I get asked a lot about marketing packages for media. People want to know how to present them, what's in them, etc. I have been asked over and over again to write articles on the subject, so here you are: a brief crash course on marketing packages for media. Your marketing package is your calling card. It will introduce you and your small press to the people you need to help move your press forward. Make it interesting, exciting and entertaining. Capture their attention and make them want to see, read and listen to what you've sent.

Your marketing package should include reviews you have received for publications, information on current projects, and any reviews from your most recent title when they are available. Include a head shot (black and white is the least expensive, but color really catches the eye and many people require it), a bio (if you don't have a bio, create one, or get someone to create one for you), a cover letter, and a business card.

Your cover letter, should be limited to one page and should be packed full of concise well formatted information-much like a sell sheet. Try to limit your marketing package to 7 or 8 pieces of information. You don't want to overload them and you want to save some excitement for later! Keep them a little curious.

You'll want to compile three types of marketing packages for media: one for newspapers, one for distributors, and the other for teachers/professors. The most economic form of sending a marketing package is the digital marketing package; however, many people still do not accept this form, so please ask them before randomly sending out information about your electronic marketing package, as it will just be considered spam. Before you send any marketing package, you need to get permission first. If you don't get permission, your product has a very low probability rate of ever getting to its destination and even less of a chance of getting read and listened to.

There are publishers who think that their publications are the only thing that will speak for them. They believe that their publications alone will open the doors to newspapers, radio interviews, etc. They won't. You must have a proven track record as well as a "certain" style and look. It is after all the first thing they see before they ever read one of your publications.

After you have sent your marketing package, make sure to follow up with a phone call to make sure your marketing package has arrived safely. Then wait three weeks before you begin follow-up calls. Don't just send the package and expect them to call. Remember, they get hundreds of packages from publisers just like you every single week.

Follow up and get noticed-but don't become an annoyance or you will be ignored!