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Four Tips To Get Talk Radio Hosts Interested in Your Book

Talk radio interviews are one of the bases of a writing homerun. In fact, theyre custom-made for non-fiction authors who want quick, affordable national exposure for their titles.

Lets face it, where else can you:

* Kick-off a coast-to-coast publicity campaign in less than three weeks?

* Create promotional buzz for your book at the grass-roots level?

* Reach Americas greatest urban markets - Boston to LA - from the comfort and convenience of your own home?

* And, talk directly to fans and fans-to-be?

Publishers and best-selling authors understand all this. They know the marketing and promotional value of appearing as a guest on talk radio. And, of course, so do we, as weve been arranging interviews for almost 20 years now.

And, during that time weve certainly learned a thing or two about the preparation that goes into booking guests on talk radio.

Let me share some tips with you:

TIP #1. Stay Current

First off, you need to follow the news. What are people talking about? What is the media saying? Whats the buzz? Why is this important? Because, in case you havent noticed, talk radio is all about current events. Current events in politics, in sports, weather, health, culture. So when you know whats current, you can package your message to fit the news: making you an attractive guest for a talk show. Your job is to scan the network and cable news channels, the newspapers, look at news Websites, and, most importantly, monitor the talk radio landscape. Take time to listen to some local and/or national talk shows, hear what theyre talking about - get a feel for the rhythm of it. Most of all - get a pulse of the public listening in.

TIP #2. Tie-Ins To The News

I mentioned packaging your message? Thats a key. As you follow the hottest stories in the news, think of ways you can tie the message of your book into them. Look for controversy or big names, big money or even relationship issues: These are always tantalizing topics for many talk show hosts (and their listeners). Developing a good angle for your book thats newsworthy means you might even be able to get on the air with your novel - weve had success doing that a number of times.

TIP #3. Pitch Your Topic, Not Your Book or Yourself

As you develop your message, keep in mind that radio hosts are interested in what you can do for their listeners, not what they can do for you. They want an interview, not an infomercial for your book. So, when pitching to hosts and producers, put emphasis on the issue you want to talk about on the air, rather than on your book. The fact that youve authored a book gives you credibility currency, so spend it wisely when pitching your cause. Theres no need to worry: once on the air, youll be given plenty of opportunity to plug your book during the interview.

TIP #4. The Right Press Release Formula

Nothing is more important than the press release itself - its your key to the medias door. The quality of our press releases have everything to do with our success in booking guests. You want to make sure your headline is enticing - its got to grab the medias attention. The text of your release should elaborate on the subject matter and what the on-air conversation will be about. Its always good to include a couple of juicy or provocative quotes. Also include a short, but impressive bio, and 5 to 10 questions youd like the host to ask you.

Theres plenty more to learn about, but these few tips can help jump-start you into the world of talk radio.

About the Author (text)

For 20 years Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations as CEO of EMSI. Go to www.publicitythatworks.com to claim your free best ceos

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