News Coverage

Well, I've done a thing. I contracted with a PR firm to promote my book A Subtle Armageddon. For $345 they developed a press release which they promised would be sent to nearly 500 news outlets, book retailers, book clubs, influencers, reviewers and various other entities. 

Full disclosure: I expected nothing, and in fact was afraid I was throwing money away. But I did find that the release was sent out through the AP, Associated Press, here, reported verbatim but with a legal disclaimer that all they were doing was forwarding an item sent to them. Whatever. I've been on the AP wire, and not for anything criminal, isolated ASA reviews notwithstanding.

Further, I am being inundated with emails from several people about what they might be willing to offer. Most, quite honesty, involved paying for a new service (though I read them I have so far ignored their offers) and some free (those I took). The firm I contracted also developed a media guide (mine to use as I please, as is the original press release) and have given me advice on what I could do myself with the materials for greater promotion. I don't have to depend on them; I can be proactive with the things they've produced.

I'm going to be coy and not mention the firm's name until I see what happens in the long run. But the early returns are encouraging. I mean, not many of us are on the AP wire, am I right?