Musicians know they need PR.
Filmmakers know they need PR.
Performers know they need PR.
Writers?
Not so much.
Generally, when I give a PR for Artists seminar, I cover what, when, where, and how to launch and implement a successful marketing and PR campaign.
But, when I’m presenting to writers (and, to be fair, I can add painters and sculptors into this group), I generally need to back up and start with—
WHY.
Why don’t writers get “why”?
Several reasons.
Those that are published by a traditional publisher assume (most of the time wrongly) that their publisher will take care of all of the marketing and PR for their book. Maybe the most difficult conversations I have are with writers who have signed with a major house. I’m generally the one who has to break the news to them that they’re on their own when it comes to marketing their book. On the other hand, self-published writers often believe that being on Amazon or a similar platform is enough. They’ll run a few Google and Facebook ads and book sales will soar. Sadly, that’s seldom the case.
Those aren’t the only reasons writers are hesitant to marketing their books. They are often taught that they shouldn’t market, they shouldn’t have to market, marketing is crass, they should be writing for the sake of writing, if their writing is good, that’s enough… I think you get it.
Yes, your writing is the thing—to paraphrase a somewhat famous writer—but it needs help.
Your writing needs to be nurtured, tended, cared for. And, unless you are writing solely for yourself (which is perfectly valid), you need to build a bridge between your writing and the public, readers, agents, and publishers. You need to give it a chance to succeed, which means you need to market.
By that, I don’t mean a hard sell, or smoke and mirrors. You can make an art of your marketing. Have it reflect you; have it be organic, genuine, authentic.
Our mantra at PR for Writers & Filmmakers is that effective PR is effective storytelling. What could be more perfect for a writer? You’re a storyteller so turn your narrative into your marketing.
Back to why to PR and market your work?
Why?
An effective PR campaign can:
Media coverage can also be used to help generate interest in other projects or ventures. We had a major publisher offer a book deal to one of our clients. Media exposure helped us garner a book deal. A film director landed a distribution deal. Artists have landed gallery representation and media that we placed led an artist to develop a working relationship with a major studio.
One then is for sure—
Doing nothing generally leads to nowhere.
Regardless of your time, or your budget, let go of your preconceived ideas about marketing your art.
Be proactive.
Take action.
Now!