Media Strategies – Joanne McCall Book Publicist

The New Media Map

Joanne McCall — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:00:02 +0000

Back in the day, Oprah was the holy grail of media “gets.” You could meet someone at a networking event, talk to a fiction or nonfiction author, and within 60 seconds they would say her name. Not because they loved daytime TV, but because Oprah represented something else. Something big. Legitimacy. And that belief is still alive today, even if the name has changed. Today it sounds like: “If…

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The Solstice Reset for Experts Who Are Authors

Joanne McCall — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:00:16 +0000

Every year, during the week of the winter solstice, something subtle shifts in the early morning hours. I notice it the moment I wake up. The darkness feels different somehow. It’s still deep and quiet, but not heavy the way it is earlier in December. There is a sense of turning. As if the earth herself is pausing, listening, preparing. It is the longest night of the year, and yet I always feel…

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The One Message Your Audience Needs Now

Joanne McCall — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:00:06 +0000

Years ago I worked with an author whose book had tremendous potential. It was smart, timely, beautifully written, and exactly what her audience needed. We had lined up interviews, crafted pitches, and were building momentum. On the surface, everything looked aligned. But behind the scenes, something was quietly unraveling. Her social posts had drifted far away from her book.

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Is that No or Not Yet?

Joanne McCall — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:00:17 +0000

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, no. Oh wow. I honestly wasn’t expecting that. To say I was surprised is an understatement. But here’s the thing. Sometimes (often, in fact) we hear no. If you let that shut you…

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The Danger of Saying Yes to Everything

Joanne McCall — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:00:53 +0000

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 than your message. Mistake #2 is making it all about you instead of the audience. Both are big ones. But now let’s move on to mistake #3…

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Why Your Pitch Fell Flat (Hint: It’s Not About You)

Joanne McCall — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:00:25 +0000

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 Mistake #2: Making it all about you. Not long ago, an author proudly sent me a pitch they had written. The first paragraph went something like this: “Hi…

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Can You Say That In 10 Seconds?

Joanne McCall — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:00:30 +0000

Remember this quote? “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” — Blaise Pascal Some attribute it to Mark Twain, but whether it was said by Twain or Pascal, it is so true. Writing succinctly takes time, and in the media, brevity isn’t just appreciated, it’s expected and essential. TL;DR is a real thing. No one has time to read lengthy pitches or try to figure out what you’re…

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4 Surprising Takeaways from the Nonfiction Writers Conference

Joanne McCall — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:00:18 +0000

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, then you know what a fan I am of book conferences. For writers and authors, there is nothing like being surrounded by your peers and industry experts to learn, grow, and make great connections, some of which may last a lifetime. I recently had the pleasure of speaking at this year’s Nonfiction Writers Conference, hosted by Stephanie Chandler and the…

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Building Relationships with Media

Joanne McCall — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:56:15 +0000

In any kind of relationship or collaboration, it’s the connection that matters most. I am speaking of the relationship connection. As you build your media contacts, nurturing that connection is everything. Building long-term relationships with journalists, influencers, bloggers, and media outlets requires a strategic, thoughtful, and consistent approach. I thought it would be valuable to share a…

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#1 Question Asked About Media

Joanne McCall — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:00:25 +0000

Authors ask me all the time, “How can I get more visibility and media exposure?” I get email, and I am questioned publicly on social media, in DMs, and at in-person events. It is with this in mind I am writing today’s post. Reach out: Reach out now to podcast hosts, journalists, columnists, producers, and bloggers for interview opportunities. As Nike says, “Just do it.” You want to get…

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