by: Annette Gisby

So,m you've had your book published or you've gone the
self-published route, but what do you do now?
You contact a newspaper, radio or television station requesting an
interview and they ask you to send them a press kit.
First of all, don't panic. A press kit is not some magical entity
that only those published by the big houses can have. You can create
an affordable and great looking press kit on your own.
Here are some things that you can include in your press kit to send
to interested reviewers and interviewers.

An author's bio detailing all your professional writing credits,
contest wins, short stories, articles etc. A little bit about what
you enjoy in your spare time, but most of it should be about your
writing life.
Include the clippings (or photocopies of them) from newspapers or
magazines where your articles have appeared. If you've only ever
written for the web, print out a copy of the article and mention
the website where it was selected to appear. Don't include your
own website as a writing credit.

An author photograph, as professional as possible. A head and
shoulders shot is usal. Don't send your latest holiday snaps.
A picture of your book's cover, or postcard or poster of it.
Any previous good reviews you have had for your book.
Any speaking engagements or booksigning events that you have
coming up. Or the details of previous ones and how successful they
were.

You could also inlcude a previous interview, it might save them
some time and at least you know what sort of questions might be
asked of you.
If you can afford it, a nice presentation folder for your press kit
goes down well, but it isn't a necessity. On your website, you can
also list the things above as a virtual press kit, but if a
newspaper etc. ask for a press kit, don't just send them to the
website. They would probably prefer everything in hard copy, but it
doesn't hurt to ask if they would accept an electronic copy.


About The Author

Annette Gisby is a novelist and freelance writer. Her articles
have appeared both in print and online, and to date she has
three fiction books published, Silent Screams, Drowning
Rapunzel and Shadows of the Rose. Her non-fiction book,
Writing the Dream has lots more hints and tips for writers.
Please visit Annette's website for more information on her
books: www.annettegisby.n3.net