The Publicity Hound’s Blog

Angie Dzalamanow of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina writes:

The Best Nest “I am the public relations manager for Sylvan Dell Publishing, a children’s book publisher committed to exciting children’s imaginations with artistically spectacular science, math and nature themed stories. We’re doing fairly well at securing reviews for our 29 titles with key trade publications, regional parenting magazines and bloggers, but we would like to create a bigger buzz and score some national attention.

“In the back of every book, we include a ‘For Creative Minds’ educational section with fun facts, crafts and other educational activities. We also offer free supplemental parent/teacher resources on our website, including 30-80 cross-curricular teaching activities, child-friendly learning links, audio readings, interactive quizzes and a bi-monthly e-newsletter.

“However, our books are first and foremost fun-to-read picture books, and we want parents and educators to understand that there doesn’t need to be a strict line between educational and entertaining.

“The public relations team consists of me and two interns, and our budget is limited. We need some creative, affordable ideas for media kits and pitches, but we’ve yet to think of that ‘big idea’ we need to garner national media. Help from your Hounds would be greatly appreciated!”

Posted In: Authors & Publishers, Media Kits, Pitching the Media
posted On: 3/11/2008: 1:35 pm: By Joan
Comments:

9 Responses

Kevin Gaydosh, APR Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 2:37 am

First thing to come to mind is the TV show, “Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader?” Approach the show’s producers offering books to the show’s researchers or offer supply questions for writers. Offer to provide books as show appearance gifts. Pitch the assignment editors of the top 30 local FOX affiliates with the idea to convene their own studio audience of parents, teachers and children to watch the show, and then quiz parents based on information found in your library. Provide books as prizes or give coupons or discounts to everyone who takes part.

Jason Vaughn Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 4:06 am

What about mixing unusual art with your books and lessons. I’m a balloon artist and story teller. I write stories and share them using balloon sculptures. Maybe you could create a series around the Olympics and illustrate it with balloon art. And then market it with large scale sculptures at libraries and other venues. The unusual nature has given me and my association plenty of exposure even to the point of being contacted by Martha Stewart for a dress e-mail that started around.

Just an idea.

Jason Vaughn
866-564-1449

Yvette Stanton Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 4:23 am

I suspect that these sorts of books are likely to be purchased by grandparents for their grandchildren. As a grandparent, who could pass up something that will entertain AND educate the grandkiddies? I suggest you work on getting reviews into seniors media - newspapers, blogs, websites.

Cheryl Stroup Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 5:03 am

I immediately thought of the homeschooling community. Many, many resources for homeschooling parents and advertising or sending a sample book or book list to the well-traveled homeschooling resource sites could prove beneficial. Word of mouth is the best press you can get and from what I’ve seen, the homeschooling community is a worthy ally. Since I have no children, I do not homeschool so you will need to research the sites on your own. My apologies for this. I’ve also seen references to “National Homeschooling Month” though there are conflicting dates: one said March, another says September. Good luck.

Susan Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 7:57 pm

How about creating a read-a-thon for Earth Day? There seem to be a number of titles that would fit into that topic - contact the major book sellers (B&N, Borders, etc) and see if you could work with them to host a national in store event with books as prizes? I would also suggest getting in touch with PTO Today, a resource for PTO’s across the country. They often cross promote products that support education. Another suggestion - Simon Property Management Group is the largest mall management company in the country. They’re based in Indianapolis. Their malls used to implement a Kids Club program. If they’re still running it, maybe you could team up with them for a kids event. Good luck!

Mary Shafer Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 2:39 am

I agree about hitting the homeschoolers hard. They’re the most referral-oriented, and therefore the most likely to create authentic buzz. There are about a squillion websites for homeschooling parents online. Just do a search on that term, go to the sites, sign up and start posting. Don’t be spammy, but actually offer something of value from each book, and let people know there’s more where that came from, and how to find the book. Offer to send a free copy to the first three people to email and ask for it, etc. Also a nice way to build your email list for future product release notices.

garth Says:
March 14th, 2008 at 11:05 pm

Identify media/celebrity with children on the way and send them a book I know for example that Penelope Cruz is very into having a family right now.

I think tv’s Al Roker has a book review for kids that he does on air so send him a book.

I believe this is National Science and Engineering Week this could be perfect time to tie in a science contest to your books.

Angie Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 8:20 pm

Thanks so much for all of the great ideas — we’ve already started working on a few!

Dean Johnson Says:
March 31st, 2008 at 9:15 am

Have you ever considered publishing the works of a celebrity? The media attention would generate interest in your other line of books. My producing partner (a celebrity actress) and I have looked at a number of publishing options through our agent regarding our children’s book series. Perhaps a celebrity client might provide that extra umph needed to draw attention to all of your books?

Tips, Tricks & Tools for Free Publicity

9 Responses

Leave a Comment

Select a Button for a

FREE RSS Subscription!