On this page you’ll find commonly asked questions about book publishing, book marketing and hosting Documentary Events®.
I can help you pitch your book to literary agents. You should be prepared to pitch your book to at least 25+ literary agents who accept unsolicited requests. Even after making contact with 25 literary agents, there is no guarantee that your manuscript will be accepted or approved for publication.
Yes, I can direct you to two types of publishers: 1.) full service independent publisher and 2.) self-publishing company that offers editing, cover design for paperback, hardcover and eBook design and distribution.
Here are a few ways that I help authors launch their new books:
- Help you design a website – one that is clean, organized and easy to navigate as well as focused on you as an author and your book’s message and genre.
- Secure speaking engagements at meetings, conferences, seminars, bookstores and other event opportunities that match your target audience.
- Many authors find that it is awkward or difficult for them to call people they don’t know (such as bookstore managers) and ask for a book signing. You may have a relationship with a couple of stores. You can cast a wider net around more stores and speaking opportunities by employing a person who has built relationships in this area.
- I use a variety of platforms to list your event, including EventBrite. Our goal is to have a wide reach in order to drive the maximum traffic to your events.
- I use ConstantContact email marketing tool to create email marketing newsletters and invitations branded to your bookcover design.
- Generate content for you to share on your social platforms.
- I use Canva, a graphic design software, to create branded headers for your Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook pages. It’s also a helpful tool for Instagram posts.
- I polish your letters, requests and pitches so that they are received clear and positive by whoever is reading them.
- I understand how bookstores are managed and what information they need before they will allow us to host an author discussion.
Please visit my testimonial page as real authors describe how I have helped them launch their books.
Sometimes an author will call me when she/he is in the writing phase but most often I help authors as they are nearing completion of their manuscript. Ideally you want to engage the services of a publicist about three months before your book goes to print. As a publicist, I help an author establish his speaking message which has relevance to today’s audience. Meanwhile, I pitch you to groups, conferences, seminars and secure speaking engagements. This is done in tandem with making sure your website and social platforms are designed around the branding of your book cover design.
Compensation is structured around performance
- My average monthly fee is $1,100.
- My first appointment with you is complimentary.
- I do not ask clients to sign a retainer contract.
- We work together on a month-to-month basis.
- You will know within the first month if I am meeting performance goals.
We have screened a wide range of documentaries. Here are a few of the themes: a) Use of Algorithms in the stock market, b) Rhino poaching c) Teens & Prescription Drug abuse, d) Suicide Prevention, e) The positive impact of music with Alzheimers Patients and f) Trash (yes, trash that you throw away) and how it’s being disposed of around the globe.
I work directly with the filmmaker or the film distributor to secure it in the best format for the venue where we’ll be screening it. The film is shipped to me and I transport it to the theatre.
The average length of a documentary is 90 minutes. However, I have shown films that are shorter in length. The shortest film I’ve screened was 17 minutes and we built a Q&A around it that lasted an hour.
From start to finish, Diane manages the screening. There are 3 parts to this process:
Before the screening
- I secure the rights to the film, receive the film, test the film when it arrives, making sure it uploads correctly and return the film copy to the film distributor once event is concluded.
- Using marketing assets available from the filmmaker, we create an email marketing and social media campaign driving the right target audience to our event.
- I secure the venue (ie: movie theater, church auditorium or museum space)
- I manage RSVPs and give you a report of our estimated attendance and guest list.
At the screening
- Sponsor’s marketing collateral onsite at event
- We welcome guests as a team, introduce the documentary and explain ahead of time you/your brand’s tie to the film’s content.
- Transition smoothly into Q&A panel discussion at close of film
- Moderate panel discussion
- Work with the venue’s manager and make sure everything goes smoothly including AV system, film projection and overall customer satisfaction
After the screening
- Follow up with metrics – measurement of impact from this event.
- When we invite guests to a film screening, we are inviting them to an experience which is memorable.
- Hosting an event in a neutral environment, such as a movie theater, facilitates relaxation, which in turn helps the audience take in and fully process the film’s content and your brand’s association.
- The human mind is wired for storytelling and documentaries are great storytellers.
- Possibly your company brand stands for a solution to a problem.
- Let us find a documentary that aligns with your goals or mission statement.
- A film screening can help position your brand as resource or expert in a particular area.
- It’s a unique way to reach and remind the consumer that your product/service is in the marketplace and can be a resource or solution to a problem that they are experiencing.