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Welcome to Season 5 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.
In this episode, Becky talks to Leah Paulos—Founder of Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School. Listen as Leah shares her advice for navigating book publicity, explains how authors can find their audiences, and outlines strategies for breaking through the noise to get as much media attention for a book as possible.
Key Points From This Episode:
[01:16] Leah introduces herself and talks about her work in the world.
[02:15] Leah elaborates on the types of authors she supports and works with at Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School.
[03:45] Is it possible to tell whether or not a book is going to be a big success in the media? Leah explains.
[06:22] Discover how authors can navigate a book launch during an election year like 2024.
[09:55] Leah explains what she might avoid or seek out when it comes time to decide on a release date for a book that’s being published during an election year.
[12:07] Leah shares some tips for authors to break through the noise of the media when everyone’s attention is scattered.
[15:44] What kind of promotion can an author expect from a publisher? Leah describes what an author should prepare for.
[17:53] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.
[21:07] Leah talks about the connection between publicity and book sales.
[24:21] PR can help people with more than just selling books. Learn how.
[25:53] Leah reflects on how she has seen PR shift over the years and what has remained the same.
[28:48] Leah reveals why authors should be paying attention to other experts and books in their field.
[33:28] Leah shares an exercise for crafting a good email subject line.
Action Steps:
- In the next week, as you’re sending out potential pitches for your book or reaching out to someone to support your book, look at your subject line a little closer. See if you can experiment with different subject lines to increase the traction of your messages.
- If you’re curious about how to get more traction for your book, look at what other successful authors in your space are doing. Check out the conversations they’re having and the media they are earning.
Resources:
- Learn more about Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School.
- Connect with Leah on LinkedIn.
- Follow Press Shop PR/Book Publicity School on LinkedIn.
- Follow Press Shop PR on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Key Quotes:
With the media, nothing is guaranteed. —Leah Paulos
When it’s an election year, it’s just more intense. It’s more fast-paced, there’s more noise, and people’s attention is limited. —Leah Paulos
You have to really get specific and niche down—really think about the people that are going to respond to your work. —Leah Paulos
You have to come up with really compelling language to get somebody to bite on your book. —Leah Paulos
Every author is the Chief Marketing Officer for their book. —Becky Robinson
People are thirsty for information, and they’re thirsty for stories. —Leah Paulos
You want to pay a lot of attention to similar books in your space, how they’re landing in the media, and what has led to their success. —Leah Paulos
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Read our latest article based on key takeaways from this episode.
Explore our archives! Listen to Becky’s five favorite episodes:
- Episode 125 with Michael Bungay Stanier
- Episode 121 with Juliet Starrett
- Episode 112 with Clint Pulver
- Episode 108 with AJ Harper
- Episode 106 with Jane Friedman
I am the founder/CEO of the Weaving Influence team, the author of Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and the host of the Book Marketing Action Podcast. I’m a wife and mom of three kids, and I enjoy running, reading, writing, coffee, and dark chocolate.