10 Essential Ingredients of a media kit -

I don’t have a media kit. I know I need one, though, so I thought – why don’t I write a blog post about it while I create mine? Follow along as work my way through this.

Why do authors need a media kit? According to Greenleaf Book Group – A press kit, or media kit, is an essential tool for both your book and your brand. By making all the key information available in a quick, attractive package, you give yourself the best chance to land coverage and exposure for your book.

Benefits of a media kit:

Professional representation: A well-crafted media kit enhances your professional image and credibility, presenting you as a serious and organized author.
Efficient communication: It streamlines communication with media professionals by providing them with essential information in one accessible package.
Promotional tool: It serves as a promotional tool for securing media coverage, book reviews, interviews, and speaking engagements.
Brand consistency: A media kit ensures consistency in how your brand and work are presented across different platforms and interactions.

Essential ingredients of a media kit:

Author bio & headshot:

Your author bio should be written in the third person and be a concise and engaging bio highlighting your background, writing journey, achievements, and notable publications.

Professional Headshots should be high-resolution and reflect your author’s brand and personality.

My headshot & bio:

Jen Dodrill is living out her dreams on the pages of her books, bringing readers compelling stories of inspiration and hope for good times and bad.

Her family-focused novels depict her values of cooperation, connection, compassion, and community, demonstrating the importance of helping one another brave the waves of the world together.

As a mother of five, family life and travels have left her with decades of stories to tell, and she cherishes the time she has now to tell them, in between her honored role as Grandma, her passion for reading, and her adoration of all things coffee.

Her first book, Birds Alive! An Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery released February 27, 2024.

For more information about Jen, her books, writing tips, and author interviews, check out her blog: https://jendodrillwrites.com/.

Book information:

– Synopsis: A brief summary of each of your books, including genre, themes, and key selling points.

– Covers: High-quality images of book covers for visual appeal.

Birds Alive!:

Peg—widow, mom blogger, and empty nester—is desperate for a new hobby. After a late-night blog post leaves her dedicated Mamma Birds followers fearful that she’s closing her blog, she adopts a reader’s suggestion and forms the Empty Nesters Birding Group. On their first outing overlooking beautiful Pensacola Bay, a birder dies from an allergic reaction to peanuts in the birdseed. Seed that should be peanut-free.

A hurricane barrels toward the Gulf Coast, and Peg’s overbearing, animal-collecting, but well-meaning mother-in-law crashes Peg’s empty nest. After the hurricane passes, Peg checks on her new birder friends and finds one wounded and dying. The assailant is still there and knocks Peg down a steep staircase. Stuck in a boot with a broken foot and still reeling from the two murders, Peg recruits a fellow birder and her mother-in-law to help solve the crime. She even teams up with the detective investigating the case, whose dimples draw her in a way she hasn’t experienced in years.

Smith Publicity suggests you include these items about your book in your media kit:

title
author
genre
price
# of pages
ISBN
publication date
synopsis
where it’s available (retailers)
formats available
reviews

Press release or pitch letter:

A compelling press release announcing new book releases, awards, milestones, or significant updates sent to relevant sources. And/or a pitch letter to introduce yourself and your work to media contacts or potential collaborators.

Reviews & endorsements:

– Highlight positive reviews from reputable sources, bloggers, or readers to build credibility.

– Endorsements from influencers, fellow authors, or industry professionals.

Mine for Birds Alive!:

“This was such a fun read. Peg and Hazel were a great amateur sleuth team. I loved each character’s quirkiness, and Hazel’s pets made it all the more fun! I highly recommend Birds Alive! and can’t wait to read more from this author.” – review on Amazon.

“Delightfully clever and fresh! Dodrill dazzles with endearing characters in this cozy mystery. Heartwarming yet intriguing at the same time, I couldn’t put the book down until the last word.” – endorsement in Birds Alive!

Media Coverage:

– Featured articles, including links or excerpts from articles, interviews, or guest posts about you and your books.

– Any mentions in newspapers, magazines, podcasts, or online platforms.

For Birds Alive!

Learn more about Jen and her books through these interviews:

Contact information:

Author contact: include your professional email address, social media handles, and website URL for inquiries and follow-ups.
Publicist or manager contact: If applicable, provide contact details for your publicist or manager for media inquiries.

Mine (I don’t have an agent or publicist):

Blog: https://jendodrillwrites.com/

Email: jend@jendodrillwrites.com

Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest

Sample interview Q & A:

Offer pre-prepared questions or talking points to assist journalists or interviewers in crafting interviews or features about you. **My Q & A is in my media kit.

Social media links & stats:

– Social media profiles: Links to your active social media profiles (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) where you engage with your audience.

– Follower statistics: Provide current follower counts or engagement metrics to showcase your social media influence.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillwrites/ – 2804 followers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWrites – 777 followers

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/jendodrillwrites/ – 7.5k monthly views

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dodrill/author/B0CSDW3CHR

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47887511.Jen_Dodrill

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-dodrill

Appearances & speaking engagements:

– Upcoming Events: List any upcoming book signings, readings, panel discussions, or speaking engagements.

– Past Events: Highlight notable past events you have participated in.

Additional resources:

– Additional Media Assets: Optional extras such as downloadable images, book excerpts, or supplementary press materials.

Do you have a media kit?

By assembling a well-organized and informative media kit, you can confidently present yourself and your work to journalists, bloggers, and other industry professionals, enhancing your visibility and opportunities for recognition.

Check out my media kit here: h ttps://jendodrillwrites.com/media-kit-for-jen-dodrill/

Invest time in creating and updating your media kit regularly to reflect your latest achievements and maintain relevance in the dynamic world of publishing and book promotion. Happy crafting!

Read Crafting a Writer’s Mood Board and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery, Birds Alive!, released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

10 Essential Ingredients of a media kit

Benefits of a media kit: