Getting Your Story and Book on T.V. in 5 Steps, by Rodney Fife

This article by publicist Rodney Fife caught my attention, and he generously agreed to allow me to reprint it here in my blog. His tips on marketing in the digital age are needful for most authors who, like me, find marketing their work their weakest gift on the publishing wheel. 

Fife worked as a publicist with a Utah-based publishing firm before launching Ironrod Media. More of Rodney's media tips are available on his blog at http://ironrodmedia.com/ironrod-media-blog.html. 

You can contact Rodney via Ironrod Media's website at http://www.ironrodmedia.com/about.html. I so appreciate him allowing me to post this article. 

Getting Your Story and Book on T.V. in 5 Steps by Rodney Fife

On many news channels, you will see authors talking about their stories or their books on air. Have you ever wondered how they were able to get themselves on air? You may have asked yourself why that book on air and not my book.

There are many reporters currently looking for reliable and authentic sources for their stories or articles. The way to get their notice and garner a news story for your book relies on you ability to tell your story and to pitch it efficiently. 

Step 1 Opportunities

The first step in getting a story on air is to look for open opportunities. Vocus has set up a program called Help a Reporter Out. This program allows reporters to ask for experts to answer a particular question on a subject they are writing on. This free resource allows you to pitch yourself to a reporter looking to write. Another free service is presspass.me this service allows you to tweet a specific writer a tip or story idea.

Step 2 Prepare Your Pitch

Now that you know where to find potential leads, how do you actually pitch your book? First you should be able to write effectively and tell your story in 200 words or less. This generic pitch should be engaging and should make the reader want more information.

 Step 3 Rewrite Your Pitch

Now that you have the query from the reporter you need to rewrite your pitch to the journalist’s query. For instance, if you wrote a self-help book on happiness and the query you see is a travel piece. You may want to talk about “How an excellent vacation could lead to overall happiness,” or “A good golf trip can make you happy.” Mold your story around the query from the media source. If you are effective in doing so, you will find that you have a lot more success in getting the results you want.

Step 4 Interview Well

 Now that you have a reporter interested they will probably want to interview you. You may learn that they would like to have you on air. Here are some simple tips to be successful. Have fun. Learn to relax and be yourself. You will perform a lot better if you are not stiff from fear. Answer the host’s questions directly and straight to the point. Throw in material from your story if applicable. Always direct the audience where to buy your book.

Step 5 Promote the News story

Now that you have had the interview and did very well. It is not time to relax. You should promote the story to your followers, friends and family. Let everyone you know about the wonderful news. Often other media outlets will call you to find out more.

Here is a real life example:

Betsy Schow wrote a wonderful book called “Finished Being Fat.” Here is a brief synopsis. Not everyone can win the race, but everyone can finish it. In her quest to wish away an extra 75 pounds, Betsy changed her life for good. Using her Philosophy of Finishing, she snowballed her efforts from weight loss into a bucket list of seemingly impossible dreams. This inspiring account of one woman's journey will help you find the strength to conquer your most daunting goals and unfinished projects.

Step 1:

I found an interesting story lead for the Wall Street Journal. Elizabeth Bernstein, WSJ Columnist, wanted to do a story on “When One Partner Is Overweight, Resolving Conflict in the Relationship Takes Two.” I let Betsy know about this lead.

Step 2 & 3:

Together Betsy and I put together a pitch focusing on Elizabeth’s query. Betsy received a call from Elizabeth. An online interview was scheduled.

Step 4: Betsy did a great job interviewing.

Step 5: Due to the wonderful interview with the WSJ. The Today Show called and asked Betsy to come to New York. Watch the great job she did with them. 

The main point of this article is your story can be told on TV. If you would like to ask me questions on promotion or need additional assistance in getting media attention for your book, please contact me at PR@Ironrodmedia.com or visit us at http://Ironrodmedia.com

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