Feel Like You’ve Failed As An Author?
Posted by Marsha Friedman
I talk to authors every day who are ready to throw in the towel when it comes to promoting their books. It’s either because they were unsuccessful in their own efforts to get the media interested in interviewing them, or worse, they hired a publicity firm to get them media coverage and the firm had little to no success. This second scenario is really the worst one for an author as they can really lose faith in themselves and in the importance of their message.
They tell me things like, “I guess people just aren’t that interested in my topic…” or “maybe my message is old news…”
Are you this author?
If so, let me tell you a little story that may lift your spirits some or help you gain back your confidence. It’s about one of our current clients, a financial expert who authored a personal finance book. When his book came out, he literally spent tens of thousands of dollars with an agency that wound up booking a handful of interviews on radio when all was said and done. They told him, very sadly mind you, that the media just wasn’t interested in his message.
When he finally called me and told me his story, I couldn’t believe it – the worst economy in 60 years, a well-written book, an author with impeccable credentials and the media wasn’t interested in him and his message?
I didn’t buy it…we’ve just been at this publicity game too long and I knew that couldn’t possibly be the case. And of course I told him so. But he was understandably wary and suspicious of anyone promising to help with his book promotion, and knowing what authors go through, I understood that completely.
Well, he came on board just three months ago and to date he’s appeared as a guest on three national TV shows and eleven local TV shows (all network affiliate stations). He’s also been interviewed on 30 radio shows around the country and has received coverage in about 27 different publications.
Yes, you could say he’s a happy camper. And, of course, we’re happy for him too. But what I love most about this story is that we were able to show him his message IS as important as he thought. That the book he poured his heart and time and money into DOES have a valuable message, as evidenced by all the media that wanted to interview him.
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Marsha Friedman launched EMS Incorporated in 1990. Her firm represents corporations and experts in a wide array of fields such as business, health, food, lifestyle, politics, finance, law, sports and entertainment. She consults individuals and businesses on a daily basis and is frequently asked to speak at conferences about how to harness the power of publicity. Outside of the office, she is also the founder of a non-profit organization called the Cherish the Children Foundation. In 1996 the White House recognized her charity which sets out to raise awareness of the plight of underprivileged and foster children.
