Cover Letter

Highlight why you are contacting the person or organization.

To include:

• The reason for your request.
• A one paragraph overview of the book. Include what the book is about, the target audience and how they will benefit from the book.
• Your basic bio to include name and why you were qualified to write the book. Include special accreditations.
• The call to action. What do you want the contact to do as a result of your solicitation?

Press Release 

A one page description of the book starting with a compelling headline (no more than three paragraphs).

To include:

• ISBN
• Price
• Page Count
• Publisher Information
• Personal Contact Information.

Marketing Strategy

Your marketing strategy should include sending your Press Release out over a period of time.

For example:

• Initial – introducing publication and announcing release date.
• Secondary – Announce signings, interviews and/or appearances. Send out secondary releases to correspond to holidays, current events or social issues and how the book addresses those issues.
• Monthly – Relate to current news stories, specific industries and professions or other relevant criteria the book or story line addresses.

Book Review

Provide a book review from a reliable source.

If this is not possible create your own or ask someone. This is intended to provide material for the entity you are soliciting.

To include:

• Title information, publisher, price, author website, etc.
• Specific details about the story – usually four or five paragraphs.
• Information about the author – usually one paragraph.

Author Biography 

Should be one page introducing the Author.

State a compelling reason why the Author is qualified to write the book and back it up with the Author’s credentials. Provide a relevant background. Include organizations, affiliations and other information relevant to the marketing of the book.

To include:

• List organizations, affiliations and/or other information (important to show possible target audiences).
• Specific details about the story told in four or five paragraphs.
• Information about the author in one paragraph. Present the information in a professional manner, but to not exaggerate.

Announcement Page 

Design this page like you were creating a handout for events (which will be one of the ways to utilize this piece).

To include:

• Cover image in full color.
• Short Author Bio.
• Summary overview of the book. You can also use the copy on the back cover.
• Technical details including page count, size, category, release date, retail price, ISBN and distribution availability.
• Endorsements –utilize one or two endorsements from people recognized as experts.
• Ordering Information – online, wholesale distribution, author’s personal order information etc. Information on ordering the book via phone, fax, mail, and the Internet.

Cataloging Information Sheet 

This is a bullet list which can be scanned for data entry.

To include:

• One paragraph description of the book
• Technical Information- page count, book size and format (soft or hard cover).
• Scheduled Events
• Unique Selling Points
• Intended audience – clearly define if you have a specific target audience.
• Professional endorsements

Giveaway

Include any items relevant to the marketing of the book.

Such as:

• Bookmark
• Postcard
• Poster
• Specific item pertaining to key content
• Book reviews from professional publications

Write An Article

You might need to write several short articles to include with your press kits.

These should be specific to the entity you are soliciting. Most articles are from 1,000 – 1,500 words.

Packaging The Press Release 

Remember your Press Kit needs to capture their attention. Ask yourself, “Will mine stand out above the rest?”

• Use a folder with pockets. Our cover designers can prepare a custom design which can be incorporated on the cover.
• Upon opening the folder – Right pocket contains the Announcement page/ Cataloging Information sheet/Press Release/Book Review
• Upon opening the folder – Left pocket contains the Giveaway/Article/ Press Releases
• Place your cover letter on the outside of the folder