GUEST POST: Carmen Oliver, Austin Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators

POSTED BY prbythebook ON November 8, 2010

PR by the Book Founder Marika Flatt

Here at PR by the Book, we would like to start inviting guest blog posts by some of our fellow industry professionals in order to bring more overall industry how-to firepower to you on a weekly basis. We will be inviting key individuals to contribute to this blog every so often to give you an even wider glimpse into the book industry. Here we go…

Guest post by Carmen Oliver, Assistant Regional Advisor, SCBWI Austin Chapter

Recapping Nuggets from Saturday’s Presentation to SCBWI

This past Saturday, Marika Flatt, founder of PR by the Book, stopped by BookPeople to chat with Austin writers and illustrators about publicity, promotion and panache. Her boutique firm has a team of experts with over 40 years of experience and she dazzled us with an award-winning presentation.

She regaled Austin SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) members with her experience and understanding of media relations and giving journalists what they want: “info-tainment,” a combination of information and entertainment.  Plugging your book is secondary, she told the crowd. “What do you have that the media wants?” They’re looking for a story, so give them one. Be truthful. Do the research. Use your storyteller skills and explain why the public should care about you. And when you can, include other people to “bulk” up the segment. As an example, one of PR by the Book’s clients had created a gardening day in her hometown. It wasn’t just about the client’s book: she’d created an event for the town to enjoy and benefit from.

Pulling from her 13 years of publicity experience, Marika equipped attendees with tips and tools from her trade. She challenged writers and illustrators to create a wish list of media outlets and to be realistic about where and who they target. Obviously, not everyone will appear on the Oprah Winfrey show. First, check out what is available in your own backyard.  Do you know “mommy bloggers?” Can you pitch your book to gift guides? Sign up for media updates? Create contests and give-aways? And by all means, she said, “have a website.” It’s the new calling card. Make it easy for the media and the public to find you.

She continued with the benefits and ease of promotion through the online world and to create “buzz” with social media like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. Be interactive and responsive. Some of the best and most successful parts of a campaign don’t appear in “print” media. Rather, they’re online and that includes virtual book tours and feature articles.

PR by the Book contributes to a rotating column in the San Francisco Book Review called “After the Manuscript,” and it’s a goldmine of knowledge. Marika highlighted a recent article written by one of her publicists, Tolly Moseley, “How to Bring Sexy Back to Book Signings.” Give the public more than just your book. Build it big. And the media will follow.

The meeting wound down with a rousing flurry of questions and Marika lingered long after the presentation to make sure members left with the answers they needed.  That’s just the kind of person she is: warm, approachable and the consummate professional.

Tags: book pr, book publicity, children's books, media tips, mommy-bloggers, SCBWI, social media tips

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