. What is your true calling? (She gave me a reading and it gave me goosebumps for days.)
I See Your Dream Job is a much-needed guide to finding one's true calling and how to realize it, which uses the ancient system of numerology. It's What Color is Your Parachute for those who yearn for a meaningful career in today's world.
What is amazing to me is that every event she does -- a talk, a booksigning, a lecture -- is always filled to capacity and beyond. She was recently in New Orleans and had over 200 people at her Barnes & Noble bookstore event. Over 200!
It's one thing if you're a famous athlete or an infamous celebrity, it's something else when you're not particularly well known with the general public. Along with her publisher, we did the usual things like setting up media interviews on radio, TV and in print, in addition to arranging a talk at Loyola University. We notified everyone we knew in the area and used social media to spread the word and together it all worked. Over 200 people were at the event at Barns & Noble and they bought books.
Earlier in this post I mentioned a phenomenon going on in this country. Ever since the financial crises in the fall of 2008, Wall Street executives and others from around the country have been calling her for readings. We're talking top executives of very old, established, conservative industries--financial institutions, law firms, the insurance industry among them--calling Sue for help. She also hears from the average working man and woman, along with moms and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers in all demographic groups. And has she ever helped! (More on that coming up.) She has a story coming out in People magazine soon which I will post a link to here. Many individuals who have been helped by Sue will be covered in ths story.
So there you have it. Oh, and every single radio show I have booked her on has come back to me for a second interview. Every single one. I have never seen this before.
The beauty of this is that you just never know what you're sitting on when it comes to your book. You might have the next big topic that takes off and creates another phenomenon. Don't cut yourself short.
If you're looking for a publicist to help you with your book, I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to email me at joanne (at) joannemccall (dot) com. If you want to learn how to promote your own book, I invite you to explore an audio program I produced which covers a great deal of what you need to know and do for the success of your book. http://bit.ly/Ithj.
Happy marketing and promoting!
Warmly,
Joanne
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Interaction is the new currency. I love what Web 2.0 and social media are doing to communication--requiring an exchange between people rather than being "talked at" by one to another. This is so clearly addressed in Amy Hertz' column on books in the Huffinton Post. http://bit.ly/46XQle
Amy's suggestions are for book publicists, of which I am one, and they are very helpful if not rather obvious. What I mean to say here is that my first career was in terrestrial radio broadcasting and for several years I had a talk show. I was pitched by publicists from all around the country--the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. The complaints in Amy's piece are the exact same things I was (and my fellow broadcasters were) complaining about ten years ago--pitch letters that weren't personalized, publicists making follow up calls pitching their authors when they had clearly never, ever listened to my show, and long voice mail messages that were boring and abusive. (I will never forget the publicist from the Bay area who called me every day for almost three weeks leaving voicemail messages no shorter than three minutes in length. Yuck! I finally had to tell her to never, ever call me again.)
So, my point here is that things are not all that different, except that media people--whether it's a blogger, a writer, a producer, or an editor--have all kinds of options for getting their voices heard when they want to vent. I'm just afraid that those who most need to hear the coaching simply never will internalize the message. It's kind of like those horrible, tear-producing public service announcements that talk about animal neglect. Those who would neglect animals are not saddended by seeing those commercials. The rest of us are! With Amy's great piece in the Huffington Post, publicists who commit those sins won't read it--or be influenced by it. The rest of us who are trying to be effective and trying to do our jobs in the best way possible, we read it. We get it. We thank you for it! And we hope you don't group us with "them." I've been on your side of the fence, and I get it.
With all the changes in social media, Web 2.0, and communication tools in general, nothing is really all that different. People are either good communicators already, they're willing to learn, or they don't really care. The latter the the ones that make it hard for the rest of us!
I am sorry for all the "publicists" who won't take the time to read your blog. I am sorry they won't listen to your show, or pay attention to the way in which you want to be approached. I'm sorry some are lazy and just don't care. But I hope you will understand that there are others of us--who really do care! We are interested in you as people have to say, and if there is a match between what you like to cover and what we have to offer, then there is a win/win all the way around, and we are all the better for it.
Amy's suggestions are for book publicists, of which I am one, and they are very helpful if not rather obvious. What I mean to say here is that my first career was in terrestrial radio broadcasting and for several years I had a talk show. I was pitched by publicists from all around the country--the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. The complaints in Amy's piece are the exact same things I was (and my fellow broadcasters were) complaining about ten years ago--pitch letters that weren't personalized, publicists making follow up calls pitching their authors when they had clearly never, ever listened to my show, and long voice mail messages that were boring and abusive. (I will never forget the publicist from the Bay area who called me every day for almost three weeks leaving voicemail messages no shorter than three minutes in length. Yuck! I finally had to tell her to never, ever call me again.)
So, my point here is that things are not all that different, except that media people--whether it's a blogger, a writer, a producer, or an editor--have all kinds of options for getting their voices heard when they want to vent. I'm just afraid that those who most need to hear the coaching simply never will internalize the message. It's kind of like those horrible, tear-producing public service announcements that talk about animal neglect. Those who would neglect animals are not saddended by seeing those commercials. The rest of us are! With Amy's great piece in the Huffington Post, publicists who commit those sins won't read it--or be influenced by it. The rest of us who are trying to be effective and trying to do our jobs in the best way possible, we read it. We get it. We thank you for it! And we hope you don't group us with "them." I've been on your side of the fence, and I get it.
With all the changes in social media, Web 2.0, and communication tools in general, nothing is really all that different. People are either good communicators already, they're willing to learn, or they don't really care. The latter the the ones that make it hard for the rest of us!
I am sorry for all the "publicists" who won't take the time to read your blog. I am sorry they won't listen to your show, or pay attention to the way in which you want to be approached. I'm sorry some are lazy and just don't care. But I hope you will understand that there are others of us--who really do care! We are interested in you as people have to say, and if there is a match between what you like to cover and what we have to offer, then there is a win/win all the way around, and we are all the better for it.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Synchronicity in Book Marketing and Publicity
Hi there,
It has been a wild couple of weeks as we began the countdown to the launch of the new Web site http://www.joannemccall.com/. My designer, Fernando Martinez, has been an angel as we work together to get the site up and running. If you've created a Web site, and you probably have if you're reading this, then you know exactly what I'm talking about.
So, imagine my surprise when I got a phone call from him last week tentatively asking me, "Joanne, I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?" I immediately to myself, "Oh no. Not bad news. We've been working so hard. How can there be bad news? What could it be? Do I really want to know?"
Long pause: "OK, give me the good news first."
Fernando says, "Well the good news is that I have the graphics and the links all set up on your new site for your radio show on Blog Talk Radio."
Now, keep in mind, I wasn't planning to begin a talk show right away. I do have a history of being a radio broadcaster for a number of years, so the idea of doing a show again is very attractive to me, but I've got so many other projects to work on that starting a talk show was way down on the list. That one was going to have to wait for awhile.
He continues, "The bad news is that I was experimenting with how Blog Talk Radio works and now you are actually going to be doing your first show next Friday, August 28, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time, 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time Oh, and by the way, you already have quite a few followers. I put in some tag words and because your show is called 'Your Brand', and because that's a popular search word, you already have an audience."
"WHAT?!" I asked incredulously.
Fernando launched into some kind of explanation as my brain tried to process what he was saying to me, and then I just erupted into laughter.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
"Joanne?"
"Yes," I responded.
"You're OK?"
"I think that's hysterical! I guess I'm going back on the radio. I mean the Universe must want it if I didn't do a thing to make it happen and now you're telling me I'm going to be hosting a show next Friday." Who would have guessed?
Fernando went on to show me all the links and graphics and what he had written about the show.
Back on the air waves;I guess it's the digital airwaves now. What a wonderful journey home to my roots. After all, radio has been such a part of me for such a long time--way back to when I was a little girl reading the back of the shampoo bottle in the bathtub--pretending I was on the radio. Don't get me wrong. I love what I am doing now. Publicity, marketing and promotion with my own company has been a dream come true. I love having my own business with a team of people to collaborate with me. There is nothing better. Still, a part of me will always live on the air--it gets in your blood. Ask anyone in the business and they will tell you the same thing. Plus, I had the added good fortune of working with air talent and program directors who were the best in the business. Many are still friends today.
And speaking of today, my crash course in how all this technology works continues. I am happy to say that the first show went off without a hitch. I had the good fortune of interviewing a fabulous book marketer, Sharon Castlen, about book distribution and what you should be thinking about if you're considering publishing a book. You can hear it here anytime as a podcast at blog talk radio or please join me every Friday at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time for Your Brand. It's for anyone who has a small business--entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, speakers, writers, authors, freelancers, etc., particularly if you have a book or are considering writing one.
This show is an an opportunity for me to give to others who are building their business and marketing a book. I hope you will find it of great value.
Warmly,
Joanne
P.S. Synchronicity. How has it shown up in your life this week? Do you believe things happen for a reason?
It has been a wild couple of weeks as we began the countdown to the launch of the new Web site http://www.joannemccall.com/. My designer, Fernando Martinez, has been an angel as we work together to get the site up and running. If you've created a Web site, and you probably have if you're reading this, then you know exactly what I'm talking about.
So, imagine my surprise when I got a phone call from him last week tentatively asking me, "Joanne, I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?" I immediately to myself, "Oh no. Not bad news. We've been working so hard. How can there be bad news? What could it be? Do I really want to know?"
Long pause: "OK, give me the good news first."
Fernando says, "Well the good news is that I have the graphics and the links all set up on your new site for your radio show on Blog Talk Radio."
Now, keep in mind, I wasn't planning to begin a talk show right away. I do have a history of being a radio broadcaster for a number of years, so the idea of doing a show again is very attractive to me, but I've got so many other projects to work on that starting a talk show was way down on the list. That one was going to have to wait for awhile.
He continues, "The bad news is that I was experimenting with how Blog Talk Radio works and now you are actually going to be doing your first show next Friday, August 28, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time, 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time Oh, and by the way, you already have quite a few followers. I put in some tag words and because your show is called 'Your Brand', and because that's a popular search word, you already have an audience."
"WHAT?!" I asked incredulously.
Fernando launched into some kind of explanation as my brain tried to process what he was saying to me, and then I just erupted into laughter.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
"Joanne?"
"Yes," I responded.
"You're OK?"
"I think that's hysterical! I guess I'm going back on the radio. I mean the Universe must want it if I didn't do a thing to make it happen and now you're telling me I'm going to be hosting a show next Friday." Who would have guessed?
Fernando went on to show me all the links and graphics and what he had written about the show.
Back on the air waves;I guess it's the digital airwaves now. What a wonderful journey home to my roots. After all, radio has been such a part of me for such a long time--way back to when I was a little girl reading the back of the shampoo bottle in the bathtub--pretending I was on the radio. Don't get me wrong. I love what I am doing now. Publicity, marketing and promotion with my own company has been a dream come true. I love having my own business with a team of people to collaborate with me. There is nothing better. Still, a part of me will always live on the air--it gets in your blood. Ask anyone in the business and they will tell you the same thing. Plus, I had the added good fortune of working with air talent and program directors who were the best in the business. Many are still friends today.
And speaking of today, my crash course in how all this technology works continues. I am happy to say that the first show went off without a hitch. I had the good fortune of interviewing a fabulous book marketer, Sharon Castlen, about book distribution and what you should be thinking about if you're considering publishing a book. You can hear it here anytime as a podcast at blog talk radio or please join me every Friday at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time for Your Brand. It's for anyone who has a small business--entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, speakers, writers, authors, freelancers, etc., particularly if you have a book or are considering writing one.
This show is an an opportunity for me to give to others who are building their business and marketing a book. I hope you will find it of great value.
Warmly,
Joanne
P.S. Synchronicity. How has it shown up in your life this week? Do you believe things happen for a reason?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Dos and Don'ts of a Great Pitch Letter
Writing a great pitch letter isn’t brain surgery or rocket science. I've been doing book publicity for 15 years and while the process evolves due to technology and changes in the publishing and media worlds, some things stay the same. If you want to get booked for interviews, mind these dos and don’ts and you will be well on your way.
The Do’s
Ø Remember: You are pitching an idea—not your book. The book comes later. First and foremost, do pitch a great idea.
Ø Do your homework. Be sure your topic matches the interests of the media outlet’s target audience.
Ø Do include your contact information at the top and bottom of the pitch letter. List your name, e-mail address, and telephone number.
Ø Do make sure the subject line of your letter or e-mail is an attention grabber—something that will pique the producer’s interest and entice him or her to continue reading.
Ø Do come up with one sentence—two at the most—that perfectly captures your concept or hook.
Ø Do be clear and concise. Remember, less is more. Your pitch letter should never be more than one page.
Ø Do use bullet points. They’re easy to follow.
Ø Do have another pair of eyes look at your pitch letter before you send it out. (Grammar counts!)
Ø Do be available to receive phone calls and e-mails.
Ø Do be willing to make a follow-up call and/or send a follow up email.
Ø Do be prepared to say quickly and concisely, why the topic you’re pitching is helpful and relevant to that media person’s audience.
Ø Before you speak with a producer or editor, be sure you can answer the question, “Why you, why now?”
The Don’ts
Ø Don’t make producers or writers work to understand your message.
Ø Don’t ramble on and on. Get to the point.
Ø Don’t send a dull pitch or they’ll think you’re dull.
Ø Don’t send e-mail attachments unless you have been specifically asked to do so. It’s annoying.
Ø Don’t be overly friendly if you don’t know the person. Remember, this is a business transaction. Be personable, but don’t act as though you and the producer are best friends.
Ø Don’t promise anything you aren’t sure you can deliver.
Ø Pitch letters are not advertisements for your book. Don’t turn yours into one. Remember, you’re pitching a great idea.
Ø Don’t be a pest. There is a fine line between being persistent and being a pain. Learn the difference.
Ø Don’t be seduced into sending out the same pitch letter to everyone. Do your homework and tailor your message to each outlet
If you follow these important dos and dont's, you will find yourself doing more and more interviews, which will ultimately help you to get your book out there! This topic and many more will be covered in my teleclass on book publicity which is coming up June 13 & 14. If you have a do or don't to add to this list, please tell me about it.
The Do’s
Ø Remember: You are pitching an idea—not your book. The book comes later. First and foremost, do pitch a great idea.
Ø Do your homework. Be sure your topic matches the interests of the media outlet’s target audience.
Ø Do include your contact information at the top and bottom of the pitch letter. List your name, e-mail address, and telephone number.
Ø Do make sure the subject line of your letter or e-mail is an attention grabber—something that will pique the producer’s interest and entice him or her to continue reading.
Ø Do come up with one sentence—two at the most—that perfectly captures your concept or hook.
Ø Do be clear and concise. Remember, less is more. Your pitch letter should never be more than one page.
Ø Do use bullet points. They’re easy to follow.
Ø Do have another pair of eyes look at your pitch letter before you send it out. (Grammar counts!)
Ø Do be available to receive phone calls and e-mails.
Ø Do be willing to make a follow-up call and/or send a follow up email.
Ø Do be prepared to say quickly and concisely, why the topic you’re pitching is helpful and relevant to that media person’s audience.
Ø Before you speak with a producer or editor, be sure you can answer the question, “Why you, why now?”
The Don’ts
Ø Don’t make producers or writers work to understand your message.
Ø Don’t ramble on and on. Get to the point.
Ø Don’t send a dull pitch or they’ll think you’re dull.
Ø Don’t send e-mail attachments unless you have been specifically asked to do so. It’s annoying.
Ø Don’t be overly friendly if you don’t know the person. Remember, this is a business transaction. Be personable, but don’t act as though you and the producer are best friends.
Ø Don’t promise anything you aren’t sure you can deliver.
Ø Pitch letters are not advertisements for your book. Don’t turn yours into one. Remember, you’re pitching a great idea.
Ø Don’t be a pest. There is a fine line between being persistent and being a pain. Learn the difference.
Ø Don’t be seduced into sending out the same pitch letter to everyone. Do your homework and tailor your message to each outlet
If you follow these important dos and dont's, you will find yourself doing more and more interviews, which will ultimately help you to get your book out there! This topic and many more will be covered in my teleclass on book publicity which is coming up June 13 & 14. If you have a do or don't to add to this list, please tell me about it.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Book: Golf, Naked: The Bare Essentials Revealed
Ah, spring.
(Will it ever get here??!!)
One day, hopefully soon, we will have that first warm and wonderful, sunshine-filled day that creates spring fever in all of us. I can't wait. With it, the mind turns to lots of fun things like bike riding, swimming, long walks at the beach, romance, and thoughts of those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...Not to mention golf. Yes, golf.
I'm not much of a golfer myself, although from time-to-time my friend Marie and I will get a bucket of balls at the public course and pretend like we know what we're doing. However, working on Golf Naked has taught me so much about the game, and more importantly what goes on in between taking swings at the ball. That's where all the true action happens. PGA Pro Greg Rowley is the author of Golf, Naked: The Bare Essentials Revealed, and is one of my clients.
In a nutshell, Golf Naked serves as a refresher course for the experienced golfer and as a cheat sheet for the rest of us. Rowely strips away the layers of mystery to reveal golf's true core. It's about learning the language and the culture of golf, either as a foundation for learning the game or just to be more comfortable around your spouse, buddies, or colleagues when they lapse into golf-talk. It will tell you what to expect in the golf shop, the locker-room, and even the parking lot. It covers golf etiquette, how to play by the rules, in addition to how to fake it--e.g., how to look and sound like a pro even if your swing makes you look like a rookie. Golf, Naked is about loving the game more than your score. Who doesn't want to look like they know what they're doing when they're out on the course?
I took on this book because I knew from talking to Greg and reading the book that he had a winner on his hands. What really sold me on it was the fact that even though I wasn't into the game at the time, I really enjoyed reading the book! Now, a golf book for golphers is good, but a golf book for golfers and non-golfers alike, well, that is impressive!
In addition, I really love working with sports media. These people are fun, vivacious, curious, and genuinly interested in what you have to say when you call. Now, I've been a media insider for years and I know that many media folks really aren't delighted when a publicist calls. No offense to anyone. As I said, I include myself in that group and I get it (although publicists who know how to pitch, who understand the beat, and are respectful of when they get in touch, they are a dream.). So, you can see why it's so delightful to call a whole group of media folks who really enjoy talking on the phone. Sports people are a different group all together and they're great fun.
When it comes to book promotion and publicity, I look for several things when considering taking on a project. They are:
I gave a wholehearted yes to all of these questions, and now I'm helping to spread the word about Golf, Naked. PGA Pro Greg Rowley gets a definite thumbs up for this one.
(Will it ever get here??!!)
One day, hopefully soon, we will have that first warm and wonderful, sunshine-filled day that creates spring fever in all of us. I can't wait. With it, the mind turns to lots of fun things like bike riding, swimming, long walks at the beach, romance, and thoughts of those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...Not to mention golf. Yes, golf.
I'm not much of a golfer myself, although from time-to-time my friend Marie and I will get a bucket of balls at the public course and pretend like we know what we're doing. However, working on Golf Naked has taught me so much about the game, and more importantly what goes on in between taking swings at the ball. That's where all the true action happens. PGA Pro Greg Rowley is the author of Golf, Naked: The Bare Essentials Revealed, and is one of my clients.
In a nutshell, Golf Naked serves as a refresher course for the experienced golfer and as a cheat sheet for the rest of us. Rowely strips away the layers of mystery to reveal golf's true core. It's about learning the language and the culture of golf, either as a foundation for learning the game or just to be more comfortable around your spouse, buddies, or colleagues when they lapse into golf-talk. It will tell you what to expect in the golf shop, the locker-room, and even the parking lot. It covers golf etiquette, how to play by the rules, in addition to how to fake it--e.g., how to look and sound like a pro even if your swing makes you look like a rookie. Golf, Naked is about loving the game more than your score. Who doesn't want to look like they know what they're doing when they're out on the course?
I took on this book because I knew from talking to Greg and reading the book that he had a winner on his hands. What really sold me on it was the fact that even though I wasn't into the game at the time, I really enjoyed reading the book! Now, a golf book for golphers is good, but a golf book for golfers and non-golfers alike, well, that is impressive!
In addition, I really love working with sports media. These people are fun, vivacious, curious, and genuinly interested in what you have to say when you call. Now, I've been a media insider for years and I know that many media folks really aren't delighted when a publicist calls. No offense to anyone. As I said, I include myself in that group and I get it (although publicists who know how to pitch, who understand the beat, and are respectful of when they get in touch, they are a dream.). So, you can see why it's so delightful to call a whole group of media folks who really enjoy talking on the phone. Sports people are a different group all together and they're great fun.
When it comes to book promotion and publicity, I look for several things when considering taking on a project. They are:
- Do I love the material?
- Do I think media will love the material?
- Is the author "media-genic" and if not, is he or she willing to get trained
- Do I have chemistry with the author?
I gave a wholehearted yes to all of these questions, and now I'm helping to spread the word about Golf, Naked. PGA Pro Greg Rowley gets a definite thumbs up for this one.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Publicist's Secret to Success and Enthusiasm
A publicist's day is full of ups and downs. When we book an important interview or simply make connection with a media person we've been wanting to talk to, the high is wonderful. Oh joy!
However, the lows can be just as emotional but on the other end of the spectrum. The lows can be very low indeed. Sometimes this emotional roller coaster can rise and fall many times throughout one single day.
To keep from getting stuck in the lows, I recommend creating a success journal. Here's how:
In my daytimer, which is actually just a simple notebook, I record my daily, weekly, and monthly "to-do" lists in addition to taking notes during phone calls, jotting down thoughts and ideas, and recording other important infomation on the right side of each page. The reason for doing this is because now all of my ideas and to do lists are in one place. Then each piece of information can filter into other systems, such as important contact information gets put into Outlook, specific goals are put into each client's campaign, etc.
Then on the left side of the page, I quickly jot down each daily success as it happens throughout the day. It could be an important call was made. A certain show was booked. I moved a project forward in some way. The purpose is to give yourself a little lift--a pat on the back.
It's so easy at the end of the day to wonder exactly what was done, particularly if you only made it part way through your "to do" list. When you hit a low, or when you're reflecting on the day near quitting time, you can look at that list and smile! It's important to celebrate the little things (and, of course, the big things!) thoughout the day. Too often we can get caught up in what didn't get done. I suggest getting caught up and celebrating what DID get done and feeling good about that!
It's such a simple yet powerful tool. Your success journal can help you to leave your office at the end of the day in a better state of mind so that your family gets to spend time with a happy you, and you are refreshed and ready for the next day. So, celebrate the little things (and the BIG things) and enjoy!
However, the lows can be just as emotional but on the other end of the spectrum. The lows can be very low indeed. Sometimes this emotional roller coaster can rise and fall many times throughout one single day.
To keep from getting stuck in the lows, I recommend creating a success journal. Here's how:
In my daytimer, which is actually just a simple notebook, I record my daily, weekly, and monthly "to-do" lists in addition to taking notes during phone calls, jotting down thoughts and ideas, and recording other important infomation on the right side of each page. The reason for doing this is because now all of my ideas and to do lists are in one place. Then each piece of information can filter into other systems, such as important contact information gets put into Outlook, specific goals are put into each client's campaign, etc.
Then on the left side of the page, I quickly jot down each daily success as it happens throughout the day. It could be an important call was made. A certain show was booked. I moved a project forward in some way. The purpose is to give yourself a little lift--a pat on the back.
It's so easy at the end of the day to wonder exactly what was done, particularly if you only made it part way through your "to do" list. When you hit a low, or when you're reflecting on the day near quitting time, you can look at that list and smile! It's important to celebrate the little things (and, of course, the big things!) thoughout the day. Too often we can get caught up in what didn't get done. I suggest getting caught up and celebrating what DID get done and feeling good about that!
It's such a simple yet powerful tool. Your success journal can help you to leave your office at the end of the day in a better state of mind so that your family gets to spend time with a happy you, and you are refreshed and ready for the next day. So, celebrate the little things (and the BIG things) and enjoy!
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Perfect Pitch Letter
Writing a great pitch letter isn't brain surgery or rocket science. However, if you want to get booked for an interview, mind these suggestions:
Do:
Remember -- You are pitching an idea-not your book. The book comes later. First and foremost, pitch a great idea.
Do your homework. Be sure your topic matches the interests of the media outlet's target audience.
Do include your contact information at the top and bottom of the pitch letter. List your name,
e-mail address, and telephone number.
Don't:
Don't make producers or writers work to understand your message.
Don't ramble on and on. Get to the point.
Don't send a dull pitch or they'll think you're dull.
Taking care to approach media in the right way will go a long way toward helping you secure those important media interviews, which will in turn help you generate visibility for your book.
Do:
Remember -- You are pitching an idea-not your book. The book comes later. First and foremost, pitch a great idea.
Do your homework. Be sure your topic matches the interests of the media outlet's target audience.
Do include your contact information at the top and bottom of the pitch letter. List your name,
e-mail address, and telephone number.
Don't:
Don't make producers or writers work to understand your message.
Don't ramble on and on. Get to the point.
Don't send a dull pitch or they'll think you're dull.
Taking care to approach media in the right way will go a long way toward helping you secure those important media interviews, which will in turn help you generate visibility for your book.
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