Lisa Tener

Book Writing Coach

free publicity

Publicity and Author Platform on a Shoestring: A Frugal Tip for for Free PR

by

Book writing coach Lisa Tener
Your Book Writing Coach

Publicity–or–PR can be incredibly expensive–and sometimes you hit the jackpot, but other times clients can be left holding the bag wondering just where all that money they invested went and what they accomplished.

So, I’m always looking for new ideas for free or frugal PR. Here’s one I came up with for the cost of a poster board and the wear and tear on a magic marker:

I was speaking to a literary agent colleague about the book proposal of an author I’m working with and the agent asked if we can send a sample chapter and mini proposal before Book Expo America, so she can pitch the book to potential publishers.

Sure thing! Only when I got speaking to the author about her platform, she confessed that, other than speaking engagements–which is a good start–she didn’t actually have much of a platform.

Wanting her to focus on the mini book proposal and not on platform at the moment, I realized it would be great if some opportunities just magically offered themselves.

She mentioned that a couple of her clients had connections to local newspapers in a large metro area–a great start to ask for their help. And it was clear she had strong relationships with the families in her medical practice. I suggested a poster for her waiting room:

poster

Is there a way you can get the word out to your networks?

*  A poster in the office

*  A note in your newsletter

*  A friend who can spread the word

*  A hospital or organization PR department where you work that might help you for free

Do you have any frugal PR ideas to share? Please share as a comment–Thanks!

Author Platform: How to Attract Massive Media

by

Eli Davidson
Eli Davidson shared generously of her knowledge

I may sound like a broken record when I say how critical it is for aspiring authors to develop a platform or following online, but this is the number one reason great books with fresh perspectives and clear niche markets get turned down by literary agents and publishers.

While I’ve advised my clients to develop their author platforms– their websites, blogs and online and offline publicity–I’ve been looking for powerful strategies they can implement without breaking the bank. When Media Magnet Eli Davidson contacted me about offering a teleseminar series that shares her blueprint for getting massive media on your own–we’re talking The Today Show, The New York Times, Dr. Phil’s Decision House, Better Homes and Gardens, Joan Knows Best, The Huffington Post–my ears perked up. As I heard her passion for empowering authors I knew she was the person I’d been looking for to help my authors and aspiring authors.

Here’s our interview where she shares some amazing secrets for how authors can harness the power of the 21 milllion readers of the Huffington Post and how to become a trusted source for top journalists. I was blown away by the level of detail and the power behind Eli’s strategies–some of which she’s never shared before and will only share again in her courses.

Listen here.

I’m recommending that every single one of my book writing students and book proposal clients sign up for Eli’s blueprint: Ordinary to Extraordinary: How to Be a Star in 90 Days. I’m taking the class and became an affiliate to help spread the word, because this is exactly what aspiring authors and new authors need to get their message out and develop that author platform so critical to success. And I can’t believe the generous introductory price (and bring a friend free) offer she’s made.

Eli will also hold a special “authors and aspiring authors only” call for you if you sign up here, because she has special strategies for authors and is passionate about empowering authors in the publicity realm.

If you have any questions after listening to the audio, Eli has offered to answer your questions here.

Free Publicity to Expand Your Platform or Promote Your Book

by

I have a great free publicity tip for you today and it can work whether you’re working on creating more of a fan base and platform before your book is even published, or you’re looking to promote your just-published book.

A new client recently called me for help with his book–an MD with prestigious credentials but not much of a “platform” in terms of mass media or internet publicity.  His first challenge was in deciding whether to self-publish or traditionally publish.

He took my web-based course designed to help you make your Publishing Decision. The class made his decision clear–traditionally publish–but the course also made it clear he needed to have a following and some national presence.

His book concept is catchy and has huge potential, but in this market, that’s not enough. He needs national exposure in the press and/or the internet.

I planned to suggest that he do some work with my friend and colleague, Lisa Sussman. She could help him get articles published in national magazines. When I called Lisa, she pointed out an additional terrific avenue for free publicity.

The AMA, APA and other professional organizations all have PR offices. When a journalist is writing an article, particularly a young journalist with fewer connections, they often call the APA or AMA asking them to suggest a credible expert to interview. My client could call the publicity department of the APA, or whatever national organization he belongs to, and ask them to keep him in mind as an expert on his subject.

You don’t need to be an MD, PhD or psychologist to use this free publicity strategy. If you belong to any regional or national organizations, or even a local chamber of commerce, let the publicity folks know that you are available as an expert and resource to speak to the press on a number of issues (and give them a list of the possible areas and issues for reference).

Try out the strategy and let me know how it works for you!

Write a Book
Courses + Programs
Services + Successes

Contact Lisa

Screen Shot 2020-09-07 at 10.05.50 PM