Preparing your book for publicity

Publicity asks busy people to give your book their attention. Reviewers, editors, podcast hosts, librarians, and organizers decide quickly whether a book is relevant to them. The more prepared you are, the easier it is for them to say yes, and the less time you spend scrambling to answer requests.

Start with a clear description

Before any outreach, you should be able to describe your book in one sentence and in one paragraph. The sentence states what the book is and who it is for. The paragraph adds the central situation or argument and what makes it distinct. If you cannot write these yet, positioning work should come first.

Gather your core materials

Most contacts will ask for the same information. Preparing it once saves time and keeps your details consistent.

• A one-page book summary with title, subtitle, format, page count, ISBNs, publication date, publisher, and price.
• A short author biography of around 50 words and a longer version of around 150 words.
• A high-resolution cover image and an author photo you have the rights to share.
• Digital review copies in common formats, and a plan for printed copies if they are needed.
• A list of topics you can speak or write about, if you are open to interviews or articles.

Decide what you are willing to do

Be honest about your availability. Some authors enjoy interviews, readings, and events. Others prefer written coverage. Both approaches are valid, and a campaign should be built around the one you will sustain. Telling contacts clearly what you can offer avoids awkward withdrawals later.

Check your public information

When someone receives a pitch, they often look you up. Make sure your retail listings, author website, and any social profiles show the correct title, cover, and description. A media or press page on your website with downloadable materials is especially helpful.

Allow enough time

Many reviewers and publications plan coverage well ahead of publication. For a new book, outreach usually needs to begin several months before release. For a published book, it is still possible to secure coverage, but you may need to focus on outlets that review backlist titles or on angles connected to current events and seasons.

A short checklist

1. Write the one-sentence and one-paragraph descriptions.
2. Prepare the one-page summary, biographies, and images.
3. Confirm review copy formats and any printing budget.
4. Decide which kinds of appearances you are comfortable with.
5. Review your retail listings and author website for accuracy.
6. Agree a timeline that suits your publication date.