What are the steps involved in the process of the Book Marketing and Expanded Book Marketing service?
After you purchase the Book Marketing or Expanded Book Marketing service, we will send you a submission form questionnaire via e-mail, which helps us collect some additional information about your book in order to write the press release. Once you have completed the questionnaire, you can return the form via e-mail, fax or mail.
One of our press release specialists will use the information on your questionnaire to compose your press release. It will be sent out for your approval via e-mail within two weeks from the time we receive your questionnaire. After you receive the press release, you should review the document for accuracy. You can send your approval form if no changes are desired. If you would like to make some changes but do not care to see the final version again before it is distributed, you can send in your approval with the changes. If you send in the corrections only, we will complete the changes, and then send you a new press release to approve.
On the approval form, choose cities where you would like the press release distributed to media outlets in the area. You can choose up to three cities for the Book Marketing service, and up to five for the Expanded, plus your hometown.
Once your signed approval form and city selections are received, within five to seven days, we will compile a list of specific media outlets in the cities you selected. We'll then distribute your press release and send you a copy of the media list via e-mail about five to seven days later.
The Expanded Book Marketing service also includes 30 Press Kits. We will compile promotional flyers for the Press Kit, including the "sell sheet" about your book and author biography flyer. It takes approximately two weeks to design the flyers and send them for approval. You can submit changes or your full approval of the flyers. If you send the approval with the changes, you will not see another final copy of the flyers before they are finished. Once your approval is received, you can expect the completed 30 Press Kits about two to three weeks later.
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How will I know who receives my press release?
Your press release will be distributed via e-mail to newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations in the areas that you choose. We cannot distribute press releases to retailers or other non-media organizations. After your press release is distributed, you will receive a copy of the media list, which displays the name of the media outlet, their location, and the name and contact information of a person with whom you can follow up.
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Can I make sure my local paper gets a copy of the release?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that any particular media outlet will receive a copy of the release due to a variety of factors. However, we will do our best to get a copy of your release to all the media in the areas you choose.
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What cities should I list for distribution?
Choose cites where you have a local connection, such as hometowns, previous residences, locations mentioned in the book, or where your target audience most likely resides. We strongly suggest that you not choose cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Atlanta unless you have a local connection.
Since media in these cities receive thousands of press releases each day, without a local angle, your release will likely be lost among the competition.
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What outlets or organizations are is considered "media?"
The media are organizations such as newspapers, radio, television, magazines, etc.
Bookstores are not considered media.
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What is a review copy?
A review copy is a finished, printed copy of your book that is sent to media members in order to urge reviews of a book and interview requests with the author. With the standard Book Marketing service, we will send up to five free review copies upon request, and we'll send up to ten free review copies with the Expanded Book Marketing service.
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How can someone request a review copy?
A member of the media can request a review copy by contacting Wordclay via phone or e-mail. Along with their request, they must provide the name and shipping address of the person who will receive the book.
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Can I make a request to send a review copy to a certain media organization?
No, we can only send review copies to media organizations if they contact us directly for a review copy. On a situational basis, we can review an e-mail that was sent directly to you from a reputable organization, and we will determine if it constitutes an appropriate and legitimate request.
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Why are some of the abbreviations and punctuation on my press release incorrect?
Our press releases are written in Associated Press (newspaper) style which differs in certain respects from literary style. Even small media outlets are often swamped with press releases; any release that is not in AP style runs a great risk of receiving little or no attention. Your press release has gone through an "AP edit," and is configured specifically for the media using the industry-standard writing style.
Of course, although we strive for perfection, it is not impossible that our writers could have missed something and we will certainly correct any errors.
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Can you list my Web site address on my press release?
If you registered a domain name with us, it will automatically be included on the release. If you have set up your own Web site for your book and would like it included, simply include the information on your questionnaire form and request that it be added in the press release.
We will review your site and include it in the release at our discretion (we reserve the right to reject your request if a Web site contains material that we deem inappropriate or offensive).
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Does Wordclay include their contact information at the top and bottom of my press release?
Yes, all of the press releases we distribute include our contact information and information about how to order a media review copy. This information is required.
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Can my press release be longer than one page?
No, to be most effective, a press release should not be more than one page.
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Can I send out my press release myself?
Yes, the press release is yours and you are free to give copies to anyone that you feel would be interested in your book. However, please remember that if you decide to fax or e-mail your press release, you will need to remove our contact information and replace it with your information.
Specifically, at the top of the release, leave the line of text, "For immediate release," but delete Wordclay's name, phone number, e-mail, information about review copies, etc. Replace our contact info yours; include your name, e-mail and phone number. Then, at bottom of the press release, you can change the last paragraph to include review copy request information, such as: "For a complimentary copy of this book for review, or for interview requests, members of the media can contact the Wordclay Promotional Services Department by calling 877-655-1720 (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address)."
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