Image: Joanne McCall Every November, I’m reminded of an author I once worked with when the two of us turned National Gratitude Month into her springboard for media attention. It was perfect, but the interesting thing is that her book wasn’t about gratitude. It was
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Speaking in the media requires more than just knowing what you’re talking about. It also requires that you sound like you know what you’re talking about. There’s a big difference. Of all the different types of clients I have worked with, academics often have the
The #1 Reason Brilliant People Stumble in the Media Read More »
I pitched a producer once who I really wanted a client to get in front of. The story idea was strong, the timing was right, the show covers this topic, and I thought for sure it would be a yes. But the answer came back,
Is that No or Not Yet? Read More »
I once did a virtual interview where the host barely looked at me. Sometimes people look at the screen instead of directly into the camera, which is understandable. But in this case, it was clear he wasn’t paying attention to his guest (me). His eyes
Who’s Really Listening? Read More »
I once had someone say to me, “Wow, that author you worked with really hit it big overnight.”I nearly spit out my coffee. Overnight? Really? Hardly. What they didn’t see were the months of building relationships, refining the hook, showing up consistently, and saying yes
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Everything was going great. You were in flow and having a wonderful day. Plenty of quick wins, fast replies, and media “yeses” dropping into your inbox. It was a great feeling with nothing quite like it. And then one day, it was not happening like
When Things Go Sideways for Authors Read More »
I know. I know. It’s too early to talk about the holidays! But here’s the thing: Soon it will be too late. You know that person who hangs Christmas lights before Halloween, right? The one sipping pumpkin spice lattes while it’s still 80 degrees outside,
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We’ve covered four of the most common media mistakes authors make, and today we’re moving on to Mistake #5: Hiding from your own expertise. This one is sneaky. It shows up as waiting for permission, doubting yourself, and letting impostor syndrome call the shots. It
Impostor Syndrome Is Costing You Interviews Read More »
I recently presented a webinar consisting of the five biggest media mistakes authors make. Of course, there are more than five, but we focused on a few of the most common mistakes, which can also be corrected. Mistake #1 is leading with your book rather
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I was recently asked to do a webinar on the 5 Biggest Media Mistakes Authors Make (and what to do instead) for the Nonfiction Authors Association. Last week, I wrote about Mistake #1, which is here in case you missed it. Today, let’s focus on
Why Your Pitch Fell Flat (Hint: It’s Not About You) Read More »