
There’s another reason why the news is good. The shrinking traditional media has given rise to a huge boom in online media and news oriented websites, creating enormous opportunities. Some magazines have shut down their print versions, but remain online. After 80 years, Newsweek published its last print issue in December 2012, switching to an online only format, according to The Independent. Many news-oriented sites have emerged as powerful tools for authors looking for exposure. We routinely have our authors covered on online news websites including Huffington Post, Forbes.com and TheStreet.com. Online, there are no space limitations. Instead of a major print magazine limited to a few feature stories, there’s far greater flexibility online—and the content is searchable and therefore can be more valuable, lasting far longer than a discarded newspaper or magazine.
In addition, most newspapers and magazines still in print have online versions of their publications. The online versions include material in the printed versions, and much more, often inviting readers to comment and easily share articles via email and social media.
Publicity has always been about helping media representatives do their jobs by presenting good material for articles, interviews and all types of coverage. It is the classic “you scratch their back …” scenario, and it hasn’t changed.
The media needs publicists and authors more than ever.
Dan Smith is CEO and founder of Smith Publicity, one of the premier book publicity and book marketing firms in the industry. Smith Publicity has implemented over 900 book promotion campaigns and secured placements with virtually every major media outlet. The firm has serviced authors from over 25 countries and has offices in New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles, and London. Website: www.smithpublicity.com
Authors and publicists just need to adapt with the times. They need to understand where their audience is. A focus on online outlets is more likely to generate success today.