You can be a first-time author, as long as you don’t act like an amateur. One way to let agents and publishers know you’re savvy to self-help book publishing is to include a Press Kit with your proposal. Also known as a Media Kit, a Press Kit isn’t as scary as it might sound. It’s essentially a great looking folder filled with information that says, “Hey, I may be a first-time author, but I’ve got the credibility and expertise to write and promote my book!”
What’s in a Press Kit?
This list can be compiled in any order, except that your photo should be the first thing the publisher sees.
1. A flattering picture of you taken and printed by a professional photographer
Credibility
I strongly encourage you to get a professional to take your picture. If you cut corners, it will show. Please do not have a friend or family member take the photo with a digital camera. You need proper lighting, and the ability for the photographer to touch up the picture. Yes, your brother-in-law did get a new program that can fix any photo. But unless he’s got his own studio, he’s not a professional photographer. So, please locate a good portrait photographer today and make an appointment for a sitting.
The clothing you will wear depends on the topic of your book. I suggest bringing three outfit changes to your sitting. Also, bring two or three examples of covers that have author photos that you like. Make sure the photographer understands this not for your holiday card or a soft-focus sexy shot. Look crisp, competent and credible.
2. News clippings of stories about your successes
To demonstrate that you and your self-help book are newsworthy, cut and mount each news story about your or your work carefully on the page. But what if you haven’t been the subject of a newspaper in your area? Get in touch with a friend, colleague or family member who works at a company that has a regular newsletter. Write your own story with the theme that’s appropriate to the company to maximize the chances of you getting included. Even one story clipped can go a long way to showing publishers that you are a valuable asset they don’t want to pass on.
3. Statistics to show your topic is timely.
These can be located by a google search. Write them with the most shocking stats first and work your way down to the least. Make sure you footnote each stat that you use.
4. Quotations
Quotes can work much like statistics—to give evidence of your credibility and the urgency of your topic. You can use short quotes from anyone as long as you give them credit.
5. Endorsements
Gather all of the endorsements you can—from satisfied customers and clients, co-workers, instructors, big names in your field, celebrities and other authors.
6. Products and presentations
Any products or presentations you have already developed such as Power Pt presentations, slides, charts, DVDs, CDs or videos
7. Previously published works
Include a copy of anything you’ve had published, even if it’s not on the same topic. It can be something little like an article in a newsletter or blog. Or it can be a completed book. This will demonstrate to the publisher that you are not only serious about writing but about getting published as well.
8. Information about your web site or blog
This might be on the end of this list, but it’s one of the first things a prospective publisher wants to see—do you have a platform to promote and sell your book? If you have subscribers to your site, include the number and give a sample of the kind of material you post.