Pro Tips for Authors Who Don't (Yet) Love the Spotlight

Getting your book out there is only half the battle. Once your masterpiece is complete, the next challenge lies in promoting it and stepping into the spotlight as an author. For many writers, the idea of self-promotion and PR can be unnerving, especially for those who are more accustomed to the background than the limelight. In this blog post, we'll unpack the insightful conversation between She Gets Published podcast host, Lanette Pottle,  and Emmy award-winning media and publicity coach Danette Kubanda, on episode thirty where they share valuable tips on navigating the world of PR and media as an author.

Shifting Mindset: Service Over Self-Promotion

One of the first hurdles authors face when it comes to PR and media visibility is the discomfort of self-promotion. Danette Kubanda emphasizes the importance of shifting the mindset from self-serving to service-oriented. She highlights that it's not about boasting but rather about sharing expertise to help others. As an author, reframing the purpose of PR and media appearances as an opportunity to serve the audience with valuable insights can make the idea of self-promotion more palatable.

Building Long-Term Relationships

PR and media exposure is not an overnight achievement. As highlighted in the conversation, building relationships with producers, editors, and journalists is crucial. And it's not just about the one-time pitch, but about the long game. It's about nurturing these relationships, understanding their interests and personalities, and identifying how your expertise can add value to their platform. The key is to strive for pleasantly persistent follow-ups that continually add value to the conversation and the relationship.

The Art of Pitching: Think Like a Viewer

Understanding the audience of the media outlet you're pitching to is fundamental. Think like a viewer, listener, or reader. Put yourself in their shoes and consider what kind of content would resonate with them. Your pitch should lead with how it benefits the audience and adds value to the platform you're targeting. By personalizing your pitch and making it relevant to the outlet's audience, you stand a much greater chance of capturing their attention. This personalization not only showcases your respect for their audience but also demonstrates your understanding of the media outlet's goals.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing the Journey

It's common for authors to shy away from the spotlight due to self-doubt and fear of the unknown. However, as Danette Kubanda suggests, taking the initial leap is often the hardest but most rewarding step. Embracing PR and media opportunities provides a chance to build confidence and momentum. She encourages authors to take the leap and view it as a journey of growth and learning. By reframing the experience as an opportunity to help and inspire others, authors can step into the spotlight with a renewed sense of purpose.

Embracing PR and media exposure as an author can be a transformative experience. By shifting the focus from self-promotion to service, building long-term relationships, thinking like a viewer, and overcoming self-doubt, authors can navigate the world of PR with confidence and authenticity. The insights shared by Danette Kubanda provide a roadmap for authors who are looking to share their expertise and stories with a broader audience. Ultimately, the journey from book idea to bestseller and beyond involves not only mastering the craft of writing but also mastering the art of PR and media visibility.

 Listen to the full episode here. 

*This podcast summary was generated using AI technology.