Author: Angelle Barbazon

Angelle joined the Books Forward team in 2014, and her experience and dedication has led to her being named our lead publicist. Her distinct pitching style and effective research has secured media coverage for our authors and their books in Vanity Fair, Buzzfeed, The Associated Press, The New York Times and USA Today, as well as countless regional media outlets. Our authors love Angelle’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to their vision and their books. Other publicists frequently spend time learning from her — how to ask probing questions, find the right person to contact and craft a successful pitch. She began her professional career at news outlets across the country before surrendering to her love of books. An award-winning journalist whose own work has appeared in local and national publications, including NPR, she is tenacious in finding the right angles to utilize for each campaign and connecting with the right reporter for the job. Angelle can usually be found at a concert, working on Mardi Gras costumes or taking photos of random cats that she meets wandering around New Orleans.

Getting to Know You: Why Media Matters

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

Author Interview

When you’re gearing up to launch a new book, building buzz can be difficult, even for seasoned authors who have a loyal following of readers. The fact is, there are regularly more than 300,000 titles released by traditional publishers every year in the United States while the non-traditional publishing sector churns out more than 1 million books annually, according to Bowker. So what’s the bottom line? There is a lot of competition out there.

One of the most worthwhile ways of breaking through all the noise is with the media. This can come in the form of interviews, book announcements or reviews –though reviews are becoming increasingly less common and more difficult to secure because of shrinking newsrooms and resources.

Interviews are the best way for readers to connect with the people behind their favorite books on a deeper, more personal level. It gives readers an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look into the writing filling their home libraries, or even get introduced to new voices in the literary world.

Just about every writer wants “big media” attention like the New York Times or National Public Radio, but they shouldn’t underestimate the power of local media. Similar to a grassroots movement, local media can help build buzz on the ground level. It’s a good place to start, especially for new authors who are just getting their feet wet. A feature in a local newspaper or a spot on a morning news show is a great starting point for bigger things to come.

Big or small, every media outlet will consider a few factors before setting up interview or other types of coverage. Knowing the questions that journalists will ask themselves before covering a new book can be invaluable. Here are a few questions they may consider:

  • Why do my readers care about this book?
  • Does the author have a local connection?
  • Why is it important to feature this book now?
  • What makes this book or author unique?
  • Is this book or author controversial in any way?
  • What kind of impact will this book or author have the community that my media outlet serves?

 

Angelle Barbazon is currently a publicist for JKS Communications. She is an award-winning journalist who worked for various print newspapers across the country and NPR before succumbing to her love of books. 

3 Signs You Have Written A Highly Marketable Nonfiction Book

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

When I started working with author, psychologist and terrorism expert Alice LoCicero to promote her newest nonfiction book, I knew right away that the possibilities for media coverage would be endless. Her book, “Why ‘Good Kids’ Turn Into Deadly Terrorists,” explains the ins and outs of homegrown terrorism with a special emphasis on the accused Boston Marathon bombers, a topic that hits home for this Cambridge-based author. Dr. LoCicero’s book and professional expertise have grabbed the attention of the Associated Press, the Washington Times, local Boston media and many others.

So, how did she do it? How does a writer pen a nonfiction title that spans local, regional and national appeal?

3 signs of a highly marketable nonfiction book:

  1. Timing is (almost) everything. When deciding on a publication date, think about important anniversaries and current events that the book’s release can be tied to. This is especially important for media coverage because reporters are always looking for a timely angle. The question they are repeatedly asking is, “Why should people care about this NOW?” In Dr. LoCicero’s case, she released her book just as media outlets – locally and nationally – were gearing up to cover the trial of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. It was on their minds, and she popped up on their radar just in time.
  2. Let’s get personal. A personal connection to the topic is a great angle to pitch to media outlets. Journalists may care about the book and its subject, but they are always looking forward to hearing the author’s personal story, one that their readers can relate to, one that takes them behind the scenes. Dr. LoCicero chose a topic close to her heart. Not only does she live and work in the community where the Tsarnaev brothers lived, she is a mother and psychologist who has studied youth violence and terrorism all over the world.
  3. Know your readers. Choose a topic with mass appeal. Not everyone is deeply invested in the Boston Marathon bombing trial, but Dr. LoCicero’s readership broadened when her book addressed the subjects of youth violence and terrorism recruitment efforts. This not only pulls in readers interested in current events but grabs the attention of parents, educators and those interested in psychology and youth social issues.

Angelle Barbazon is a literary publicist who worked as a journalist before joining JKS Communications.