If you're an author self-publishing a nonfiction book, their prospects for publicity are good if you work with people who can help you get noticed. The primary role of a book publicist is to help earn media coverage of your book. While opportunities have expanded because there are more media outlets (think internet plus traditional media), the competition is fierce, and you need to maximize every available opportunity. The first step for any author is to become an active communicator. Post on social media, write blog articles or even publish bylined articles in the media to get your name out there.

The more content you publish, the more you become of interest to media gatekeepers like editors and producers and also to search engines. You want to become known as an expert on your subject, and the more you publish that's high quality, the better. Today it's a given that any media will run a search on your name before booking an interview, so if you publish enough to appear interesting, it will be helpful. Once you've finished with your book, the writing does not end. You will need to write additional content related to your book, often in the form of articles that will carry your byline and a plug for your book.

Authors in categories such as business, wellness, health, and current events often need to offer exclusive, written-on-demand articles for media. They have become an integral part of book publicity campaigns today. They need to be of interest to the same target audience of your book and genuinely newsworthy in your topic area of expertise. If the articles do well, it's likely some media will invite you to become a regular contributor, which expands your publicity opportunities. Others are willing to write the same articles and earn publicity for themselves, so you need to be responsive.

While a book publicist will lead the charge in promoting your book, you need to stay involved as the author and face of the book. No one knows your topic and potential readers better than you do, and making sure to brainstorm with your publicist is crucial to success. You also need to stay abreast of current events and help see ways where your book fits in. Connecting it and you with the day's news is an excellent way to earn publicity. Your publicist has the media contacts and knows how to get your ideas to the right people, but you need to have them ready and make yourself compelling.