The least expensive way to get the word out about your book is through the media. Print media options include newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and Sunday school take-home papers.

There are a several ways of getting coverage in these types of publications:

Interviews

Articles

Book reviews

When approaching newspapers, attempt to tie into a national holiday or current event to give them a reason to act now. If that is not a possibility, then let them know you are a local author and suggest a specific, local tie-in angle for the story.

When approaching magazines, find ones that target your ideal audience. Don’t pitch your article on parenting to Biblical Archaeology or World magazines. Study several issues of the magazine to make sure your article or excerpt is geared specifically for their audience.

Once you’ve selected three or four magazines to target, request their theme list, editorial calendar, and/or writers’ guidelines (these are often posted online).

Keep in mind that many magazines and take-home papers plan 6-9 months out, and not all of them make their editorial schedule available. But if they do, and you can target your article to something on their editorial list, your chances of getting accepted are much greater.

When contacting a publication to request a book review, directly contact the editor who handles book reviews. Find out their submission requirements, as some want a “bound galley,” some want an “unbound galley,” some want the published book, and some don’t care one way or another.

(If you are a WinePress author), let them know you can provide them with a digital image of the cover if they need it for the review, and include your press kit so they have background information on you when they do the book review.