Speaking platforms
High-value speaking engagements are a stated goal of the firm's campaigns. Partner speaker services help authors land professionally valuable speaking opportunities that support book sales and reach targeted audiences.
Launch publicity
Book launch publicity for indie authors
Book launch publicity is the media campaign around a new book's release, and it works best when it starts before launch day.
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists gives its highest priority to authors and publishers with a book launching soon. The firm builds a media kit, sends books and kits to the right contacts, follows up to secure interviews and reviews, and pitches authors into breaking news, often the same day.
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When should I start publicity for my book launch?
Start as soon as you have a firm launch date. Every early step takes time: building the media kit, getting books into the hands of editors and producers, and following up until interviews are booked. Many outlets plan coverage ahead, so a campaign that begins weeks before release has more chances to land than one that begins on release day.
Starting late is not fatal. The firm's news-driven pitching does not depend on a release date, and its blog makes the point that publication is the starting line for an author's platform, not the finish line. But the launch window carries the most momentum.
The steps in a launch campaign
Here is how a C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists launch campaign typically unfolds. The order is real; the mix of outlets changes for each author.
Step 1: A conversation about you
The firm asks about your expertise and strengths, your media experience and, above all, your professional goals.
Step 2: A custom media kit
A kit producers, journalists, editors and bloggers can use for reviews, story ideas, interview topics and bylined articles.
Step 3: Books and kits to the right contacts
Books and media kits go to every media contact that matters, followed by an intensive follow-up process.
Step 4: Timely pitches tied to the news
Original pitches position you as a newsworthy expert and are aligned with breaking stories, often the same day.
Step 5: Appearances around your schedule
Interviews and appearances in major media markets are coordinated with your travel, with media coaching if you want it.
Step 6: Updates and a monthly summary
Clients describe being kept up to date as opportunities emerge, plus a monthly summary of results.
What should I have ready before launch publicity starts?
- Your title, subject, publisher or publishing path, and launch date.
- A clear statement of your expertise and the problems your book helps readers solve.
- Any past media experience: interviews, articles, podcasts or talks.
- Your professional goals beyond the book, such as speaking or new clients.
- Travel planned around the launch, so appearances can be coordinated with it.
- Honest notes on formats you prefer, and any that make you nervous.
After launch day: keep the campaign working
Contributor roles
The firm has helped authors become regular contributors at sites such as Huffington Post, Forbes.com, Inc.com, Psychology Today, Thrive Global and Chief Executive, which keeps them in front of readers after the launch.
Podcasts and online presence
Internet marketing support helps authors develop content for social networks, websites and blogs, so exposure continues long after the media campaign ends. Each podcast interview also brings new connections with hosts, guests and listeners.
What does launch publicity cost?
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists does not publish prices, because each launch campaign is customized. The book publicist cost guide explains what raises or lowers the scope, and how to ask for a quote that fits your launch.
Common questions
When should I hire a book publicist before my launch?
As early as you can once you have a launch date. The firm's highest priority is authors and publishers with a book launching soon. Media kits, book mailings and follow-up all take time, and many outlets plan coverage ahead, so starting before release gives the campaign room to work.
What should I prepare before contacting a publicist?
Have your title, subject, publisher or publishing path, and launch date ready. Think through your expertise, past media experience and professional goals, since those drive the first conversation. Any travel planned around your launch is useful too, because the firm can coordinate media appearances with it.
What happens first when I hire C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists?
It starts with a conversation. The firm asks about your expertise and strengths, your media experience and, above all, your professional goals. From there it builds a customized media kit and a strategic campaign designed to generate interest in you and your book, matched to your schedule and the outlets that fit your subject.
What goes into a media kit?
A media kit gives producers, journalists, editors and bloggers background on you and your book. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists builds kits that media contacts can use for reviews, story ideas, interview topics and bylined articles. Examples of past client press kits are posted on the firm's main website if you want to see the format.
How do publicists use breaking news?
They connect your expertise to stories already in the news. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists develops timely pitches that align authors with breaking stories as they happen, often the same day, because the first publicist to respond to a hot-button event is the one most likely to book the interview or appearance.
Is it too late to hire a publicist after my book is out?
Not necessarily. The firm's pitches tie authors to breaking news, which does not depend on release dates, and its blog stresses that publication is the starting line for an author's platform. Still, a launch window offers the most momentum, so contact the firm with your timeline as soon as you can.
Have a book launching soon?
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists gives priority to authors and publishers with a launch on the calendar. Share your title, subject and launch date, and the firm will talk through a campaign built around your goals.
Contact the firm about your launch