You’ve created a website for your book and have all of the right elements in place such as compelling content, purchase information, perhaps a book trailer, an About page with description, and social media links. But an important element that many authors miss is having an Author Media Kit in place.
Why should this matter?
Imagine if you are a newspaper editor or journalist looking for the next great book to write about and they find your website on a Google search or through an RSS feed from your blog. What will grab their attention the most? Their time is precious, and they are looking for quick information to use. If it isn’t readily available and easy to find, they will move on and you will miss out on a publicity moment.  That is where your Author Media Kit comes in.
“Create More Visibility With An Author Media Kit”

This important information is known in the print world as an Author Press Kit, which sells you, the author, to the media. There are several key elements to include, which will immediately grab the reader’s attention and open up the door of opportunity.
Editors and journalists need to find important information and leads very quickly. There are deadlines to meet along with several other stories to write. That is why you want your Author Media Kit to stand out.

9 Key Elements of a Great Author Media Kit

1. Author Biography: Create a short description, which will initially grab the reader’s attention. In a second paragraph you can including a longer version. Stay focused and engaging with a description in your voice unique to you.
Start with your name, the type of book(s) that you write along with the title(s). Next, draw the reader in with information about what influenced or inspired you as an author. Your unique biography is what will stand out from other authors.
2. Author Photo: Do you have a professional headshot to use? This is the best option, and will become a part of your author brand. Readers will want to see the author, and your photo should be consistent with your book, website, and social media accounts.
3. Accolades: If you have received any award(s) or great reviews you will want to include this in your Author Media Kit. Only choose the best, and keep this section short. Avoid including reviews from friends and family. Try to keep this professional as much as possible.
4. Be Aware Of Your Niche: When writing your media kit, keep it focused on what you are an expert in, which will ultimately attract editors who write about that topic.
5. Press Contact: Are you working with a press agent or publisher? Then you will want to be sure to include their contact information. If not, only use professional methods of contacting you. Avoid the use of e-mail addresses that are not from your direct website. For example, you will want to display John@johnthechef.com instead of johnthechef@gmail.com.

6. Pre-Formatted Interview Questions: Editors and journalists have a limited amount of time to produce their work. That is why creating a list of interview questions that pertain to you and your book(s) will be very appealing to them. And you can take this one step further by adding answers to your Q&A.
7. Social Media Icons: Include all of your current social networks like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and so on. Be sure that all of these are consistent with your brand and avoid the use of Facebook profiles, but instead include your Facebook Page. These should be prominently displayed with the proper links.
Do you have any podcasts or video interviews available? This is another great addition to your media kit.
8. Press Release: If you have not put out a press release yet you will want to take care of this before creating your Author Media Kit. Include the link the your latest press release for quick reference instead of the entire copy.
9. Author Events: Do you have any book signings or speaking engagements coming up? This is newsworthy information that you will want to include.

You can even add a Press Room that will get the media’s attention.

If you have a wordpress based website, we’ve got a great Media Kit plugin. Take a look at it here in action:
 

 
After you have successfully created your Author Media Kit you will want to remember to keep it updated as new information and changes arise. Make sure the page is easy to spot on your website and be available for any press contacts.
Let me know if you would like a Press Room or strong> Media Kit for your website –
Get ready for more engagement!
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