One great way to information in the media about your book – especially if you write nonfiction – is to join HARO, or Help A Reporter Out.

Because journalists work on deadline, they often need immediate sources for their stories. The HARO website has become a clearinghouse in which reporters can quickly identify and contact experts who are willing to be interviewed for a news story.

As an author, you are an expert on at least a couple of subjects – writing (obviously!) and whatever topic you’ve written about. Reporters prove to readers that you’re a worthy source by listing your qualifications, which usually means giving the title of the book that you’ve published. The published article will generate book sales, and if the article goes online it can continue to sporadically do so in the weeks and months ahead.

Signing up for HARO is free. This contrasts with PR agencies who will charge you thousands of dollars to get publicity and media coverage.

Should a reporter contact you for a news story, always respond immediately. Remember, the reporter is on deadline and you opting to get back to him tomorrow may mean you’ll lose the opportunity to be quoted. In addition, if you develop a good relationship with one reporter, you likely are to be contacted again…and once other reporters see your name in print, they also are likely to contact you for similar stories.