There’s nothing quite like seeing your name—and your book—featured in a big-name magazine, an online publication, or even a morning talk show segment. It feels like validation, a signal to the world that you’ve arrived as an author. But media coverage isn’t just about the warm fuzzy feeling—it’s one of the most powerful tools for building credibility, growing your audience, and ultimately, selling more books.

The good news? You don’t need to be a New York Times bestseller (yet) or have a publicist on retainer to get featured. You just need a strategy, a little persistence, and a blueprint that actually works.

This post is exactly that.

Why Media Coverage Matters for Authors

Let’s face it—there are millions of books out there. Readers have endless options, and attention spans are shorter than ever. So how do you cut through the noise?

Media coverage.

Being featured in a reputable outlet instantly elevates your author status. It positions you as a thought leader, helps new audiences discover you, and provides third-party validation. It’s one thing to say, “Hey, my book is great.” It’s another when Forbes, NPR, or a popular blogger says it for you.

Media also creates a ripple effect. One article or interview can lead to more requests, podcast invites, influencer mentions, and even speaking opportunities. It’s the snowball you want rolling in your favor.

Step 1: Define Your Media Goals

Before you start pitching anyone, get clear on what you want. Are you trying to:

• Drive book sales?
• Build your personal brand?
• Position yourself as an expert?
• Get your foot in the door for bigger media in the future?

Your goals will shape the kind of outlets you approach. For instance, if you’re a business author, trade magazines and LinkedIn newsletters might be more useful than a lifestyle blog. Writing memoirs? Human-interest stories or regional publications could be your goldmine.

Step 2: Identify Your Angles

Here’s the truth—media doesn’t care (at first) about your book. They care about stories. So what’s your hook? What makes your journey, your message, or your experience media-worthy?

Here are some examples of solid media angles:

• A powerful personal story behind why you wrote the book.
• A controversial take or unique opinion related to your topic.
• Ties to current events, trends, or social issues.
• A seasonal or holiday angle (think: “Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read in the New Year”).
• A unique accomplishment (first in your community to publish, bestseller without a publisher, etc.)

Get creative here. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—you just need a fresh spin on your story.

Step 3: Build Your Press Kit (Even If You’re New)

You don’t need a fancy PDF or media rep. A simple, well-organized press kit on your website (or in a shareable folder) will do. Here’s what to include:

• A short, punchy author bio (with links to your website/socials)
• A professional headshot
• Book cover image (hi-res)
• A brief book synopsis
• Sample interview questions
• Links to previous media (if you have any—even local coverage counts)
• Contact info

Having a press kit shows that you’re ready for coverage and makes it easier for journalists to work with you. Less effort for them = higher chance of being featured.

Step 4: Research and Pitch Strategically

Blanket pitching every media outlet you can find? Waste of time. Targeted pitching? That’s the move.

Here’s how:

1. Make a list of 20–30 outlets that make sense for your niche. Include blogs, magazines, podcasts, TV stations, YouTube shows, and online newsrooms.
2. Find the right contact. Look for editors, producers, or contributors who cover books, culture, lifestyle, or whatever your theme aligns with.
3. Read or watch their recent work. Understand their tone, audience, and what kind of stories they love.
4. Write a killer pitch. Keep it short, relevant, and human. Mention why their audience would care, why now, and how your story fits.

Example:

Hi [Name], I loved your recent article on authors using social media to build their platforms—it was such a fresh take! I’m reaching out because I recently released a book that explores how small-town entrepreneurs built million-dollar brands from their garages. I think it aligns with your readers’ interest in grassroots success stories. Happy to send a copy or chat more if you’re interested!

Make it conversational. Avoid copy-paste templates. And follow up in 7–10 days if you don’t hear back.

Step 5: Start Small, Grow Big

Many authors dream of landing in The New York Times right out of the gate—but don’t skip the small wins.

Local radio, niche blogs, alumni magazines, or regional papers are often overlooked gems. They love highlighting local talent, and these features build your credibility over time.

Plus, bigger outlets often want to see that you’ve had some media exposure before giving you a shot. So treat every interview—big or small—as a stepping stone.

Step 6: Turn Features into Marketing Fuel

Once you land a spot, make it work hard for you.

• Share it on all your social media channels.
• Add a “Featured In” section to your website.
• Mention it in your bio or future pitches.
• Use clips or links in your email marketing.

Each appearance becomes part of your long-term author brand. The more people see you out there, the more they trust you—and the more your book becomes something they just have to check out.

Step 7: Keep the Momentum Going

Media coverage is not a one-and-done deal. The best authors treat it like a long game. Create a calendar where you pitch regularly, especially when:

• You release a new book or updated edition
• A major event or holiday ties into your theme
• You have new stats, achievements, or experiences to share

And don’t forget to build relationships with media folks along the way. Send thank-you notes. Tag them when you share their content. Offer ideas they didn’t cover. The more you become a helpful, go-to source, the more they’ll come back for your insights.

Final Thoughts

Getting featured in the media isn’t just for celebrity authors or PR-savvy influencers. With the right approach, any author—even first-timers—can land meaningful coverage that drives real results.

Be bold. Be strategic. And above all, be persistent.

Your story deserves the spotlight.

Speaking of stories, we’ve seen firsthand how the right media strategy can transform an author’s entire trajectory. Behind many of the media-savvy authors you see today are experts helping shape their narrative and connect them to the right outlets. If you’re ever wondering where to begin or how to scale, Best Sellers LLC has been the invisible engine behind many successful author launches. They get the game—because they’ve helped write the playbook.

Now it’s your turn to get featured. Let the world hear your story