The Author Press Kit by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant
Marketing is very importing to an author, so it goes without saying that every author should have a professional press kit in their possession. Obtaining and building a press kit is not that difficult, but can range anywhere from low priced to high priced. If you are on a budget, it’s okay to compile your own press kit, just make sure it is simple and professional.
My personal suggestion is to always start with an author bio. Keep it simple. What is simple you say? I’m glad you asked. You will be fine by simply addressing: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
You will then want to add a nice glossy 8×10 author photo. This photo can be color or black and white and should be limited to a head shot or from the waist up. I understand that everyone cannot simply afford a pricey photo, however there are other ways to obtain a high quality photo at a low cost. Have someone take a photo of you with a digital camera in a nice park setting, or an office setting. A nice touch would be in a library with a shelf of books as your background, maybe a nice piece of art. You can also take a photo on a solid color wall with a nice picture in the background or perhaps a nice large plant. One just has to be creative and know how to use basic photo editing software.
And if you absolutely MUST take a photo with a cell phone, please consider the picture quality and background. I currently own a Blackberry Storm and it takes awesome photos. Keep in mind that it is not professional when a door, clutter or other people are in the background of yout photo. If you have taken a picture with a cell phone and your arm looks like you are reaching to take the photo or it looks like you are in a bathroom stall or in a club, you may want to leave that photo on your cell phone.
Next include a nice cover photo of your book or books. Make sure that the photo includes the books ISBN number and other publishing info on the bottom right hand corner or bottom left hand corner of the photo. Â If you have more than one book, be sure to include information on all your books and not just the current one. Remember your press kit is your resume and your marketing tool. A suggestion would be to have a color photo of your book(s) and on the back of that photo have a printed synopsis of your book. Â Make sure to include past and present press releases.
Next, include any newspaper articles, interviews or reviews you may have received. Also include any awards or nominations you may have received for your work. It doesn’t hurt to include a resume that is limited to your writing history, literary associations and literary accomplishments, but this is not required.
Make sure your press kit includes books marks, flyers and post cards. You may find that those interested in your press kit sometimes like to have something smaller to glance at. As an author, there is no reason you should not be without bookmarks and/or business cards.
To tie everything together, house your press kit in a nice pocket folder. Make sure there are pockets on both side so that when your press kit is opened the right hand side will display your photo and your business card and the right side displays your bio.
It’s that simple! Remember that you are a walking billboard. Present yourself in a professional manner and make sure that your press kit does the same.
Great article on press kits Yolanda.
great article, yolanda. i want to add a little more to this, since i chat with media often about my author friends and clients. authors must also have a digital press kit and an online press room. the press don’t have time to weed through packets from anymore, they need to get what they need in an instant.authors also need to have digital photos that are easily downloadable that can be uploaded in two different formats: 1 for print and 1 for digital publications. they also need to know what type of photos each media outlet prefer. moreover, for authors–especially fiction authors–the press kit needs to contain a revelent media pitch and media candy type topics. a book release, a book signing does not require a pitch, but to become featured authors need to step away from their book and service the publication they are trying to pitch as a great “GET.” the press kit–when formatted correctly and with the new media in mind all is well
Thanks Yolanda for these tips.