Creating an Online Media Kit

Today, I'm going to talk about creating a solid Media Kit, also called a Press kit.

I think you should have media kits posted online so they are easily downloadable and in paper so you can hand them out if you go to a school, library, or bookstore.

You don't have to be published to do this. Self pubbed authors should absolutely do this (especially online) and pre-published authors can get ahead of the game! You never know. A media kit on your web site may even help you sell your book if an agent or editor comes across it. You would just have less items than a published author.

In Guerrilla Marketing, it says the key to approaching the media, is to have the right materials in place to make it easy for placement. Books, web site, and media kit.

Tips on Creating Your Media Kit

• Your media kit should be accessible online. That way you can mail it out or email a link. You need to have everything easily available for editors or reviewers in case they don't want or need to contact you personally. All this information will convince them to interview you.
• This is the first impression they have of you so make it good, professional, and of high quality. It is better to do a few things great than a lot of things mediocre. It can make the difference!
• Make sure you keep your information current. A lot of authors forget to update their information.
• Color (good quality) is usually more eye catching than B/W
• You should have a menu item on your web site. A lot of people won't take the time to search - if it is not right there. So make it easy to find.

Must Haves of Online Media Kit
* indicates what a prepublished author can include (1-5)

1. An author photo - high res is important.*
2. A short bio *
3. One page book synopsis *
4. List of basic interview questions and questions (FAQs) - get to know you type stuff *
5. Updated author contact information including social networks *
6. Any links to articles or reviews or other interviews (actual documents would be better b/c links to other sites can change)
7. A one page press release on your book - update this quarterly with recent news - maybe including new reviews, printing releases, upcoming milestones (Go to prnews.com for some samples). 
8. Link to Tour dates/signings/speaking engagements
9. Book cover file - high res
10. Page of praises/reviews on your book

Nice To Haves (Especially in this age of technology)

1. Video, audio, even a VLOG of you talking at signing or in interview - optional but I think in this day and age any technology is ideal
2. Book Trailer
3. Podcasts
4. Recommended List of speaking topics
5. Recommended List of pre-answered interview questions

Mail-out Media

1. Try to use special folders. Glossy is preferred. Double pocket with biz card window. yellow, white or grey manila folders are not OK
2. Cover letter - be professional - include project pitch, bio, and how you can benefit them (like a longer query letter)
3. Business cards - do NOT print off your own. Make them nice.
4. Order stickers for front - maybe book cover or other art. You can get folders and labels customized at VistaPrint.
5. Be sure everything is branded to be in alignment with either your author brand or book brand. For example: use the same colors as your book or web site.) 
6. You can add in cds or dvd's of book trailers or videos. Also include any pdfs of covers and head shots - you can even print them on nice photo paper.
7. Any copies of newspapers, articles, interviews etc
8. Always do your research, make a few calls to be sure you get your kit to the right person if you are mailing it out.
9. Save your media kits (because they cost money to put together) for higher profile visits.

Some great articles on creating media kits

Online Media Kit

The ultimate PR tool

An author's press kit

Great Media Examples:

• Tricia Goyer
• Yasmine Galenorn
• Alyson Noel
• Sarah Dessen
• Sarah Beth Durst

Let me know if you have questions....