Whether its guest posting or being featured as an author with a new release on a book blog, the one thing you need to have on hand after a stellar novel is a Media Kit. There are a few things that are must to have on hand. You never know when someone has a slot open up and if you're prepared, you might just snag that opportunity. Here are some things to have ready to go...
- A .jpeg of your book cover. Usually your publisher will send you a few different kinds. High resolution for print and some lower ones for thumbnails and online sites.
- An up to date photograph. Preferably a professionally done headshot.
- 2 versions of your author bio. One short one, a little more than a few lines, to go at the bottom of posts. Make sure that it has links to your blog and book site. You'll also need a more extended one-page version for things like newsletters and for interviewers to create questions.
- Sample interview. Have a list of questions that you've answered. Sometimes the host blog will just go with it or use it to create their own questions for you. It helps to show if you're quirky or funny or profound...your voice.
- A stellar excerpt. Something that grabs the reader and makes them want more. Most people use the scene where the hero and heroine meet. Others user the precipitating event. Don't give a way too much. Its usually only 200-300 words.
- A short synopsis of your book. Mason Canyon over at Thoughts In Progress suggested this in the comments and I had to add it. She's right. Sometimes space is limited so a great blurb about your book is handy promotion tool.
Those are just the bare bones. Create a folder on your desktop and have all of these things at the ready. If you get a call for something, you have it all organized already. This way you don't accidentally forget to include your bio with links or something vital like that.
Some other things to consider adding to your Media Kit are:
- Book trailer. Some bloggers will post a link to it if its on YouTube or just embed it in the post about you.
- A book list. If you've written more than one book you should have this information available. Include cover art and links.
- Your upcoming events. Are you on a blog tour or having a launch party? Include that information.
- Where to Buy. Finally, if your book is out already, have the purchase information available for posting.
Believe me when I say that having this all done is a real life-saver. I learned the hard way on this one. I was offered an opportunity to guest post but it had to be emailed within the hour. I didn't remember to put a little mention about my upcoming release. I'd lost out on an opportunity...don't make the same mistake.
Take some time to get this together and then...RELAX. Get back to what you should be doing -- WRITING!