Last week I sent out a few extra emails. Emails that read:
-I’ve been meaning to congratulate you on xxx.
-How are you holding up – I know you’ve had a rough go and I just want you to know I’m thinking of you.
-I just want to say thanks for your referrals and your wisdom.
-You’ve been in my head and I just wanted to say hi.
The weeks go by so quickly. The days are filled with meetings, deliverables, and requests. Sometimes, we just can’t help but put etiquette aside. But it’s never too late to show gratitude and kindness.
Now, let’s answer some PR and Marketing questions…
So you’re interested in hiring a publicist? Here are some of the common questions I get asked during the discussion phase:
Do you work on commission or for royalties? This is a big no for most seasoned publicists. The math on royalties just doesn’t work. Despite the outcome of any campaign, PR pros put in significant hours, and a good number of us respond to client needs well outside of standard business hours and days of the week. The bottom line is don’t ask anyone to work for free. What you do want to ask is how the fee structure works: Is it a monthly retainer or a project fee and for how long?
Can you only focus on getting me only national press? I’m certain many publicists will say yes to this and in a previous year, I might have said sure too, but the answer to this question today is sorry, that just won’t work for me or for you. A publicist worth her salt is going to ask you what your goals are and where you would like to see yourself. And then she’s going to tell you where else you can and should be because she’s prepared to slice and dice your story for numerous audiences. I’ve found that a good majority of folks in the market for a publicist have little idea about the media out there – the magazines still in circulation, the outlets that have a books focus, those websites that have the best books roundups. And because national media is the hardest get, your campaign may not meet expectations.
I’ve written some articles, can you try and get them placed? I’m happy to take a look at what you’ve written and discuss your goals for placement. But I really want the client to come to me having done his research as to the possibilities. Too often I’m told to go after high-circulation magazines that are either no longer in print, not open to submissions, or whose content isn’t the right fit. When this happens, I will counter with some outlets that I believe could work.
Can you seek out blurbs for me? I’m sure there are some publicists that do help here, but many do not. Our primary focuse is getting media. Writer Unboxed contributor Barbara Linn Probst wrote a great piece for Jane Friedman on getting book endorsements.
This may be a stupid question, but…There are no stupid questions. Please ask. I really want to answer. The more we communicate, the better a client understands this journey we’re on together.
Here are some other articles to read on:
- The difference between PR and Marketing
- Working with book influencers and Facebook groups
- Industry changes
- Social media and keeping up with The Joneses
Got a PR and Marketing tip or question? Drop it below and I’ll do my best to answer it in my next post.