Four Tips To Get Talk Radio Hosts Interested in Your Book
Talk radio interviews are one of the bases of a writing homerun. In fact, they’re custom-made for non-fiction authors who want quick, affordable national exposure for their titles.
Let’s face it, where else can you:
** Kick-off a coast-to-coast publicity campaign in less than three weeks?
** Create promotional “buzz” for your book at the grass-roots level?
** Reach America’s greatest urban markets – Boston to LA – from the comfort and convenience of your own home?
** And, talk directly to fans and fans-to-be?
Publishers and best-selling authors understand all this. They know the marketing and promotional value of appearing as a guest on talk radio. And, of course, so do we, as we’ve been arranging interviews for almost 20 years now.
And, during that time we’ve certainly learned a thing or two about the preparation that goes into booking guests on talk radio.
Let me share some tips with you:
TIP #1/ Stay Current
First off, you need to follow the news. What are people talking about? What is the media saying? What’s the buzz? Why is this important? Because, in case you haven’t noticed, talk radio is all about current events. Current events in politics, in sports, weather, health, culture. So when you know what’s current, you can package your message to fit the news…making you an attractive guest for a talk show. Your job is to scan the network and cable news channels, the newspapers, look at news Websites, and, most importantly, monitor the talk radio landscape. Take time to listen to some local and/or national talk shows, hear what they’re talking about - get a feel for the rhythm of it. Most of all - get a pulse of the public listening in.
TIP #2/ Tie-Ins To The News
I mentioned “packaging” your message? That’s a key. As you follow the hottest stories in the news, think of ways you can tie the message of your book into them. Look for controversy or big names, big money or even relationship issues… These are always tantalizing topics for many talk show hosts (and their listeners). Developing a good angle for your book that’s newsworthy means you might even be able to get on the air with your novel – we’ve had success doing that a number of times.
TIP #3/ Pitch Your Topic, Not Your Book or Yourself
As you develop your message, keep in mind that radio hosts are interested in what you can do for their listeners, not what they can do for you. They want an interview, not an infomercial for your book. So, when pitching to hosts and producers, put emphasis on the issue you want to talk about on the air, rather than on your book. The fact that you’ve authored a book gives you credibility “currency,” so spend it wisely when pitching your cause. There’s no need to worry…once on the air, you’ll be given plenty of opportunity to plug your book during the interview.
TIP #4/ The Right Press Release Formula
Nothing is more important than the press release itself – it’s your key to the media’s door. The quality of our press releases have everything to do with our success in booking guests. You want to make sure your headline is enticing - it’s got to grab the media’s attention. The text of your release should elaborate on the subject matter and what the “on-air” conversation will be about. It’s always good to include a couple of juicy or provocative quotes. Also include a short, but impressive bio, and 5 to 10 questions you’d like the host to ask you.
There’s plenty more to learn about, but these few tips can help jump-start you into the world of talk radio.
If you need help – give us a call. Scheduling talk radio interviews is second-nature to us. For nearly 20 years now, we’ve been booking 50 to 100 radio interviews virtually every week for clients. Talk radio producers and hosts from the nation’s 100 biggest markets have come to rely on us for the steady stream of top guests they need.
If you want professional representation to the media, call me or Steve Friedman at 727-443-7115, ext. 202. Or email me at mfriedman@event-management.com. We’d love to help you.
Warmest regards,
Marsha Friedman
President
EMSI
1127 Grove Street
Clearwater, FL 33755
727-443-7115 ext. 201
727-443-0835 fax
http://www.event-management.com
Copyright © 2006 by Event Management Services Inc. All rights reserved.
Note :: THE CPA does not endorse this company we are only providing you information as a guide.
