congratulations!

Now Get to Work

You’ve scored a publishing contract. Congratulations! It’s time to celebrate. Take the night off. Go out to eat. See a play. Go to a ball game. Stay at home and gaze lovingly into your sweetheart’s eyes. Do whatever it is that feeds your soul.

Then get back to work.

Sounds harsh, doesn’t it. The cold, cruel truth is that very few authors ever reach the lofty heights of Stephen King or J.K. Rowling. Most of the time a publishing contract means your work load just increased, because now you are not only writing full-time; you are also promoting yourself and your book or play full-time. It can be a challenge. We know. We’ve been there. In fact, we ARE there.

Here are some helpful hints to help you work with us, or whoever your publisher/publicist may be, to make the most of your time and talents.

1. Share your media wish list (it’s okay to dream big), and give us your media list from previous projects—if they have covered you before, they are likely to cover your new project.

2. Suggest news angles for promoting your project. Keep up with current events that might be good tie-ins for your project.

3. Share buzzwords and phrases associated with your project that may be unique to your target audience. This helps us create name recognition and branding in fields that we might not be familiar with.

4. Be truthful during interviews—no need to spin an answer or exaggerate a response. God will use you just as you are.

5. Ask any questions that come to mind. Asking questions minimizes misunderstandings and we are happy to explain or discuss anything that pertains to your book or play.

6. Make yourself available for brainstorming sessions, interviews, and other branding projects.

7. Keep us informed of events and speaking engagements so we can support with regional publicity.

8. Send thank you notes to anyone who gives exposure to your project, whether online, in print, or broadcast.

9. Set up and maintain an author website.

10. Keep us informed of any awards, nominations or other cool events, so we can spread the word.

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1. Expect us to do all the work for you. We want you to be successful. After all, if you don’t make money, we don’t make money. But our primary focus is on publishing, and publicity/promotions often takes a back seat. The more involved you are in your own promotions, the more results you’ll see.

2. Call us unless there is a pressing matter. We can devote more time and mental focus to you if you set up a phone call appointment in advance. Yes, we often work during non-traditional office hours, but just like you, we have families, and occasionally we attempt to have a personal life.

3. Expect us to read your mind. Communicate. Give us updates.

4. Be a “celebrity” with the media—they want to make a true connection with you and are put off by guests who act like they have a sense of entitlement. Be humble, yet confident in your area of expertise.

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