It’s been a big day for me in terms of local media. The South West Times, ones of my local papers, ran an article about me, Fly-In Fly-Out Dad, and my visit to Dalyellup Primary yesterday, and then I was interviewed on ABC South West Radio, also about Fly-In Fly-Out Dad. Hopefully local residents aren’t sick of hearing about me at this point.

Both of these bits of coverage eventuated because, in the lead up to yesterday’s visit I asked the Capel library, who organised the visit, if they could promote it to local media. They did, and the result is fabulous.

If you are an author or illustrator trying to get the word out about your latest book, don’t overlook your local papers and radio stations. In fact, they should be on the top of your list of organisations to promote to (you do have one of those, don’t you?).  Here are my 7 quick tips for  working with local media to boost your profile.

1.   Remember that although YOU want to promote yourself and your book, media outlets aren’t in the business of free advertising – they are looking for content that will interest their  readership or listeners. You must offer something of interest other than ‘I have a new book and I want people to buy it.’) In my case, Fly-In Fly-Out Dad is really relevant to many local families.
2.  Be prepared. Even though you might get called up at the last minute (I got a phone call this morning, two hours before I was interviewed), you should always have, even if in your head, answers prepared for the kinds of questions you might get asked. These might be about your book, it’s particular subject matter and the writing/publishing process but will also possibly be personal questions about yourself. Think in advance about what you might say. Interview yourself as practice.
3.  Be flexible. When a media outlet suggests a date, time or location, try to fit them in. My interview and photo shoot for the paper was at 9.30 in the morning, which involved me getting up at 6 am and driving home from Perth.  Today I was planning a day at home working, but when I got the call I said yes and reorganised my day. If there’s a good reason for saying no to a day or time, explain why and also suggest an alternative time.
4.  Try new things. To be honest, I am terrified of live radio. There is no delete button, no opportunity to take it back. But saying yes and having a go means I now have a new skill.
5.  Be positive. Even if you are not having a great day, even if you are tired, or in pain, or stressed, put on a bright smile. Everyone loves a smile!
6.  Offer ideas (at appropriate times). For my photo shoot, I took along my hardhat and hi-vis vest and showed them to the photographer. He loved the novelty value, and, seeing the photo in the paper this morning I knew it was a good idea. For the radio interview I had nothing special in mind, but I took a copy of the book along in case the announcer hadn’t yet seen it.
7.  Cross promote the interview. I have shared the newspaper piece on Facebook and Twitter, and also let my Twitter followers know about my radio appearance both before and afterwards. Rather than just saying ‘look at this!’ or ‘listen to this!’ share the way you feel about it or why it’s relevant.

Local media is a wonderful resource for you as a creator. If you make yourself an equally wonderful resource for the media outlet, then great things can happen.