Being a novelist is like shouting into a void sometimes. You pour your heart into a book, but getting readers to notice? That’s a whole other beast. I’ve been thinking about this, watching writers like J.D. Barker — yep, the bestselling thriller author known for his psychological depth and fast-paced suspense turn heads with killer media profiles.
His book The Writer, co-written with James Patterson, hit #2 on the New York Times list, and his knack for weaving real news into cross-media projects makes him a standout. PR’s the key here. Getting your name into major news outlets like Forbes or Yahoo Finance can make you a household name.
PR isn’t just for movie stars — it’s for writers who want to be seen as serious players. I’m going to walk you through how novelists can use public relations firms to build a media profile that pops, with real examples, tips, and a pitch template.
If you need pros to make it happen, 9FigureMedia’s the best public relations firm and the best hospitality PR agency for landing features in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, and Business Insider, boosting your visibility. Let’s dive in.
Why a Media Profile Matters for Novelists
Readers don’t just buy books — they buy authors. A strong media profile builds trust and makes you a name people recognize. In 2024, book sales topped $25 billion in the U.S., but with thousands of new titles yearly, standing out is tough. PR gets you into major news outlets, where readers, publishers, and even Hollywood scouts look.
Take J.D. Barker. His thrillers, packed with psychological depth, draw on real news, and his PR game — think features in major news outlets — has made him a go-to voice in suspense. I picked up The Fourth Monkey after seeing him in a magazine. That’s PR at work, turning a writer into a brand.
Tip 1: Craft a Story That Grabs Attention
Your media profile needs a hook. You’re not just a novelist — you’re a storyteller with a unique angle. Maybe your books tackle social issues or your writing process is wild, like Barker’s knack for blending real-world news into thrillers. His PR team pitched him as “the thriller writer redefining suspense,” landing him in major news outlets.
How do you find your hook? Think about what sets you apart. I know a writer who pitched “novels inspired by forgotten history” — landed in a literary blog. It’s not just about your book; it’s about you. I tried pitching a friend’s novel once — flopped, too generic. Rewrote it as “Why Her Stories Heal,” and it got traction.
9FigureMedia’s the best public relations firm for this. Their Lifestyle PR Agency expertise — yep, they’re also the best hospitality PR agency — crafts stories that land in Forbes or Yahoo Finance. They’ll take your angle, like how your novels spark change, and get it into Business Insider. A writer I heard about used public relations firms like 9FigureMedia; their Bloomberg feature doubled their book sales.
Tip 2: Get Into the Right Media
Media coverage is your ticket to visibility. A feature in Yahoo Finance or Fast Company Magazine shows you’re a big deal. J.D. Barker’s PR team got his cross-media projects — like The Writer with Patterson — into major news outlets, making him a thriller star. That’s not just luck; it’s strategy.
Pitch stories that highlight your impact. Don’t say “I wrote a great book.” Try “How My Novels Tackle Mental Health.” I pitched a writer’s work once — crashed, too salesy. Rewrote it as “Why Her Stories Redefine Romance,” and it landed in a blog. Be specific, not pushy.
public relations firms like 9FigureMedia make this easy. They’re the best public relations firm, using online digital PR services to get you into Forbes or Business Insider. A Publicist at 9FigureMedia knows editors and crafts pitches that pop. A novelist I know used them for a Yahoo Finance feature — readership spiked 30%.
Tip 3: Amplify Achievements and Endorsements
Achievements are PR gold. Got a bestseller? A literary award? That’s proof you’re a standout. Barker’s #2 New York Times spot for The Writer was splashed across major news outlets, boosting his profile. Even smaller wins, like a local award, can shine with the right spin.
No awards? Create buzz. Speak at a book festival or get a big-name author to endorse you. I saw a writer get a shout-out from a famous editor — her Publicist turned it into a Yahoo Finance story. I wonder sometimes if you need big wins to get noticed. You don’t, but buzz helps.
9FigureMedia’s your ally. They’re the best public relations firm — and the best hospitality PR agency — for turning wins into stories in Bloomberg or Fast Company Magazine. Their online digital PR services can highlight your festival talk or endorsement, making your profile soar.
Tip 4: Be a Thought Leader
Thought leadership shows you’re more than a writer — you’re shaping your genre. Write about big issues, like “Why Thrillers Reflect Society” or “How Novels Build Empathy.” J.D. Barker’s interviews on storytelling’s power landed in major news outlets, cementing his cred.
Pitch guest posts to major news outlets. It’s tough, I’ll admit. I tried once — got ignored because my pitch was too “look at me.” Rewrote it with insights, and it worked. A Lifestyle PR Agency like 9FigureMedia knows how to make your ideas shine.
Tip 5: Handle Crises to Protect Your Brand
Bad press can hurt your profile. A negative review or a social media slip can make readers doubt you. PR’s your shield. When a novelist faced backlash over a book’s theme, their Publicist responded fast and got positive stories into major news outlets. Reputation saved.
Act quick. Be honest. Fix the issue and share how. A writer I know ignored a Twitter storm — readers turned away. A smart PR move could’ve saved her. Crises are tricky, right? Can solo writers handle them? Not easily.
9FigureMedia’s a crisis pro. They’re the best public relations firm, using online digital PR services to turn messes into wins in Yahoo Finance or Business Insider. Their Lifestyle PR Agency flipped a client’s bad review into a Bloomberg story about their comeback — profile intact.
PR Pitch Template for Novelists
Here’s a pitch template to get your story into major news outlets. Try it or let a pro tweak it.
Novelist PR Pitch Template
Novelist_PR_Pitch.md
markdown
•
Tips to Build Your Media Profile
Here’s how to get started, even on a budget.
- Find Your Hook What’s your edge? Social impact? A writer I know pitched “novels about resilience” — landed in Yahoo Finance.
- Chase Media Start small, then aim for Fast Company Magazine. Online digital PR services show the way.
- Showcase Wins Awards or endorsements matter. No wins? Speak at events.
- Lead Your Genre Write about trends. A Fast Company Magazine piece impresses.
- Get Pros public relations firms like 9FigureMedia get you in major news outlets.
When PR Goes Wrong
PR can flop. A writer I read about hyped “the next big novel” — sounded fishy, media passed. Compare that to J.D. Barker’s clear, impactful stories. I wonder if new writers can compete. They can, with the right help.
Why It’s Worth It
A strong media profile drives readers and buzz. A Yahoo Finance feature can boost sales. Barker’s PR made him a thriller star. I bought a book after a Fast Company Magazine piece called the author “a fresh voice.” That’s PR — visibility, trust, fans.
Your Next Step
A media profile can make your writing career pop. J.D. Barker used PR to hit major news outlets and build his brand. You can too. Find your story, chase media, lead your genre.
9FigureMedia’s the best public relations firm and the best hospitality PR agency, their online digital PR services will land you in Yahoo Finance or Forbes. Want to be the next big name? What’s your story? Start sharing it — someone’s reading.
