Published & Black Podcast
Welcome to the Published + Black Podcast, where the worlds of self-publishing, business, and life converge. I'm Tiffany A Green-Hood, your host, Publisher, Author, Coach, and Design Strategist. Join me each week as we delve into the hidden stories behind self-publishing triumphs and the intricate world of publishing.
Together, we'll illuminate the brilliance of black authors, exploring their captivating narratives and honoring their achievements. Our journey doesn't stop there – we'll delve into the art of crafting impactful author brands that extend beyond books and messages.
Prepare to dive into profound discussions, gain invaluable insights, and unlock the secrets of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of self-publishing, while touching on crucial aspects of both business and life. Whether you're a wordsmith, an entrepreneur, or simply in pursuit of inspiration, the Published + Black Podcast is your empowerment destination. Tune in, learn, and embrace the journey with me, your host, Tiffany. 🎧📚
Published & Black Podcast
How to Level Up Your Media Game As An Author
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🎙️ How to Level Up Your Media Game as an Author
You wrote the book… now it’s time to get SEEN. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to position yourself for TV appearances, magazine features, podcast interviews, and more—all by getting your media game tight.
We’re talking professional headshots (put that phone down), polished bios, branded domains, and why every author needs a press release and media kit.
Visibility is currency. If you want to attract major media, you need to look like you belong there. Let me show you how to build your media presence like a pro.
Welcome back to Published in Black Podcast, where authors don't just publish books, they build movements. I'm your host, tiffany A Greenhood, and today I'm coming straight for that. I'm low-key spirit that's holding so many authors back. The title of today's episode is simple Level Up your Media Game as an Author Because, let's be honest, some of y'all out here writing powerful books, but your visuals Looking like you used a flip phone in 2009.
Speaker 1:It's time to grow up your brand. Let me start here you cannot ask people to take you seriously if you don't look serious. You got all these deep chapters, your message is powerful, your testimony is real, but the photo on your book cover looked like a Sunday selfie from your bathroom. No, ma'am, no sir. You need professional photos that say I'm media ready. I know who I am. Yes, you can feature me. Yes, you can feature me. Let me put it this way your brand should walk into the room before you do yes, this part, the important part and before you ask yes, it's worth the investment. You pay for hair, you pay for nails, you pay to be seen at everybody's event, so why not pay to be positioned Positioned for your own voice, message, book or brand. And let me remind you make sure you hire a professional photographer. After 17 years in professional photography, I advise you to study professional photography for what you need for your business or brand. Make sure the photographer knows lighting I've seen too many clients waste money with the wrong photographer and be sure that you understand what kind of poses you need power poses, head shots, and not a fashion shoot that cannot be used on a flyer, magazine cover or website. I'm just saying Once you've got your photos, let's talk about your media kit.
Speaker 1:A media kit is not optional. I don't care if you just launched your first book or you've got five under your belt. If you want media, you need a resume for your brand. Your media kit should include bio, professional headshots, press release or brand story, social stats or engagement highlights, book titles and descriptions, speaking topics or interview angles. This is how you get booked. This is how you get on radio, podcasts, tv and even magazine features. You know what they say, even magazine features. You know what they say Stay ready, so you don't have to get ready. Now let's level up again.
Speaker 1:A press release isn't just for big corporations, it's for you. Everything you announce, accomplish or succeed in deserves a press release. Check out a website called Fiverrcom. Thank me later. Your book launch is news. Your tour is news. Your story is absolutely newsworthy. Stop waiting for some high-end publicist or PR expert to tell you that your story or your brand or message is newsworthy. You should already know that, so why aren't you telling it? Press releases position you as more than just another author. They show the world you are a brand with something to say and they help you get picked up by local media.
Speaker 1:News blogs and national publications Want features. Write your story like a headline, not a handout. Let me tell you something You're not waiting for your big break. You are the break. You just haven't shown up like it yet. If you had the media kit, the photos, the press release and the confidence, you'd already be featured.
Speaker 1:Here's what magazine editors and TV producers are looking for A compelling story, a visual to pair with it, a guest who is already positioned. They want to know can this person deliver a message that matters? Do they look polished on camera? Do they have content ready to drop? If you've got those answers in place, you'll go from asking for interviews to getting requested for features. So how do you stop blending in and start standing out? Let me give it to you. Plain, book the photo shoot. Don't overthink it. Plan outfits that represent your brand and get you 20, 30 fire shots. You can rotate all year. Create your media kit or hire someone who can. This is your digital business card and branding resume.
Speaker 1:Write a press release launching a book, hosting an event, telling your story. Put it in press format and distribute it. Practice your interview voice If you want to be on TV or podcasts. Get comfortable answering questions with clarity, conviction and presence. Show up like a movement. Stop posting like you're just trying. Show up like a movement. Stop posting like you're just trying. You are already it. Talk like it, walk like it, post like it. Let me leave you with this. Authors write stories, but brands make headlines. Which one are you? If you're tired of being overlooked, if you're tired of writing masterpieces that don't get the recognition they deserve, then it's time to stop playing small and start building a public presence. You don't need to be famous to be featured, you just need to be ready. This is Published in Black, where we don't just publish books, we shift culture. Talk to y'all. Next episode, visit publishwithtiffanycom.
