A friend just sent an email, asking how she could get her book mentioned in several area magazines.
I have a few ideas when it comes to local and state magazines:
Some publications are about preserving stories that are classic Idaho. You might consider asking them to publish an excerpt from your book. You might ask your editor for their opinion on what portion could be a ‘stand-alone’ story.
Another thing you could do is create a ‘teaser’. Write up a condensed anecdote, and then include a plug about your book in italics below, or include it in your bio, should they decide to publish your work.
Are any locals or media VIPs involved with your story in any way? Are there facets of your story that they might be keenly interested in? If so, contact them and see if they have any ideas, or if they'd be willing to pass your book information along in a strategic manner to those who could really give you some traction. Make whatever you submit larger than just you or your subject (s). Magazine editors are always going to be looking for things that pertain to their area, and their genre. Things many people will have a connection to.
My personal belief when it comes to magazine articles is that the trick is to tie in to other stories so it doesn’t look like you’re openly plugging your product, etc., and then subtly put something (anecdote, story, mention) about your book so that readers will be curious, not wary of an obvious self-promotion. There is art to the classic teaser. In this way, a mention of your published work is appropriate. If readers like your story, they'll naturally want to read more.
Another thought when it comes to approaching magazine editors is to use the WOW factor.
When sending a letter to the editor, first and foremost, be brief. These poor people read words all day long. You've got to grab them right away, so don't work gradually up to the WOW of it, put it out there right off the bat. You can list your awards, credentials, etc. later. Much later. Maybe in another email altogether, or include it in your magazine bio.
The biggest deal with editors is going to be presenting to them why it's interesting, and why their readers will eat what you have written or will write up. Once you've got a story idea, subtly add in your plug within the piece about your book or as an informational blurb at the end, or use an excerpt or rewritten ultra-condensed version of your book for an article along with a plug/ website, etc. about the book.
I think that method could get you some good ink. No guarantees, but my opinion is that this will work far better than the in-your-face methods so many others use...making it difficult and not too tempting for editors to give it the nod.
Once you've been published, make sure to tell those who made that happen 'Thank you.'
That's a very important step.
Overall, here is the greatest lesson:
Don't be a pushy pen.
Feed them something they want to eat, and sprinkle in a little self-promotion as a condiment, not the main course.
*You can find my other random thoughts about writing on Twitter.
