Oprah, I'm On My Way!

I don't think I have had a literary client yet that didn't utter the words, "I want to be on Oprah." The unfortunate reality for them, as well as many others, is that they have a better chance of being struck by lightening. Although the mere mention of a book from Oprah will indeed catapult authors headfirst into success virtually overnight, it is not the only way to get noticed.

Every author wants to be on Oprah because they think that their book is perfect for her. The fact is there's a whole process on how to go about getting a book on the show. Only 12 books are picked through this process each year. Talk about tough competition. Most every TV show that has implemented a "book club" (i.e., LIVE with Regis and Kelly, The Today Show, etc.) is so inundated with submissions that great obstacles have been implemented to discourage authors from even being considered.

Most authors will discover that TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines are an effective way to spread the word about their book. But publicity doesn't stop there. From book clubs to award nominations to word-of-mouth, it takes a myriad of methods to position a book for success.

Of these mediums, radio is the most effective avenue to send your message to the majority of the population. Travel expenses aren't an issue, and you can literally lounge in your pajamas and talk to a radio host in California while sipping your morning coffee in Cleveland.

Local media is the next easiest way to obtain coverage. However, the larger the city the harder it is to get an author noticed, especially if the book was published by a vanity press or print-on-demand. Most smaller communities need news, but once coverage occurs, the media will most likely not repeat a story down the road. Timing is critical and minimal.

Finding relevant news or human interest stories becomes the next challenge. Whether mystery, fiction, or self-help, most books have an angle that can place them at the forefront of the pack as long as it is well thought out. Professional publicists within the industry have the media contacts and the experience to tie authors and their books to breaking news to make that happen.

National coverage can take any author to the next level. Whether it's Ricky Lake, CNN or Dr. Phil, anyone big can maximize an author's exposure as long as he or she is the right one. Syndicated shows - both radio and TV - as well as national publications like Time, Cosmopolitan, and The Chicago Tribune help give each author and book credibility.

Success doesn't always mean Oprah, sometimes it's simply hard work and dedication - yours.