Creating a Killer Book Press Kit for Authors
After all, as an author you are selling a product, your book and every product needs promotion! When it comes to soliciting media attention, event opportunities, and book sales you absolutely need a professional book press kit (also known as a media kit) whether you’re self-published or traditionally published.
So, what is an author book press kit exactly? And how do you put together one that makes journalists/bloggers/podcasts/books/events really want to pay attention?
In this post, we guide you through creating a killer book press kit that will represent your work professionally and advance your author brand in turn fostering relationships with media and connecting with readers.
What is a Book Press Kit?
A book press kit is a package of materials that provides the media with everything they need to write about your book (or interview you) and promote its message. It is like a resume of your book; a formal, presentable package that will have all those quirky bits about you as well as details about the contents of the book, cover design, and even the press release format templates.
Whether you are contacting bloggers, making a pitch in podcasts or applying to get featured in media, having a press kit prepped establishes you as ready and waiting and helps others say “yes” to featuring you.
Why Authors Need a Press Kit
- Convenient: Instead of composing totebags full of emails on your book and who you are, a press kit has it all ready to go.
- Presentation: Makes you seem more professional to the media
- Accessibility for Media: allows journalists or bloggers to easily include your story in their content.
- Boost Discoverability: Particularly if it is a download on your website.
Components of a Fabulous Press Kit for Your Book
1. Author Bio
Long (Around 150–300 words)Short (50–100 words) Remember to keep it professional and at the same time versatile enough that your personality can shine through.
- Focus on writing credentials, awards and anything related to what you are writing about.
Tip: Third-person version, easy for media to copy and paste
2. High-Resolution Author Photo
You need to use professional images, nothing blurry or poor quality.
- Headshots/lifestyle images if possible
- Provide horizontal and vertical versions in. JPG or. PNG.
Tip: Save Your Image Files with a Clear Name: (AuthorName_Headshot jpg)
3. Book Cover Image
High-Resolution files of your book cover (Front cover only, Full Wrap if available.)
Tip: Label carefully (for example, BookTitle_Cover. jpg) and include dimensions.
4. Book Synopsis
Craft a tantalizing blurb for your novel Include:
- Social Media/Article Short Version
- Long-form (media pieces, article or prepping for an interview): 300–500 words.
5. Press Release (Optional but Powerful)
Release A Press Release About The Launch Of Your Book. It should include:
- Release date
- Publisher (if applicable)
- An angle or fact that is likely of interest to others
- Pull quotes or early reviews by you
Pro Tip: Stick to the PR format that commonly exists or you can use the available template online.
6. Sample Interview Questions
Provide some questions for the podcast hosts or journalists to ask you. It means less work for the interviewer and ensures that the discussion focuses on what is most important.
Examples:
- What brought you to write this book?
- What were the challenges that you faced during writing?
- For whom is the book (and who should avoid), and what do you want readers to take away from it?
7. Notable Reviews or Endorsements
Show me a few blurb, some awards, reviews from big names/pubs.
- Mention the name of the reviewer, publication and share the full quote (with permission).
- You may also want to add a star rating or award image.
8. Contact Information
Spell out how to contact you/publicist/agent
- Website
- Social media handles (optional)
- Phone number (if you’re comfortable)
Pro Tip: Keep it easy to locate – don’t conceal perpendicular at the base.
9. Buy Links
Direct links for buying your book on:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Bookshop.org
- Your personal website
If the press kit is digital, make sure that there are clickable links and buttons.
How to Package Your Press Kit
There are two main ways you can show off your book press kit:
1. Downloadable PDF Format
Develop a tidy, branded PDF press kit that anyone can purchase. Use tools like:
- Canva
- Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Word (converted to PDF)
2. Press Kit Webpage
This is where you have to make sure the Media Kit or Press Kit section of your author website has what the media needs. This makes it easy for journalists or bloggers to download assets.
Include:
- Clickable links to download images
- Your bio, book summary and contact form embedded
- Google Drive or DropBox links (optional)
What Makes a Press Kit Amazing?
- Be consistent in your branding (typefaces, colors, attitude)
- Do professionally shoot images and graphics.
- Check for errors everywhere
- Clean design with white space applies to both your website and your own course materials.
- Proactively think of what the media will want from you before they even ask
- Assets in many formats (PDF, Image Link, Text)
Tools to Create Your Book Press Kit
- Canva (for Clean Beautiful Templates)
- Google Drive : To keep and send large res files.
- Dropbox: Simple File transferring for BIG Media Files
- Grammarly Man – Straightens out your copy
- Unsplash / Pexels — Background images (if needed the ones that are royalty-free)
Final Thoughts
Press kits are not exclusive to book launches; they are evergreen marketing tools. Whether you are releasing your debut novel or your tenth nonfiction title, a properly put together book press kit will provide media outlets, book bloggers and readers with everything they need to back your project.
When you learn how to put together a fabulous book press kit, you are not only getting ready for media blitzes, you are stepping into the light as an author of experience.