From Media Kit to Media Coverage

Why a Media Kit Alone Won’t Get You Coverage

You created a media kit. It looks great. It’s sitting in your Google Drive… and now what? If you’re wondering how to go from media kit to media coverage, you’re not alone. Many nonfiction authors build a beautiful media kit and then freeze, unsure how to actually use it. But a media kit isn’t magic. It doesn’t work unless you make it work—for you.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a practical, proven book publicity strategy for authors that transforms a static PDF into real opportunities.

Key Takeaways for Nonfiction Authors:
Your media kit is only effective when paired with a smart publicity strategy
Pitch podcasts with personalized, targeted emails
Tie pitches to current events when contacting journalists
Customize your one sheet for bookstores and speaking gigs

Make Your Media Kit Work for You with Podcast Interviews

For nonfiction authors, podcasts are a goldmine. They offer:

Niche, targeted audiences
Long-form, trust-building conversations
A platform that’s always looking for new voices

But don’t mass pitch. Instead, make your media kit work for you by doing your research. Find shows that fit your topic and audience, then personalize your email. Attach your one sheet or full media kit with your bio, suggested questions, and contact info.

As a podcast host myself, I can tell you—when someone makes it easy for me to say yes, I’m far more likely to invite them on.

Book Publicity Strategy for Authors: Pitch Journalists with Timely Angles

Whether it’s a local newspaper or a national media outlet, journalists are always seeking expert voices to weigh in on current events.

Your media kit becomes your press-ready portfolio:

Your professional bio
A high-quality headshot
A compelling book summary
Suggested story angles or talking points

Now, take it further: personalize your pitch and tie it to a current topic in the news. Refer to the journalist’s past work to show you’re a match. This simple, strategic approach helps reporters say “yes” faster—because you’ve just made their job easier.

No need for a publicist—you can use this classic book publicity strategy for authors yourself.

From Media Kit to Bookstore Shelf: Outreach Tips for Authors

Bookstores, libraries, and community events all need fresh voices—but they don’t have time to dig around. Be proactive. A polished media kit shows you’re serious, professional, and ready to collaborate.

Tailor your one sheet for each type of contact:

For bookstores: Include buying info (ISBN, price, distributor, returnability)
For speaking: Include event topics, audience takeaways, and past appearances

This shows them you’re prepared and that you’ve done your homework. Many bookstores start with consignment, but as your book proves itself, that relationship can grow.

Use this outreach to make your media kit work for you and open real-world doors for your book.

Book Publicity Strategy Recap: Be Visible and Easy to Work With

You can’t wait for someone to “discover” your media kit. You have to show up and pitch. Whether it’s podcasts, journalists, or bookstores, your job is to make yourself—and your book—easy to say “yes” to.

Pick one to start:
Pitch a podcast
Email a journalist
Contact a local bookstore

Which strategy are you trying first? Drop a comment—I’d love to cheer you on.

And if you don’t have a media kit yet, no problem. I’ve got resources linked below to help you build one from scratch.

Keep writing. Keep showing up. Your story matters—and this is how you help it find its readers.

Implementing the ideas from this episode

Will help you move from passive promotion to proactive visibility, which is essential in today’s crowded publishing world. Instead of waiting to be discovered, authors can take simple, strategic steps to secure media coverage, build credibility, and reach new readers. This shift not only grows their audience but also positions them as experts—boosting both book sales and speaking opportunities.

How This Helps Their Author Journey:

Visibility: Proactively pitching gets your name and message in front of readers who need your book.
Credibility: Being featured on podcasts or in articles builds trust and authority in your niche.
Momentum: Each media win fuels the next—more exposure leads to more opportunities.

3 Quick Action Items (Takes Only Minutes!):

Research One Relevant Podcast
→ Spend 5 minutes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify searching your topic.
→ Note one show that fits your book’s message and audience.
Update Your One Sheet
→ Add a current headline or news tie-in to your media kit.
→ This shows journalists you’re a timely and relevant expert.
Send a Personalized Pitch Email
→ Pick one local bookstore, podcast host, or journalist.
→ Write a short email (3–4 sentences) explaining why your book is a great fit—and attach your media kit.

Keep writing and keep thriving,

Melody Ann

Author Nation is your go-to resource for becoming a successful nonfiction author, from planning to promotion and everything in between.

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From Media Kit to Media Coverage | Make Your Media Kit Work for You