Book marketing expert John Kremer says that if he had his choice between buying an ad to promote a book or going after free publicity, he’d choose free publicity almost every time. That’s because generating interviews, giving your expert opinion, writing articles and having journalists include excerpts of your book are powerful. So are many of the… Read More
Oprah needs gift ideas for magazines and “Oprah’s Favorite Things”
At the end of each year, the Queen of Daytime TV Talk Shows makes a list of things she likes, then features them on her show in December. They’re known to her fans simply as “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” Last year, they included an Apple iPod, croissants from William-Sonoma, a Burberry coat and purse, a Philip… Read More
MyShelf.com needs a book reviewer
Publicity Hound Carolyn-Howard Johnson, publisher of the Sharing with Writers ezine, says her editor at MyShelf.com is looking for another reviewer. Carolyn writes: “As many of you know, I recommend reviewing as a way to trade your writing for exposure. Some reviewers get paid but I don’t view it as an income booster — more as a… Read More
Find a photographer at Look Better Online
Suzanne Falter-Barns, the expert at building your platform, passes along this great tip for anyone who needs a good-quality photo, but doesn’t want to resort to using the photographer at the local department store, or the camera in cousin Louie’s cellphone. Check out Look Better Online, a website that’s a directory of professional photographers in 6,000… Read More
Watches for lawyers: A clever product that needs publicity ideas
Lisa Solomon of Ardsley, New York writes: “My husband and I, both attorneys, are partners in The Billable Hour Company. We make watches and clocks especially for lawyers, with dials divided into six-minute increments–the same way many lawyers bill. “Our product is a lighthearted take on the concept of the billable hour and it’s the… Read More
A bra that deflects bullets? Details, please
Reporters are taught from Day One to always get pertinent details. Like the name of the cat that died in a housefire. Or the height of the basketball star who hit his head on the top of a doorway and had a concussion. This amusing post by the Poynter Institute titled “Get the name of that bra” reminds us of… Read More
Article directories abound: Post to sites with a Google page ranking of 4 or higher
Rik Feeney of GymnasticsTrainingTips.com asks this question about posting article online: “What experience do you have with article submission sites? Are they worth the time and effort? I recently received info from this site and it intrigued me, but then I thought to myself, “What would Joan Stewart do?” The Publicity Hound says: There are lots… Read More
Publicity photos will look better if you follow these tips
If you’re taking your own photos and submitting them to the media, increase your chances of getting them printed by following tips from Gregg McLachlan at the Newscollege website. They include: —No “execution-at-dawn” photos. —No photos of people smiling when the subject matter is serious. —The best photographers do more than move their finger on the… Read More
Feng shui instructor needs ideas on how to use controversy for publicity
Debra Blackmon of Bakersfield, California writes: “This morning, a popular local radio host blasted the inclusion of Feng Shui workshops at our local community center this summer. “The reason? Feng Shui is a religion and non-Christian and shouldn’t be taught at the community forum. I’m the instructor of the workshop (and a Christian). I want to… Read More
Book marketing tip: Hand people your book
Book marketing guru John Kremer offers this terrific tip for authors: when someone asks you about your book, don’t just stand there and talk about it. Hand it to them. Susan Crook, author of the book Personaltiy Insights for Moms, told John that she took his advice when a man asked her why she was reading… Read More