PR can be a game-changer, but many misconceptions about it can lead authors down unproductive paths. Let’s unravel two of these myths with stories and insights to help you navigate your PR journey effectively.
Common PR misconceptions for authors
This is part three of a five-part series where we’re diving into the world of public relations (PR) for authors. In this part, Lilian shares two common misconceptions and debunks them.
NOTE: These blog posts are from an interview I did with Lilian Sue from In Retrospect Writing Services. Although we did one interview, it was an hour long, so I have divided it into five blog posts to organize it and make it easier to read.
- Part One: Unlocking Author PR | Building Strong Author Mindsets
- Part Two: Unlocking Author PR | PR strategy vs. Placement for Authors
- Part Three: Unlocking Author PR | Common PR misconceptions for authors – You are here!
- Part Four: Unlocking Author PR | Managing Your Author Reputation Online
- Part Five: Unlocking Author PR | Bridging the PR Tools Gap
You can find the video of the entire interview at the end of the blog post.
The Importance of Mindset in Public Relations
The Myth
LS: Many authors believe that to make any impact with PR, they need an audience in the thousands and a budget running into tens of thousands of dollars. They think successful PR campaigns require spending $20,000, $30,000, or even $40,000.
The Reality
It’s not about the size of your audience or the heftiness of your budget—it’s about having a strategic plan and clear goals. Whether your aim is to boost book sales or increase your visibility, there are cost-effective ways to achieve these objectives.
What You Should Do Instead
Focus on building partnerships and engaging directly with your audience. Here are some practical steps:
- Partner with Local Stores: Organize book signings and events at local bookstores.
- Attend Book Festivals: Take part in events where you can meet and engage with readers.
- Collaborate with Other Authors: Joint promotions can amplify reach and create lucrative opportunities.
- Leverage Book Boxes: Participate in book box services that include interviews, giveaways, and other forms of earned media. This can provide high-quality content to promote across your channels.
These strategies don’t need to break the bank, but require a solid plan and dedication to your goals.
Misconception #2: PR Campaigns Don’t Translate to Book Sales
The Myth
LS: Some authors, after spending a significant amount on PR campaigns, feel disappointed when they don’t see a direct increase in book sales. They might get interviews and reviews, but not the expected sales boost.
The Reality
The disconnect often lies in the execution and alignment of the campaign with the author’s specific goals. Authors sometimes feel hesitant to voice their goals, relying entirely on the publicist’s expertise, which might not always align with their vision.
What You Should Do Instead
Active involvement and clear communication with your publicist are crucial. Here’s how to ensure your PR campaign aligns with your goals:
- Advocate for Your Goals: Be clear about your objectives and ensure your publicist understands them.
- Tailored Campaigns: Work with publicists who will create a campaign specifically for you, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Consistent Promotion: Make sure you’re promoting your media appearances effectively. Use every interview, review, and feature as high-quality content to engage your audience.
The Pitfalls of Misaligned PR Efforts
AN: As a podcast host, I’ve seen firsthand how misaligned PR efforts can waste resources. I receive pitches from PR firms for authors outside my niche—sci-fi authors, children’s authors, and more. My show only features nonfiction authors, and if these PR firms had listened to even one episode, they’d know their pitches were off target.
What This Means for You
LS: Spending five figures on PR might not yield results if the strategy is misaligned with your goals. PR firms promising placements in major publications like Forbes, or the New York Times, can be tempting, but these opportunities need to be right for your audience and book.
The Better Approach
Evaluate whether these mainstream placements align with your goals. Instead of focusing solely on high-profile outlets, diversify your strategy:
- Host Events: Organize or take part in events that put you in direct contact with your audience.
- Work with Influencers: Collaborate with influencers who have a strong following in your niche.
- Run a Comprehensive PR Campaign: A well-rounded campaign that includes media appearances, event participation, and digital marketing can be more effective than a single high-profile placement.
Conclusion: Building an Effective PR Strategy
In conclusion, PR can be incredibly effective when approached strategically. You don’t need to spend exorbitant amounts of money or have a massive audience to see results. What you need is a solid strategy, clear goals, and active involvement in your PR efforts.
Remember, a successful PR campaign is about quality, relevance, and authenticity. By building genuine relationships, engaging directly with your audience, and leveraging cost-effective strategies, you can elevate your author brand and achieve your goals without breaking the bank.
About Lilian
Storytelling and building relationships are the cornerstones of Lilian’s business as a PR coach and publicist. She empowers authors to gain the confidence to push past their limiting beliefs of fear, anxiety and imposter syndrome to harness the power of PR to achieve their goals of becoming global leading best-selling authors.
Through her coaching, webinars, workshops and campaigns, she de-mystifies the world of PR, giving her clients personalized support and clarity to develop strong PR mindsets, concrete goals and tailored strategies to help them get in front of the right audiences.
About Melody Ann
Melody Ann is the founder of Author Nation. She understands that writing a book starts with a long to-do list, most of the items a mystery. That’s why she developed the Book Success Blueprint and wrapped it in writing session, office hours, and more to provide accountability, support, and motivation when needed.
She has worked with both traditionally published and self-published authors and understands the pros and cons of each publishing path. Melody Ann has worked in almost every aspect of the publishing world.
Empower Yourself to PR Success
What should you do next? Here are three ideas:
Reframe Your Perspective: Shift your focus from believing you need a large audience or hefty budget for PR success. Instead, recognize that strategic planning and clear goals are key.
Explore Cost-Effective Strategies: Take immediate steps to engage with your audience and potential partners without overspending. Consider organizing local events, participating in book festivals, or collaborating with other authors.
Communicate Clearly with Your Publicist: If you’re working with a PR agency, ensure they understand your goals and preferences. Advocate for a tailored campaign that resonates with your vision and target audience, rather than relying solely on their expertise.