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Crafting Your Author Press Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you launch your book, you want to get as much attention as possible, and that’s where a press kit comes in. Sometimes called a media kit, a press kit is a collection of promotional materials to inform the press about your book. Before we get into what goes into a press kit, let’s talk about why it’s part of your book marketing plan.

Why a Press Kit

Press kits are sent out before your book’s launch, often with an ARC (Advance Review Copy), so interviewers and reviewers have time to get familiar with your work. Book reviewers and media outlets work to their own deadlines, so sending your press kit early increases your chances of getting coverage on time. And if you’re going to feature reviews or accolades on your cover or interior, you’ll need that feedback early to avoid delaying your release date. Many authors put their press kits on their website or blog for easiest and quickest access.”

How to Get Your Press Kit Out

There are a few ways to get your press kit to those who need it. Traditionally, a press kit could be sent as a physical package, but shipping physical copies can get expensive fast. Luckily, in today’s digital age, a PDF of your press kit works just as well, if not better. Many authors put their press kits on their websites or blogs for the easiest access.

But they do have both physical and digital versions. Just remember to follow submission guidelines if a reviewer requests a PDF and you send a physical copy you’ll get ignored.

What’s in a Press Kit

Now, let’s get into the meat of a press kit. Each piece should be well crafted and presented to make a good impression:

Author Bio
A professional bio that gives readers and the media an idea of who you are, your background and what led you to write your book. Include any relevant credentials or past publications that add credibility to your work.

Elevator Pitch
A short summary of your book. Your elevator pitch should sum up the book’s premise, unique selling points and why readers will love it.

Press Release
A press release announces your book’s publication. It should include the release date, publisher (if applicable) and a brief summary. This is also where you highlight any endorsements or awards the book has received.

Sell Sheet
The sell sheet has the key selling points of your book: title, price, ISBN, publisher info and genre. It’s meant to be a quick reference for retailers, libraries and reviewers to see the basics at a glance.

Book Excerpt
A few pages from your book, usually the opening chapters, give reviewers a sense of your writing style and the story or content. Choose a section that will hook readers and leave them wanting more.

Contact Information
Make it easy for the press to get in touch with you. Provide clear contact details including your email, phone number and if applicable your publicist’s contact info.

Photos
Please include high-resolution images of your book cover and a professional author photo. Visuals are important for press outlets that want to feature you or your book in articles or interviews.

The more effort you put into your press kit, the better it will represent you and your book. A professional press kit will increase your chances of getting reviewed, and that can make all the difference in your book’s success. Not every review will be glowing, but positive press coverage can be the difference between your book being a bestseller and a flop.

By preparing a thorough, thoughtful press kit, you set the stage for a successful book launch and position yourself to attract the attention your book deserves.