Creating Your Author Press Kit
© Theresa Harvard Johnson 2009
What is a press kit? A press kit, also called a media kit, is a package of information designed to promote you, the author, via distribution to the media, book reviewers, potential book stores and other entities for the purpose of publicizing your book, speaking topics and other related information.
Why do I need a press kit? A press kit provides quick, well-organized information at a glance printed inside a pocketed folder or saved as an electronic document for anyone interested in learning more about the author and his/her book(s). It is a great resource, particularly for book reviewers and journalists.
What should be included in a press kit? The overall design of press kits varies; however, as a former journalist I strongly recommend keeping it simple. In general a press kit for a first time author might include:
- A Cover Letter. This is a customizable letter of intro for your press kit.
- A Simple Bio. This would include a simple one or two paragraph bio on letterhead that introduces the author and discusses the purpose of the press kit.
- An Author Photo. A professional 8×10 professional headshot is best. Please note that this is optional, but a good professional photo personalizes your presentation and could spark additional interest. Authors may also combine their photo with their bio. How this is done, depends on the author's needs/preferences.
- A Book Fact Sheet. A press sheet listing useful facts about your book on letterhead like: the book title, the spelling of your name, publisher information, ISBN number, book price, book synopsis, bookstore locations, reviews, etc. This fact sheet would also include a photo of the book cover.
- A Press Release. A basic one-page, professional press release announcing the availability of your book.
- A Business Card. A matching business card that either lists your publicist's contact information or the author's information. This business card would be placed in the cardholder of the press kit.
- Post Cards. Post cards that can be used to promote your book on counters, table tops or other displays. These cards could include a photo of the book on the front, and contact information, a book signing schedule and ordering details on the back.
In addition, other information can also be included in your press kit. Keep in mind that you don't want more than eight and definitely not 15 sheets of paper stacked within the folds of your press kit or saved in an electronic file. Three or more of these items could be combined into neat, professional sections on a single 8.5×11 page. These additional items could include:
- Book excerpt;
- Book reviews and book endorsements;
- A list of media appearances or places where you were a keynote or guest speaker;
- News media clipping;
- Book trailers and/or audio clips on DVD; and/or
- Bookmarks.
Nice, gloss covered 8.5X11, pocket folders would work fine with your press kit. Those receiving your press kit are not generally concerned with how fancy the folders are. Instead, consider placing a custom designed label on your press kit that coordinates with your overall package design. (Part 2 Continued)
