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Managing your author reputation online

Part Four: Unlocking Author PR | Managing Your Author Reputation Online

Leave a Comment / Book Buzz Builder: Promote Your Book, Expert Interviews / By

This is part four 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 including managing your author reputation online.

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.

You can find the video of the entire interview at the end of the blog post.

Debunking Myths and Navigating Publicity: Essential Tips for Nonfiction Authors

As a nonfiction authors embark on your journey to promote your work, navigating the world of publicity can be both exciting and daunting. 

In this part, we debunk one more persistent myth and provide actionable strategies to enhance your publicity efforts.

The Myth: Any Publicity is Good Publicity

LS: One of the oldest myths in the industry is that any publicity is good publicity. While the adage might hold some truth, it doesn’t apply in the digital age. Today, with the internet and social media’s vast reach and permanence, any negative attention can resurface and impact your reputation long-term.

Reality Check: We often don’t even think about managing our author reputation online. But before launching any campaign, it’s imperative to conduct thorough research. Scrub the internet for any controversial content that might be associated with you—whether it’s an old social media post or a youthful indiscretion. Ensuring your digital footprint aligns with your current image can prevent unpleasant surprises during your book promotion tour.

"Every time you reach out to a producer, to an editor, to a writer, the main thing they're going to want to know when they look at your pitch is, okay, why should my audience care about this?" -Lilian Sue

People Can Change, But the Internet is Forever

Although society often struggles to let people move past their mistakes, it’s essential to control your narrative. While we should acknowledge that people grow and change, you must protect yourself from those who might dig up your past to undermine your current efforts.

Action Plan: Take initiative to managing your author reputation online. This doesn’t mean denying your past, but ensuring that past mistakes don’t overshadow your present achievements. Use this understanding to build a resilient strategy that acknowledges personal growth while minimizing potential backlash.

Mistakes Authors Make in Public Relations Campaigns

Launching a successful PR campaign requires more than just sending out pitches. Authors often fall into several common traps that can derail their efforts. 

Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

  1. Lack of Mindset Preparedness:
    • Pitfall: Allowing rejection to sabotage your campaign.
    • Solution: Cultivate a strong mindset. Remember, rejections are part of the process. They don’t reflect the worthiness of your story.
  2. Undefined Story and Messaging:
    • Pitfall: Not knowing what you want to tell people.
    • Solution: Clearly define your story and key messages. Identify what makes your journey compelling and how it connects with your audience.
  3. Targeting the Wrong Audience:
    • Pitfall: Pitching to the wrong media outlets.
    • Solution: Research and identify the right journalists, bloggers, and influencers who are interested in stories like yours.

Strategic Public Relations for Nonfiction Authors

A well-rounded PR strategy involves several steps:

  1. Solidify Your Mindset: Recognize that the road will have its challenges and prepare mentally to handle them.
  2. Craft Your Message: Clearly articulate your story and what makes it unique. This is your brand.
  3. Develop a Strategy: Identify who your ideal readers are and where they spend their time. Tailor your outreach to match these preferences.

Paid Media vs. Earned Media

Authors often wonder whether they should pay for media exposure. While earned media (free coverage) is ideal, paid opportunities can also be valuable if approached correctly.

Evaluating Paid Media:

  • Research the Outlet: Ensure it has a solid reputation and aligns with your goals.
  • Assess the Value: Determine what the fee includes. Are they offering additional promotions, like social media ads or newsletter features?
  • Budget Wisely: Weigh the cost against your overall strategy. Ensure that spending on one opportunity doesn’t limit your other promotional activities.

Case Study: The $5,000 Podcast Opportunity

Consider Lilian’s author client who had a chance to appear on a high-profile podcast for crime thriller authors but faced a $5,000 fee. 

Lilian’s key advice was to:

  • Evaluate what the fee covers.
  • Consider the podcast’s audience and reputation.
  • Balance this expense within the broader PR budget to avoid over-committing resources to a single opportunity.

Final Thoughts

For nonfiction authors, navigating the complexities of PR requires a balanced approach. By debunking myths, preparing a solid strategy, and carefully evaluating opportunities, you can effectively manage your publicity and enhance your book’s reach. 

Remember, a well-thought-out PR campaign is not just about getting any attention—it’s about getting the right attention.

Melody Ann Owen, Creator of the Book Success Blueprint

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.

Author Nation’s Promotion Checklist

Author Nation’s Promotion Calendar

Lilian Sue, PR Coach and Publicist

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.

Lilian’s Website

Lilian’s Book

Evaluate and Refine Your Message

Now you know more about managing your online image, here are your next two steps:

  1. Audit Your Online Presence: Thoroughly review your digital footprint. Search for any past controversies or outdated content that might harm your current reputation. Take steps to clean up or mitigate any risks associated with old social media posts or past incidents.
  2. Refine Your Story and Messaging: Define your narrative clearly. Identify what aspects of your journey as an author are most interesting and relevant to your target audience. Ensure your messaging aligns with your current goals and values, emphasizing personal growth and achievements.
Disclaimer: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. Please understand that we have experience with these products, and we recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make.

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