Pitches that worked: Landing radio interviews to help publicise my book
ALONGSIDE other work, I am trying to find time to continue to promote my book and touch wood, am starting to see some success on that score. I have no idea about sales as yet, but my efforts to burn the midnight oil and contact broadcast journalists in the hope that they may want to interview me, is beginning to pay off.
I did a really fun interview with Jeremy Vine last week too, though it had nothing to do with my book.
This came about because researchers found a piece online where I was ranting about something that happened to be in the news that day and I must have seemed a good bet to come on and give an opinion about it.
Similarly, another recent radio interview (with Radio Stoke) was the result of a researcher getting in touch to talk to me after reading my blog on multiple births and twins were in the news that day. I've also done TV interviews on this subject.
But promoting a book is a different proposition of course and can take some doing. PR work - especially on your own behalf takes a thick skin.
You can see the email I sent to various radio producers below. So far I have been invited to speak to listeners of three different shows. Two are yet to happen so I don't want to jinx them by saying where they are. The other was a local BBC community station. I have a copy of the interview on disk and if I could understand what I'm supposed to do to share it here, then I would.
In an ideal world I'd be picking up the phone and 'chasing' more researchers, attempting to engage people in conversation about why listeners could be interested. But well, I haven't had time.
Picking up on that is definitely one of my aspirations for 2008.
Here's that email. I hoped it may be helpful:
Re: Possible interview subject: Author warns wannabe writers the publishing world is not paved with gold…
How many of us dream of being the next JK Rowling, Philip Pullman or Marian Keyes?
But anyone who believes being an author is a pathway to riches is in for a shock!
Though the image of the starving writer scribbling away in their garret is dated, the average writer has seen their income drop from a measly £7,000 a year in 2000 (source: The Society of Authors) to £4,000, according to latest research.
Although six-figure advances for debut novelists and high profile politicians may grab the headlines, the reality is that most authors’ advances are miniscule, if they exist at all.
I’m getting in touch in the hope that you may be interested in an interview which can provide realistic advice for aspiring writers. I’m a first time author and my book, the very modestly-titled (!) Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World, is out now.
A recent ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority said that the Writers Bureau, whose ads we all see over many papers promising riches, that the advertising is ‘misleading.’ They’d claimed one lady was a ‘best selling’ author and that another had gained a £25,000 advance – both claims were unfounded.
I can offer your listeners sound advice on aspects including:
* Realistic expectations of the life of a writer
* Finding a reputable tutor or course
* How to set up as a freelancer
Many thanks for reading, I’ll look forward to any feedback,
Best wishes
Linda Jones
www.freelancewritingtips.com
(Phone numbers)
The full Writers Bureau adjudication is here:
http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/adjudications/Public/TF_ADJ_43467.htm
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