Thanks to WWW team member, media trainer Bren McClain for this post. Bren prepares authors for public speaking at conferences, book events, and media appearances, allowing each to craft their perfect author message!
With the advent of texting and Twitter and Facebook and blogging, guess what? Each one of us is a reporter now. And publisher, too.
So I have a question for you: Are you integrating your book message in each of these avenues? And how –and where– are you talking about your book, and yourself as an author? You should be thinking about what you want to say about your book to everyone you meet:
- What do you say to the woman behind in the grocery line tonight about your book? Or to your hairdresser?
- What does your energy show?
- Do you have a one sentence description that rolls off your tongue?
- Is there a smile on your face when you say it?
- What about a one paragraph description?
If you can become comfortable talking about your book in your everyday life, it’ll be easier to talk about it to agents and editors, to publishers, to readers at book signings, and to the mass media. Practicing with anyone and everyone you meet will allow you to perfect your demeanor and your message.
3 Questions to Prepare Your Perfect Author Message
Now, this is important. What you say about your book should drive both an action and a feeling. So let me ask you:
- Who is your main audience?
- What action and what feeling do you need to drive?
- What, then, is your ONE message that would drive both this action and feeling?
Notice how deliberate this mode of communication is, this setting of the lens. Too often, we just show up and start talking. I’m hoping you’ll begin thinking it through when you talk about your book and about yourself.
Decide exactly what you want your audience to believe about your book. Decide what you want your audience to think about you as an author.
Then tell them that.
Additional Resources
How to Use Public Speaking to Promote Your Self-published Book: A Case Study
Tips On Public Speaking For Authors, Creatives And Other Introverts
Bren McClain founded and is president of McClain Communications, Inc., established in 1990 as a communications consulting firm, specializing in Message Development and Delivery. She has worked with Algonquin and Workman authors for “Today Show” and “Good Morning America” appearances, as well as preparing authors prior to book tour launches. Besides her experience in media training authors and journalists, Bren is also is an award-winning fiction writer. Her newest novel, One Good Mama Bone, will hit bookshelves in 2016. @BrenMcClain