Generating Publicity and Interacting with Media - video

The topics of publicity and platform for authors can be confusing concepts. In this interview, Shelby Sledge, the publicity director at the author-focused publicity firm Shelton Interactive, breaks down the definition of author platform and offers expert tips on generating publicity for your book. Sledge describes how to approach the media outlets when trying to generate publicity for your book. The media is often wary of working with people outside of their profession, so hiring a PR professional can be helpful in generating publicity. However, when it comes to publicity, the most important piece to have in place is your author platform. It is your influence within a specific space. To start constructing your platform, build a website, start a Facebook fan page, and create a Twitter account. Start conversations and form connections with others related to your book.