| Are you a professional writer who wants to | | | | quick reference background for the media, |
| maximize your exposure to potential markets | | | | editors, reporters, et al.CredentialsWhile |
| and editors? Would you welcome free | | | | formal studies in writing are not necessarily |
| publicity? Does boosting your image as a | | | | a requisite for a writing career, in order to |
| writer interest you? Then you need a media | | | | break into some specializations you often do |
| kit.What is a Media Kit?A media kit is a | | | | need to demonstrate some genre-related |
| "package" of information about you, your | | | | expertise. So if you have any academic or |
| services, business and writing abilities and | | | | technical qualifications they can serve to |
| accomplishments. It may incorporate any | | | | position you as an expert. Credentials can |
| number of items which aid in promoting you | | | | include academic degrees, professional |
| and providing relevant background information | | | | workshops, seminars, conferences and courses, |
| on you and your services to editors, | | | | professional or trade association |
| reporters, prospective clients and others in | | | | memberships, among others.Testimonials / |
| the media. Even your readers will take a peek | | | | FeedbackNeedless to say, it certainly never |
| at your media kit information. Want to know | | | | hurts to relate any positive reader or |
| more about Sue Grafton, Tom Clancy, J.K. | | | | editorial feedback you have received about |
| Rowling or Stephen King? Check out their | | | | your work. Commendation / recommendation and |
| media kits.These are some key items you could | | | | reference letters, comments, testimonials and |
| package into your professional writer media | | | | praise all can demonstrate your talents in |
| kit for getting the most mileage out of any | | | | reaching readers. They can also your show |
| exposure or publicity scenario:Your Author | | | | professionalism.More on PhotosSeveral good |
| PhotoYou absolutely must have at least a good | | | | photos-in-action are always useful to have |
| passport-type photo (smile, please) in your | | | | available. Photos of you receiving an award |
| media kit. Another, half-body shot of you | | | | or other recognition lend support to press |
| "working" is useful to have too.A Writer | | | | releases and background support text.Now I'm |
| BioYou'll also definitely need to include two | | | | originally from Pennsylvania Dutch country in |
| or three bios of yourself. One should be | | | | the USA but currently live and work in South |
| around 25 words, another approx. 50 words and | | | | America, so I include several photos of |
| a third of 100 words or less. These are so | | | | various kinds (most taken by me) of my |
| potential users can plug it into their | | | | hometown area to allow visual support of my |
| programs or document using the length and | | | | background information. One or more of them |
| detail that suits their application without | | | | are frequently used by the local and regional |
| having to bug you to edit your bio before | | | | media.Make Your Media Kit AvailablePost your |
| they can use it.ClipsLet your light shine | | | | media kit on your website, mention its |
| here. Showcase your talent. Include three to | | | | availability in queries, your blog or send it |
| five of your best clips with relevant | | | | to media outlets like newspapers, magazines, |
| publication data provided. (If you don't have | | | | technical / trade organizations, chambers of |
| enough clips or want to break into a new | | | | commerce, agents, speaker's bureaus, TV and |
| specialty or genre, then research and write a | | | | radio stations, blogs and websites or as part |
| specialized clip or two and include | | | | of any PR efforts. Use your media kit to |
| them.Website and Blog ReferencesYou DO have a | | | | maximize your exposure to potential markets |
| website or Blog, don't you? Great, talk it | | | | and editors, get free publicity and help |
| up. Be sure to include the links in your | | | | boost your image as a professional |
| media kit and on all correspondence as well | | | | writer.Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an expert |
| as your SIG (resource box).Writer Resume or | | | | author and photographer offering Web Content |
| Writer CVBesides your Bio, you should provide | | | | Writing Services for top-quality articles on: |
| a full resume or CV in your media kit. This | | | | Education, Language learning, Salt and Fresh |
| document allows you to demonstrate your | | | | water fishing, exotic foods, South American |
| background and development as a writer. Here | | | | travel and culture, Ethnic issues - Blacks, |
| you can insert personal anecdotes and give | | | | Latinos, Indian native tribes, Health, |
| your writing / publication history in more | | | | Internet business resources and more ... His |
| detail than possible in a Bio, cover letter | | | | work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, |
| or query.Publications ListIf your | | | | South American Explorer, Escape From America, |
| publications are extensive, tabulate them by | | | | Mexico News, Brazil magazine and hundreds of |
| genre, theme or chronologically to provide a | | | | sites online. |