How to Create an Author Media Kit [Includes Author Media Kit Examples]

The author media kit is a comprehensive package that provides all the necessary information and materials about the author and their work. Understanding how to craft these elements can enhance an author's visibility and appeal to media professionals and readers.

What Is an Author Media Kit?

An author media kit isn't just a singular document; it embodies a suite of book promotion materials, allowing media professionals to select what they require for their coverage. This is significant when compared to an author press kit, which showcases an author's media appearances via a dedicated web page, often found as links at the bottom of websites.

Note that a press kit highlights past media engagements. In contrast, the author media kit is a preparatory tool provided to the press before an interview or feature to enhance the quality of media representation.

Why consider one?

Creating an author media kit offers significant benefits that can enhance your professional image and streamline interactions with the media. Here are the key reasons to consider assembling one:

• Professional image: Sets a professional tone, showcasing dedication and making a strong first impression on journalists, reviewers, and interviewers.
• Control over narrative: Allows you to define and share your story on your terms, ensuring you control how your narrative is presented.
• Centralized resources: Simplifies the process for media professionals by providing all necessary promotional materials in one place, saving time and effort for both parties.

What Is in a Media Kit?

Use the author media kit to capture the attention of the press, bloggers, reviewers, and potential readers. Nowadays, media kits are online folders on Google Drive or other file-sharing services such as Dropbox. Google Drive is easy to use, cost-effective, and widely accepted among media professionals.

💡 Note:

• Ensure your file is appropriately named and shared with the correct permissions set to Viewer to prevent unauthorized edits. This setup maintains the integrity of the media kit.
• Spellcheck the files and test access allowance before sharing the folder link to the media.

Below is a detailed checklist of what should be included in an author media kit:

1. Author bio

A concise yet informative biography of the author—typically one page long—that highlights the author’s background, writing experience, and any awards or recognitions. This helps build a personal connection with the audience.

2. Author brand story

The author bio is crafted with precision to establish credibility and authority in the author's chosen field or genre.

The author brand story delves deeper, offering a narrative that explores the author's journey, motivations, and the personal experiences that have shaped their writing. It's a more intimate look at the author's life, revealing the heartbeat behind their work. 

The author story engages readers on an emotional level, inviting them into the author's world and building a connection that transcends the pages of their books.

3. High-resolution images

Professional-quality images of the author, the book cover, and other relevant visuals. These are essential for use in articles, reviews, and promotional materials.

Author Images

At a minimum, ensure you provide a high-resolution headshot available in three crops (landscape, portrait, and square) to accommodate various media formats. Professionalism in each photo is paramount, and investing in a photographer, once your author brand is well-defined, can significantly pay off.

To further enhance your author photo selection:

• For those aspiring to a speaking career, include images of you engaging with an audience.
• Authors whose brand includes merch should opt for professional photos showcasing their interaction with these elements. For more abstract brands, discuss your brand's essence with potential photographers to find one capable of creatively capturing your brand's concept.
• To manage an extensive photo collection without cluttering your author’s media kit, organize them into a separate folder within your main media kit folder. This approach keeps your media kit organized and easily navigable.

4. Book information sheet

The details about the book, including the title, genre, publication date, ISBN, page count, available formats, and a brief book description, provide a quick overview of the book's essential details.

Remember, the blurb should not merely outline the book's content; it must act as compelling marketing copy designed to promote and sell the book.

Upload any additional graphics related to the cover, such as banners featuring the cover image alongside a quote or any other professional graphics you want the media to utilize.

5. Testimonials and reviews

Incorporate any significant endorsements your book has received. Positive feedback and reviews from credible sources or notable personalities in the industry build credibility and attract interest.

6. Press release

A well-crafted author press release announcing the book launch or any significant milestones related to the author or their work. It should include contact information for media inquiries. Ensure it contains all the critical elements like a compelling headline, subheader, body, and contact information for media inquiries. It's crucial to maintain focus on your target audience, whether they are consumers, bloggers, or journalists, and outline the purpose of its remise.

For detailed guidance, check out a press release kit example here.

7. Sample Q&A

A list of prepared questions and answers that can be used for interviews or as a guide for media professionals. It controls the narrative and ensures consistency in the author's messaging. This can also include frequently asked questions about the author's work, writing process, and other relevant topics, providing consistent and thorough answers to common inquiries.

Alternatively, if you do not prefer this format, include a document outlining up to five main ideas from your book. This document should guide media professionals in crafting potential interview questions and spark interest in your work. This should not be a synopsis but a document that highlights distinct concepts that underscore the uniqueness and core message of your book, including any specific issues it addresses for readers.

8. Previous works

Provide information about previous publications, including brief descriptions, publication dates, and where to purchase them. You can also reference book publishing kits for each of your previous titles.

9. Upcoming projects

A sneak peek into what you’re working on next can help keep the audience engaged and looking forward to future works.

10. Contact information

Detailed contact information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and social media profiles, makes it easy for media representatives to reach out.

💡 You may also consider including a video trailer of your book.

While not mandatory, a compelling video trailer can boost your book's visibility. If you opt to create one, ensure it's professionally produced, succinct, and features you while demonstrating why your book is important in a memorable way.

A well-executed trailer not only highlights the book's core message but also showcases the author as an engaging and dynamic interviewee capable of captivating an audience.

Author Media Kit Examples

Exploring an author media kit sample provides insights into crafting a toolkit that showcases an author's work and persona.

1. Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman's author media kit includes comprehensive details about his publications, high-resolution images, biographical information, and contact details for media inquiries. His website also provides easy access to interviews, FAQs, and additional resources that media professionals and fans might find helpful.

2. J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling's media kit, accessible through her website and publisher's resources, offers detailed press releases, high-quality images, and information on her charitable work and published titles. The kit supports media professionals in creating detailed and engaging content about her work and contributions to literature.

3. Celeste Ng

Celeste Ng, the author of Little Fires Everywhere and Everything I Never Told You, offers a media kit with personal anecdotes, book details, book club discussion points, and press coverage links. Her media kit is tailored to engage readers and media with her storytelling and background.

4. Brené Brown

Brown's media kit is meticulously designed to reflect her expertise and the depth of her research, making it a valuable resource for journalists, event organizers, and readers interested in exploring her insights further.

Her media kit includes a detailed biography highlighting her academic credentials and achievements as a TED speaker and guest on various high-profile media platforms. It provides comprehensive information about her books, such as Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection, including summaries, publication dates, and accolades received.

Own Your Narrative

The strategic assembly of an author media kit is a critical tool for authors regarding book promotion and media engagement. It is a testament to an author's professionalism, offering a cohesive collection of resources designed to illuminate their work and persona.

For those on the path to crafting their own, a sample author press kit can serve as a media beacon, guiding the research into former achievements. Such a kit not only equips authors to make a compelling case for their work but also enables media professionals to craft richer, more informed stories.