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As an author, you may have recently published a book. In writing this title, you dedicated much of your time and passion in order to create a final piece of work that can be enjoyed by people everywhere! Getting the attention of consumers though, can be really tough. As there are over 300,000 books hitting the market every year, it is vital to get yourself out there and tell people that your book is available both nationally and locally!

As you know, national attention for your book is fantastic, but that is not to say that there is not any power locally. There absolutely is! Marsha Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of EMSI, a national PR firm says that " By focusing on your hometown media outlets you will be able to build a solid base of fame and recognition from which to grow on. Creating as much "buzz" as you can locally will compliment your national campaign to no end and it also gives you invaluable media experience when the national media starts to knock on your door."

The good news is that there are lots of local media that are interested in interviewing authors just like you. As a local resident, you have a jump on the competition as the local media loves local success stories!

So If you want to create solid book "buzz" in your hometown, here are some of Marsha Friedman's recommendation that will help you achieve your promotional goals:

*Book Signings: This is your "secret weapon" in your local media assault. At every book signing: Will drive distribution of your books into the stores where you have the book signing You'll receive free advertising and promotion in the book store's customer mailingsHighly visible placement of your books in store a week before your signing Employees of the book store will give you valuable third-party endorsements Book signings are a goldmine for local publicity. I strongly suggest doing as many as you possibly can, including all stores that are located within a 100 mile radius. Heck, even get your family and friends to set up signings in their local book stores." The name of this game is not only to create the local "buzz", but it is also "let's sell some books!"

*Radio and TV Interviews : Generally speaking, every city has radio and television programs that have a format for guests. Marsha Friedman adds, "Go on the internet and do some research to see what is available in the local market that you are targeting. Look and see if they have a guest format and get any relevant contact information." Then pitch like mad! How many should you aim for? AS MANY AS POSSIBLE!

* Local Newspapers and Magazines: Marsha Friedman says, "My firm finds that how-to or tips-type articles really interest the print media. If your topic offers any sort of solution to a problem, then a "Tips" article is what I would suggest." Write an article that gives 5-7 helpful, quality solutions (or "Tips") to a problem that many people face. Find the print publications in your local market, do web research and find the relevant contact information for the editor that would cover your topic. No one relevant listed? Gun for the editor-in-chief. Make sure that the article is professional and print worthy, if so some publications will print it "as is." But since you're a writer, this should not be a problem.

Aim to get as many as humanly possible. If you would like to learn more about gaining national or local media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman would love to help. Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without budget busting monthly retainers.