You’ve collected a boatload of contact information on TV and radio producers, and now it’s time to start reaching out and snagging airtime. Your book is worth it; so put your best foot forward and dive in. You will begin with a query to local radio stations and local news outlets representatives such as producers or appearance coordinators. It’s best if you go through a connector, a person with a vast network who facilitates connections.
You start with an email query. What has led you to the TV or radio show representative? Hopefully it’s a connector. Mention this person in the first line of your query (by the way, you totally owe them a Starbucks coffee). Address this rep by name and in a formal manner. Do your research. Connectors can introduce you, but you must do the rest of the work. Be professional and edit your copy. Too many errors will have your email deleted in a heartbeat. Include your contact information.
Your book is a good fit for this show. Grab the show contact’s attention! How do you do that? Showcase your book in a media-grabbing sentence. Log lines used for movies are a good fit for this. Consider this example: “My novel is a Stephen King–type thriller with a bigger twist than M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Sixth Sense.” Slide some local color into your pitch. Why will locals be interested in your book? Your next line could be something like this: “My story is based on real-life events of the unsolved axe murders in Anywhere County, USA, and will be of great interest to your listeners.”
Next, list one or two of your professional qualifications to write this book. Here’s an example: “I’ve served in local law enforcement for 20 years and began writing for a local crime tip magazine, Catch the Crook, five years ago. I am also a psychic consultant for the police.” Always close by thanking the rep for her time and letting her know you are looking forward to hearing from her.
Send a follow up email if you don’t hear back from the first one. Follow up with a couple of phone calls. Remember that persistence is everything. One word of caution, though. Getting this kind of advertising for free is important. Some talk shows charge to appear on their show. In effect, these are infomercials. Avoid them. You want free press. Public radio and TV stations are great places to showcase your work and to avoid sharks. Start by querying book-friendly stations.