These days, more and more authors want to turn their books into movies. This is no surprise as streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are more popular today than ever before and always in need of fresh content.
So the question is, how can you connect with a Hollywood agent who can turn your dream into a reality? Below is my list of all the tips, tricks, and resources you need to do just that. No matter what strategies you utilize, be patient. Remember, Hollywood movies don’t make their debut overnight. It will take a great deal of time, creativity, and persistence for your book to reach movie status.
Dr. Ken Atchity, a literary manager who developed The Meg stated that Walt Disney Studios bought the rights to the book in the 1990’s. It didn’t get produced until Warner Brothers did it in 2014. Allan Scott, the producer of the Queen’s Gambit revealed it took 30 years, and 9 rewrites for the movie to come to life. The moral of the story? Never give up.
Write a Script First
Hollywood agents want to see how your book has the potential to become a top movie. That’s why it’s a good idea to write a script yourself. With a well-written script, you’re far more likely to spark interest and inspire those in Hollywood. This is the first step you should take before you look for people to pitch to. If script writing is not your skill set, then hire it out. Here’s an article I wrote about that option. How to Get Your Book Adapted into a Screenplay.
Use a Matchmaking Service
If you were looking for someone to date, a matchmaking service might be a good option. The same holds true if you’re in search of a Hollywood agent. While there are a number of matchmaking services out there, here are my top picks.
Greenlight My Movie: This should be on your radar if you have a short film, book, screenplay, or true story. You’ll get a guaranteed response from Hollywood buyers and representatives.
Hollywood Pitch Festival: Head on over to the Hollywood Pitch Festival and pitch your book to A-list buyers and representatives.
InkTip: You can use InkTip to get your script noticed. It’s been around since 2000 and is currently used by thousands of producers, agents, managers and other pros in the industry.
Spec Scout: After you submit your script to Spec Scout, you’ll receive detailed comments on its strengths and weaknesses. If you score above 75 on a 100 point scale, you’ll be listed as a “Scouted” writer and may land some great exposure.
Be Cautious of Trends
All too often a successful movie comes out and writers try to write a similar story with their own twist. The truth is that Hollywood agents don’t want to see the same ol’ plots. Do your best to keep your book original. While it’s easier said than done to think out of the box, doing so is essential if you’d like to stand out.
Ask Agents If They Can Take a Look
It may be tempting to simply send your script to several of agents. According to Richard Walter, UCLA’s screenplay expert, this strategy will likely send your message to the trash. Instead, send an intro letter or email to these agents where you introduce yourself. Then, ask them if they’re willing to take a look at your script. If you get a reply like “go for it,” congratulations, your foot is in the door.
Network, Network, Network
According to Daniel Parsons, bestselling author of several series, networking is the key to finding a Hollywood agent who is interested in your work. Attend writer’s conferences, festivals, and a variety of social events. When you do, be prepared with your short elevator pitch. You never know who you may meet and you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Rank Highly on Amazon Books
Let’s be honest. If you’re popular on Amazon, your chances of getting noticed by Hollywood agents and movie producers are pretty high. While it will take a great deal of effort and determination, do your best to get your book ranked in the top 1% of Amazon Books. This worked for self-published author, Colleen Houck whose book Tiger’s Curse is currently being turned into a movie.
Connect with Agents on LinkedIn and Facebook
There are many authors out there who already have established relationships with Hollywood agents so it only makes sense to find them on Facebook or connect with them on LinkedIn. Harness the power of social media.
Keep your finger on the pulse of Hollywood by looking at a list of directors who’ve been nominated for awards and see which agents represent them and who repped the originating book. Keep up to date on changes in representation with IMDbPro Track. IMDb is THE place to be. Study it. You can find anybody in the film business with IMDb.”
Enter Your Book in Screenplay Competitions
Caren Lisssner’s book “Carrie Pilby” was turned into a film starring Nathan Lane by a Hollywood film director and three producers. She encourages authors to take advantage of screenplay competitions because you never know what will happen. I use FilmFreeway to submit my client’s screenplays to dozens of the thousands of film festivals worldwide. My clients have won 100+ awards worldwide. When we get a win Westwind Book Marketing sends out a press release.
Embrace the Roadblocks
One of my clients, Jonathan Sanger, penned a memoir called “The Making of the Elephant Man, A Producer’s Memoir” He tells the story of the screenplay he received from his children’s babysitter and how he eventually turned it into a classic movie. Sanger explains all of the hardships that he was faced with along the way and how he overcame them.
The Bottom Line: Your book or screenplay will not turn itself into a movie. You must place it in front of the right eyes. An agent can help you do it. Good luck!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
Before scheduling authors for media interviews one of the most important things I convey is that an interview is a conversation… NOT a Speech.
I was interviewed recently by Vanessa Denha Garmo on WJR in Detroit about my own book called Book Title Generator. We discussed the importance of a good title that is memorable. Because when you’re driving down the freeway and you catch an interview with an author you want to remember the title so you can buy it!
Off air, Vanessa confessed that she had a 14-minute interview with a guest on her show which airs on Ave Maria Radio. “He engaged in one my biggest pet peeves. He shared all his information in the first questions asked. He was informative but longwinded,” said Garmo.
She said that she managed to get in just two questions during the entire interview and ended having to cut him off. “I despise interrupting a guest in mid-sentence, but we ran out of time. This is not the first time this has happened. When I sense someone is answering more than the question, I let them know how much time there is left in the interview,” said Garmo.
One rule to follow is that if the answer to a question takes you two minutes to answer, you have spoken too long. Garmo conducts media training sessions with clients, and coaches them to answer the question and move on. Remember, give the interviewer an opportunity to ask more questions. It’s the host’s show, not yours.
As a book publicist, we supply the media with suggested questions to guide the interview and to assist them in case they’ve not had time to read the book. When being interviewed on the radio, TV or for a podcast, we make those questions concise, informative and to the point. With print reporters, you have more leeway but when you are on broadcast interview, you have a specific amount of time to talk, and the host will cut you off if you are verbose.
Also, keep in mind that an interview is an audition for a repeat visit, or another show produced by the host or producer. One of my favorite talk show hosts first brings my clients on for a podcast and if she likes them she’ll bring them back for a TV interview. They won’t want to bring you back on if you ramble or take up the entire interview segment answering one question. The interview is a conversation, not a monologue.
Garmo says the best way to avoid this issue is to prepare ahead of time. Anticipate the questions that could be asked… in case they don’t use your own questions.
Then practice answering the questions. You could even record yourself answering the questions and watch your time. Find out ahead how long the interview will be and prepare for the exact points you want to get across. Part of managing a message is managing the time you take answering a question.
Here are Vanessa Denha Garmo’s basic strategies when being interviewed on LIVE TV, Radio or a Podcast.
Manage the time by knowing how much time you have for a LIVE interview.
Prepare your points ahead of time.
If you are truly an expert, you will know the subject well. Share what you know.
Be specific and to the point.
Share stories that are brief and relevant.
Be genuine and authentic by being yourself.
Always Speak the TRUTH!
I like to remind my clients that an interview is a conversation many people are listening to and requires ‘give and take’ during the process.
The Bottom Line: Remember, an interview is a conversation, not a monologue or a SPEECH! Get media training. Don’t wing it!
If you would like to get professional media training with Communications Strategist, Vanessa Denha Garmo please visit her website: https://epiphanyccc.com/
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
As a book publicist I get asked by clients and authors about going to the National Publicity Summit in New York. I’ve attended almost every Summit since Steve Harrison started it and go once or twice a year to create new media relationships, maintain old ones and of course, to pitch my clients to the media. Through the Summit, I’ve gotten clients booked on Fox News, PBS, CNBC, MSNBC and a number of national magazines.
I represent a lot of authors. Here’s the problem: authors have to do most of the promotion of their books if they want them to sell. Even if you’ve been picked up by one of the big publishing houses, they only do so much to get you media attention. This is the reality.
So, let’s say you decide to get media attention yourself. You plan your trip to New York City, where most of the big media are headquartered. You roll into Manhattan with your strategy all laid out: “First, I’m going to try to meet with the producer of Good Morning America, and then I’m going to Fox News, and then I’m going to see the guy at Reuters. After lunch, I’m going to try to talk to the Today Show and then I’m going to stop by and see if I can talk to the producer of 60 Minutes.”
Forget about it. It’s not going to happen.
Reason #1 why I recommend the Summit for many people is access, one-on-one, to these media gatekeepers in a very efficient and organized event. But is it for every author? Depending on your situation, it may or may not make sense to go. I’d recommend it if you have a consumer-oriented, non-fiction topic. Does it have broad audience appeal? Can your book help the average person in their day-to-day lives? If so, then it makes sense for you to consider attending.
If you have a highly technical topic such as how computers work, or one about a historical event such as WWII, it probably doesn’t make sense to go to the Publicity Summit, unless you can connect your book to current trends. (In fact, the Summit staff will probably turn down your application if they feel that the media would not be interested in the topic.) Generally, fiction, poetry and books about localized topics will not do well at the Summit. For example, a book about the best bars in Chicago would probably not be of interest to the national media who attend the Summit.
Should you go if you feel you’re not ready to meet the media? Here’s the dirty little secret: no-one feels ready. Don’t worry about that. If you’re an expert with a decent topic with a unique angle, the Summit can work for you. Go there to build relationships, yes, but also go to get feedback from the news industry professionals. I’ve seen people before the Summit starts coming in thinking they’re heading in one direction, then after having interacted with 100 journalists and producers, leaving with all new information or direction…a better book title, the perfect pitch, new business ventures and relationships.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
Whether you’re a new author or have been on the New York Times Bestseller List for years, literary agents are likely top of mind. After all, these professionals may be just what you need to get published or take your career to the next level. A quality agent can review your manuscript and help you land a lucrative book deal.
Since literary agents are so integral to success, I came up with this revealing compilation of interviews with literary agents. Tune in and prepare to be inspired! Sometimes all that it takes is a little insight into the process that can help you gain a competitive edge and succeed in your writing career.
Jeff Herman is a well-respected agent and the author of “Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents.” He entered book publishing in his mid 20s when he didn’t have much experience. Since he had to figure out a lot on his own, he wrote this book to steer new authors in the right direction. In my opinion, investing in this book is a must, no matter where you are in your career. Once you read it, you’ll find it well worth the money.
Brooks Sherman shares what he looks for in a query letter. He explains that the most effective letters focus on plot and character rather than themes or messages. In addition, he likes to learn about a writer’s educational background as well as details about any past publications and writer’s workshops they’ve participated in.
Mollie Glick states that she loves her job as a literacy agent because it challenges her to figure out how to push messages that are worth sharing into the world. She often reaches out to authors who have accomplished something that is incredibly inspirational or post something that sparks an interesting conversation.
Sallyanne Sweeney explains that she enjoys working with writers on manuscripts that they might have been working on for years. She loves to see the transformation from an initial idea to a finished book and being involved in every aspect of the publishing process.
Howard Yoon explains that the process of working with an author is a lot like dating. During the first couple of meetings, you’re not sure if things are going to work out. When it actually does work, everything clicks. Yoon chooses books he believes have a valuable contribution to the world.
Mark Gottlieb talks about how authors can go about finding agents. He says that authors should always aim high and think highly of themselves. Gottlieb recommends Publishers Marketplace, which ranks publishers by number of books deals and lets you filter your search by genre.
Alyssa Jennette talks about what authors should do before seeking an agent. She suggests they send their work to a critique group, an editor, or another professional so they can look it over and provide feedback before it gets in front of an agent. This way it’ll be as ready for publishing as possible.
Jessica Reino reinforces the fact that every author is unique so it’s important to write what you want to write and edit your work the way you see fit. She also discusses Twitter and other social media platforms, which she highly recommends to nonfiction authors. Reino notes that if you’re going to create social media outlets, only do so if you’re going to actively use them.
Eva Scalzo encourages her authors to tell her which editors and publishers they’d like to work with as many have specific preferences. She advises them on what they need to know about these professionals and organizations and helps them come up with a backup plan.
Katie Greenstreet explains that she looks for a very unique voice in the first chapter. She loves quirky narrators and will always be drawn to something that she hasn’t seen before. Greenstreet also wants to know that an author truly understands the big picture of their work and conveys it clearly in their synopsis.
Jim McCarthy explains that there are plenty of great books, but he can’t represent them for the sole reason that he doesn’t have the editorial vision for them. He reinforces the fact that authors should find agents that are worthy of them.
Stephen Barbara reveals that his role as an agent is a combination of support, advocacy, and a little bit of therapy. He also explains that he likes query letters that prove writers have done their research and know who he is and what he’s done in the past.
Broo Doherty discusses general questions about literary agents and gives insight about what it’s like to be an agent. She also dives deep into what she’s looking for in new clients and how she manages her existing client base.
Ted Weinstein states that the keys to success for any author come down to two things: marketability and personal passion. He also encourages authors to do their research when looking for agents and recommends a few great books for them to read.
Davinia Andrew-Lynch goes over the typical day of a literary agent. She explains that every day is different. Some days are packed with meetings while others are filled with editing manuscripts. There are also days reserved for admin work like sorting through contracts and consulting with designers about covers.
Renowned agent Donald Maass founded the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 1980. His agency sells more than 150 novels to major publishers on a national and global level. He states that he tries to articulate why a certain plot or character isn’t working to truly help authors.
Andrea Somberg has been a literary agent for over 15 years and represents several New York Times bestselling authors. In this hour-long interview, she discusses a number of topics, including what draws her to queries, what types of authors succeed, and how new authors can grow their careers.
Chip MacGregor has represented many big-time authors including Brennan Manning, Vincent Zandri, Rachel Hauck, Mindy Clark, Irene Hannon, Bonnie Gray, and Michelle McKinney. In this interview, he talks about the changing world of publishing, primarily in the Christian market.
The Bottom Line: Watch these literary agent interviews. Take notes. Even if they don’t represent your genre, they can offer your insight into the process of “Getting A BOOK DEAL.”
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
There’s nothing sweeter than a romance novel in movie form. If you’ve written a romantic comedy, you may be wondering what it takes to get it turned into a Hallmark movie. Fortunately, the Hallmark Channel clearly outlines the steps you must take to bring your heartwarming work to its audience. Here’s an overview of what it entails.
Understand the Hallmark Channel’s Ideal Novels
Hallmark looks for uplifting and inspirational novels related to romantic love, family love, and love between friends. The ideal story ranges from 75,000 to 90,000 words with relatable characters that overcome conflict and an ending filled with hope and happiness. While Hallmark’s stories typically take place in the U.S. the channel is open to American stories overseas.
When it comes to contemporary romance, Hallmark is most interested in beach settings, Valentine’s Day and Christmas stories, laugh-out-loud romance comedies, novels with a unique time element as well as those that involve brothers or male best friends. The Hallmark channel is open to all types of submissions so don’t be afraid to intrigue them with something that’s not on their list.
It’s important to note that Hallmark does steer away from paranormal romance, romantic suspense, young adult, new adult romance, and religious romance. As of 2022, they’re not interested in cozy mysteries. Also, novels with sex, nudity, profanity, or violence are not permitted. The extent of the physical interaction in your story should be hugging and kissing.
Submit Your Rom-Com in the Proper Format
The Hallmark Channel asks that you submit one MSWord document with a four-to-five page synopsis and a second document with the first three chapters of your novel. Make sure your submission is in Times New Roman font, size 12, and double spaced. Also, add the title, genre, and actual or estimated final word count to the subject line. Check the Hallmark website to learn more about the deadline for your submission and where to send it.
Learn From Other Authors
There have been many authors who have been able to turn their rom-coms into Hallmark movies, so it only makes sense to turn to them for some advice. Denise Hunter’s novel The Convenient Groom made it to Hallmark. It’s about a young celebrity marriage counselor that gets left at the altar of her own highly publicized wedding.
“Publish your novels through a publisher that actively seeks movie deals. I’m sure there are many ways producers “find” novels. But in my case, it was through HarperCollins Christian Publishing, whose rights department routinely pitches their novels for film rights,” Hunter says.
“Utilize a romance trope; they’re popular for a reason. If you can take a trope and spin it in a fresh way, all the better. The Convenient Groom is, of course, a modern-day marriage of convenience story,” she adds.
Tracy Andreen is another noteworthy author who wrote six films produced for Hallmark, including Snow Bride, Picture a Perfect Christmas,and It’s Christmas Eve. When asked what her secret sauce to success is, she replied with, “Being professional. When given a deadline, I do everything in my power to deliver on that deadline, especially as the time to start production nears.”
In addition to meeting deadlines, she says that it’s important to love what you do. “I love what I do and am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be able to do it, but at the end of the day it’s still work . . . awesome work I love, so I’m thrilled to do so and, hopefully, that shines through,” Andreen explains.
There’s also Jenny Hale whose novel Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses got picked by Hallmark. “It seems like romance is easy to write, but it’s a very careful dance between making it magical while also creating scenes and characters that feel real and relatable,” she says.
“People have told me for years that my books would be perfect for a Hallmark movie,” says bestselling romance author Pamela Gossiaux. “So this year I submitted my book The Scent of Love, a sweet, small town romance about the owner of a candle and gift shop, and the handsome man who rents the cottage on the shore. I love the type of books and movies that Hallmark produces. They’re the perfect escape!”
The Bottom Line: The Hallmark Channel produces 90+ holiday and romance films per year. With creativity, persistence, and passion, your novel may be one of them!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
Some authors agonize over the titling of their book and some pull it straight out of thin air. I suggest a more methodical approach.
I was recently interviewed by author and television talk show host Tara Kachaturoff onMichigan Entrepreneur TV. We discussed book marketing, book publicity and the care authors should take in the creation of their own book title.
A bad title gets panned by the public and a forgettable title is, well, forgotten!
The most important aspect in the book publishing process, besides writing a good book, is to have a memorable title. So, I created a step-by-step method in selecting a title and put that in my book.
“This is an amazing book,” said Kachaturoff. “It is excellent. Since I work in this area with my clients, and have written a couple of books, I know how important a good title is. The book is phenomenal and covers so much,” she concluded.
I use a multi-prong book titling strategy with high-tech tools, researching bestsellers by genre and choosing ‘title keywords’ which get a book ranked on search engines and Amazon. I also recommend that authors consider the use of numbers, alliteration, and idioms in the quest for the perfect book title.
Book Title Generator has received dozens of awards in numerous categories ranging from writing and publishing to business and marketing. The awards include: The Independent Author Network Award, Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, eLit Award, Literary Titan Book Award, Royal Dragonfly Award, American Book Fest, Book Readers Appreciation, Wishing Shelf, The New England Book Festival, Firebird Book Awards, New York Book Festival, San Francisco Book Festival, The Presidents Book Award, IPPY Book Award, Next Generation Award, AXIOM Business Book Award, Book Excellence Award, AMG International, PenCraft Book Achievement, Book of the Year Award, Best Book Award, B.R.A.G. Medallion, FAPA’s President’s Silver Award and the International Book Award.
If you take the time and utilize the tools laid out in the book and choose the right search engine-optimized title, your book will have a competitive advantage and have a shot at being at the top of the Amazon rankings. Choose the wrong title and your book languishes in obscurity.
“Bottom line: this is a compilation of clever ideas from a highly-experienced book publicist. Even the most experienced author will benefit from them.” —Richard B. Schwartz, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer, Top Contributor, 5-Stars
“I particularly enjoyed his analysis on the effectiveness of idioms, alliteration, and metaphors in developing effective book titles. I recommend the book to both new and experienced authors.” —Barbara Mojica, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer, Top Contributor, 5-Stars
“This is an indispensable, first rate adjunct to the art of writing – and selling- your book. The goal: discoverability! Very highly recommended.” —Grady Harp, Amazon Top 50 Hall of Fame Reviewer, 5-Stars
“Book Publicist Scott Lorenz gives you the ABCs and XYZs of picking the perfect title for that book you have put your heart into. It’s required reading for aspiring or experienced writers.” —John Kelly, Detroit Free Press, 5 Stars
“I am an author, and I have been writing for over 10 years. This book is exactly what I have been looking for all this time. Scott Lorenz understands the creative side while delving into the marketing side of naming a book. It explains how to set yourself up for success.”—Iris, Amazon reviewer, 5 Stars
The book is available on Amazon in ebook for Kindle, paperback and as an audiobook. Find out more at: www.BookTitleGenerator.net
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
Podcasts are more popular today than ever before. Whether you are a guest on a podcast or interview authors and experts, you need to promote the show to expand your audience. You can have the greatest podcast with the best guests but if nobody knows about it, nobody will hear them. Do you know the difference between success and failure? PROMOTION! Here are some tips to attract a bigger audience.
Ensure Good Sound Quality
Sound quality is key to the success of any podcast. After all, nobody will listen to your episodes if they’re full of crackles, echos, and distractions. Listeners will bail out in seconds if the sound quality is bad. Joe Rogan, creator of the “Joe Rogan Experience” and the most popular podcaster in the U.S. swears by the SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone. Personally, I use a YETI on a scissor arm. In addition to investing in a quality microphone, make sure you record your podcast in a quiet room with sound proofing and eliminate all background noise as much as you can. Find more of my tips here.
Good Distribution
Once you’ve edited out the dead air, the ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’ you’ll need to distribute it to all of the leading listening apps. Don’t make the mistake of only sticking to one. Instead, ensure it’s available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. The more places you distribute it, the more listeners you’re likely to capture.
Take Advantage of Social Media
Social media can do wonders for your podcast. You can share your episodes or content about them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms. According to Chris Cordani, a podcast and broadcast consultant, “Try to interview guests with a large LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media following. It’s important to get the word out and a guest with a large audience can help immensely. Be sure to include a sample of a show on a link so people can immediately see if they’d like it.” Remember to build partnerships with fellow podcasters and share each other’s content on social media channels as well.
Build a Mailing List
If you build a mailing list of subscribers, you can connect to your audience on a regular basis. Tim Ferriss of the Tim Ferriss Show does this and sends out an exclusive email every Friday with the five coolest things he’s found or explored that week. Check it out here!
Create a Podcast Landing Page
Go the extra mile and create a landing page for your podcast. Not only will it get people excited, it may also generate a list of email addresses that you can use for marketing purposes. Joe Rogan’s landing page features a link that takes visitors directly to Spotify so that they can easily listen to “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
Optimize for SEO
It’s important to optimize your podcast with keywords that will allow search engines and people to find you. There are a number of keyword research tools to help you do so like Google Keyword Planner, Keyword Surfer, and the Ahrefs Keyword Generator. You can also look at competitor podcasts and see which keywords they’re using.
Host Contests and Giveaways
There’s no denying everyone loves free stuff. That’s why it may be well worth it to host a content or giveaway on your podcast where you ask your listeners to share your podcast or leave a review about it. Then, you can hold a raffle and give away something valuable. Tim Ferriss launched the “The Tim Ferriss Tools of Titans Giveaway,” where he gave away books, he recommends plus everyday products he uses.
Be a Guest on Another Podcast
If you have the time and desire, make a guest appearance on another podcast. This way you can develop relationships with their listeners and expand your audience without a great deal of effort. Joe Rogan has been a guest on a number of podcasts such as The Tim Dillon Show, Timcast IRL, and Literally with Rob Lowe.
Get Reviews for Your Podcast
According to Chris Cordani “Once your podcast gets 25-55 reviews on Apple, algorithms take over and your podcast can be organically boosted to others. Cordani says the best way to get more reviews is to first attract listeners and then politely ask them to leave a review about your podcast. “Don’t be bashful,” says Cordani, “Ask for the review 3 times during the podcast.”
Create Audiograms and Share on Social Media
“Audiograms are short, animated audio clips that can be artistically created through such apps like Headliner or Descript,” says Tara Kachaturoff, author of Podcast Host Essentials: 30 Ways to Promote Your Podcast for Free. Essentially these apps allow you to create an image and then associate a segment of audio with it. “What’s so awesome is that you can see an animated audio wave superimposed over the image when you play the audio,” says Kachaturoff.
Tools to Help You Out
There are a number of tools that can steer you toward podcast success including:
Podcast Magazine: You can subscribe to PodMag and enjoy access to personal interviews with leading podcasters, details on the top products, and information on the latest happenings in the industry. The founder and publisher are Steve Olsher, the foremost leader in podcasting in the USA.
Auphonic: With Auphonic, you can automatically master your audio files, add ID3 tags, and send them to your podcast host in one simple step.
Music Radio Creative: Music Radio Creative is a great resource for professional introductions, intros, outros, jingles, and more.
Power-Up Podcasting: Created by Pat Flynn, Power-Up Podcasting is a robust step-by-step podcast training course designed to help you create and launch your podcast successfully.
Podcasters’ Paradise: This online community can give you the chance to connect with and learn from fellow podcasters.
The Bottom Line: Your podcast won’t promote itself. If you want more downloads and more influence, then implement these ideas!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
TED or TEDx Talks are an invaluable resource for everyone, including authors. Whether you’re an aspiring author, early on in your career, or have been on the New York Times Best Seller list multiple times, you can definitely learn something from them. Since there are countless TEDx Talks out there, I’ve put together this list of the top talks for authors. No matter what your goals are as an author, they’re sure to motivate, inspire, intrigue, and educate you in some way shape or form.
I’ve known Steve Harrison for 25+ years. He is a leading book marketing and book publishing expert whose company helped launch a number of bestselling books including Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Chicken Soup for the Soul. In his TEDx talk, you’ll learn a four-step method that will allow you to sell your book more effectively. All types of people, therapists, doctors, business owners, and authors reach out to him for advice on how to take their ventures to the next level.
Screenwriter Andrew Stanton and the face behind Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc, Finding Nemo, and many others shares all the essential elements needed for a great story. He explains that storytelling is a lot like joke telling because you have to know your punchline. Stanton reinforces the fact that whatever you write should connect with others emotionally. Give them a reason to care.
Regardless of the genre, creativity is key to a successful book. That’s where this quick, five-minute TED talk by Marily Oppezzo, a behavioral and learning scientist comes in. According to Oppezzo, a simple walk can be all it takes to get your creative juices flowing. It might help you out the next time you get stuck during your next brainstorm.
Mattie Bamman is a culinary writer and editor who came up with this TED talk to explain why writer’s block happens and what you can do to overcome it. She suggests that it’s the words themselves that often make writing a challenge. That’s why you should view words as objects, estimate how many you need, and create a blueprint that will help you complete the books.
Author of six bestselling books and CEO of Self Publishing School, Chandler Bolt gave a TED talk called “How To Write A Book In A Weekend: Serve Humanity By Writing A Book.” It revolves around his belief that the best way to serve humanity is to write a book. Bolt also dives into what keeps most people from getting started and how you can get your rough draft done in just one weekend.
The Bottom Line: TED’s mission is “ideas worth spreading,” and I believe these TED and TEDx Talks firmly live up to it. Check them out. You won’t be disappointed!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
As a book publicist, I have a unique perspective in the publishing process and see the many roles that contribute to the success of a book. Some books are masterpieces ready to be promoted while others have issues that slow down the process and kill a project’s momentum. Because I work so closely with the final product, I have a good understanding of what can make or break a book.
Besides book marketing, one of the most important things you can do as an author is to make sure an editor is a member of your team.
Authors and editors are two very different jobs. Both of these roles are equally important to book creation. However, when an author is their own editor, the lines that distinguish the two jobs can easily get blurred, and the quality of work ultimately suffers. Nothing quite compares to a book that has been properly edited with a fine-tooth comb. A polished manuscript creates potential for a much better book marketing experience overall.
The Editor’s Role on a Book Publishing Team
“Nothing detracts from good writing like bad editing,” says Debra Englander, an experienced non-fiction editor and writer. “Submit your best work. Have it copy-edited and proofread by a professional. Don’t ruin your reputation because of preventable mistakes.” Englander served as editorial director at John Wiley Publishing for nearly 17 years and was on the receiving end of thousands of pitches from agents and authors. She currently works with authors on creating winning book proposals and editing manuscripts.
In an interview with author Jane Thurnell-Read discussing how to get a book published, Englander stressed the importance of the division of labor within a book. An editor provides the objectivity that one lacks when reviewing their own work. Their job isn’t to change the meaning of a book, but rather to make it better. Englander said authors can’t always tell what a scene is lacking, or if it’s clear enough to someone who’s unfamiliar with the subject matter. After all, perception is just as important as intention in the world of book publishing.
Ensure Your Book is Publisher-Ready
An editor can clean up the original content and make awkward sentence structure and grammatical errors much less likely. These details can throw off the flow of a book and create obstacles for the reader’s comprehension. Those types of unfavorable features will likely be noticed early on in a publishing attempt and could very well result in rejection.
With over 25 years of editorial experience, Tiffany Yates Martin understands how to make the publishing process better for everyone involved. “Reputable, competent editors will save authors immense amounts of time and agony in deepening, developing, and polishing their stories, and can often give authors a leg up in attracting the attention of agents and editors, and make their stories more salable.”
Her extensive work with publishing houses such as New York Times and Writer’s Digest, has left her with the belief that editing is the most important part of the writing process. “Editing and revision are the real work of writing—and often where the story is fully found and developed and the magic happens…Because most authors were never taught this fact—nor how to edit and revise—many get disheartened when their first draft isn’t publisher-ready, or when the revision process may be more demanding or difficult than they expected. That’s not a reflection of your talent or skill but a completely normal part of the process for nearly all authors, at all levels of experience and skill,” explains Martin.
Before your book is introduced to a publisher, it needs to go through a rigorous editing process. Although being your own editor may sound enticing, no author is above hiring an editor. As Tiffany Yates Martin says, “Even editors need editors.”
Good Editing Leads to Successful Book Marketing
Aspiring authors sometimes fear that an editor will make their work less authentic, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. Hiring an editor is like hiring a personal trainer; it’s still you just faster, tighter and trimmer. The work can still get done without one, but it’s a much more tedious process. Because of its time-consuming nature, refined writing needs multiple sets of eyes to ensure that everything on paper is intentional.
There is no shame in working with multiple people to ensure the highest quality of work. In fact, it’s highly encouraged. Publisher’s Weekly points out that grammatical errors are far too common to cut out entirely, but an effort to minimize them must be made. “The writer’s primary task is to create work that is as compelling and error-free as possible. A great book cover, a marketing plan, and a cool author website are all important,” they say, “but if an author hasn’t spent the time and money for a solid editing job, it’s all just wasted effort.” Good book marketing and publicity can only do so much; the true quality of the book is essential to its success.
The Bottom Line: Authors, give yourself the best shot at success; hire an editor. Together, you can create the absolute best version of your work.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
If you’ve written a book and are ready to publish it, you may be wondering what to do next. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled this handy author’s checklist to help you navigate through the publishing phase and beyond. By following it, you can set your book up for unparalleled success.
Choose the Right Title
There’s no denying your title can make or break the success of your book. It’s what will attract readers and get your book noticed. If you’re unsure of how to name your book, I encourage you to check out my award-winning bestselling book, “Book Title Generator: A Proven System in Naming Your Book.” I implore you to consider all options in the quest for the perfect book title. From using numbers, alliteration, idioms, and keyword research, Book Title Generator covers them all.
It’s packed with solid tips and tricks that will help you craft the best title for your book.
Get a Compelling Book Cover
The truth is readers and media members will judge a book by its cover. That’s why it’s important to ensure your cover is professional and ideal for your target audience. Fortunately, there are plenty of incredible book cover designers on websites like Book Covers for All and Killer Covers. It’s a good idea to visit some bookstores to get some inspiration for your cover. Also, don’t forget to check out my article on the “46 Book Cover Designers to Create Your Best-Selling Cover.”
Ask for Feedback
As a writer, it’s easy to spend hours upon hours trying to perfect your writing. While your opinion of your book matters, the feedback of others can be invaluable. Ask friends, family, acquaintances, and those in the industry to give your book a fresh set of eyes. Not only are they likely to help you catch typo and grammar issues, but they might also give you some ideas on how to tighten up and improve your book. In the end, trust book professionals when it comes to the make-or-break decisions.
Hire an Editor
By hiring an editor, you can receive professional feedback on your book. Before you commit to one, however, make sure you check out their portfolio and references. Not all editors are created equal, and you want to ensure the one you choose has the skills and experience to set your book up for success. Take a look at my article on “How Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading Make Your Book Shine.”
Figure Out Your Target Audience
Target audience refers to the people who will buy and read your book. Think about your genre and theme to determine who they might be. Make sure the Amazon categories you select are relevant and focused about the topic and genre and not general in nature. Once you nail down your audience, you’ll find it easier to promote and market your book.
Design a Book Marketing Strategy
Before you publish your book, think about book marketing. Will you create a standalone website for it? Do you have plans to promote it via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets? Or will you host book signings and mail review copies of your book to members of the media and potential reviewers? When it comes to book marketing success, having a plan that you execute well is just as important as the creativity that went into writing your book.
Consider a Literary Agent
There are many benefits of working with a literary agent. Depending on the agent you choose, they can pitch your book to their known publishing contacts and give you a competitive edge. Many publishers will only work with agents because they ‘vet’ the books and ‘weed out’ the books that are not a good fit for their publishing house. To find the right agent check out my article about “How to Sign a Top Literary Agent” on my blog Book-Publicist.com.
Decide Whether to Use a Distributor
A distributor delivers books to retailers. Since most libraries and bookstores won’t usually accept sales pitches and books from self-published authors, a distributor may be worth exploring. By working with one, you can bridge the gap between you and large audiences.
Figure Out When to Publish
Contrary to popular belief, the holiday season isn’t the best time to publish your book. If possible, publish your book at any other time. January, February, and March are ideal because the weather is usually colder, and people are stuck inside with more time to read. If you are deciding to publish in December or January, choose January because you’ll have a new copyright date. If you publish in December, it’ll look one year old in January even though it’s only been out one month.
The Bottom Line: Remember, pilots use checklists before each flight and authors need a checklist before they hit “publish!”
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
I was recently interviewed by author and television talk show host Tara Kachaturoff on Michigan Entrepreneur TV. We discussed book marketing, 
