Your writer’s dream has finally come true. Your book has made the bestseller list, you’re scheduled to do signings all over the country, and your publicist has even set up media tours in every major city. What more could an author ask for?
Before you answer, take a moment to reflect. While the book signings will probably be a piece of cake, how about those TV, radio, podcasts, and print interviews? Are you ready to speak eloquently about almost every imaginable aspect of your book—even the most controversial chapters or characters?
How would you respond if an aggressive reporter goes off topic and tries to take you down a rabbit hole by connecting your book to some hot-button issue? Would you be able to maintain your composure even as the bright lights glared, cameras zoomed in, and the press corps stared you down?
I talked to a group of media experts, publicists, and seasoned authors to compile a list of best practices to help give writers the tools they need to stay on message,
