Authors Get Stage Fright Too
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Good writers are great with words. But not necessarily when they are coming out of our mouths in a public setting. This can be problematic, as many authors will inevitably find themselves at the center of attention at events. So if your default reaction to public speaking is usually a ‘hard pass,’ you should start prepping for book readings and live interviews months before publication day. Unsure about how to start polishing your PR skills for the paparazzi? That’s exactly why I asked Light Years Ahead Public Relations CEO Megan Brown Bennet to weigh in on what every writer should know before their debut title drops.
What is one major misconception you think a lot of authors have about live events?
I think they don’t understand that attrition rates are a real thing! You might have numerous people RSVP, only for them to not attend at the last minute. Expect such discrepancies—and have other plans to get your book into consumers’ faces besides live events.
Share 2-3 tips you have for writers in regard to becoming more comfortable with public speaking.
- Practice in front of the mirror by talking and pretending that you are with a live audience. Now, role-play the same interaction, but this time with a close friend. Keep working on it until you do not sound too formal. This exercise will help you get more comfortable with speaking opportunities.
- Notes are fine for public speaking, but you should never have full sentences on hand to simply read off. Instead, ad-lib and make the words your own so that you sound conversational, rather than just reading verbatim.
- Engage with your audience! Get them involved and ask questions to them. This will make them more interested in what you have to say.
How do you suggest authors prepare for media or podcast interviews?
- Ask for the questions in advance. If they can’t send the questions ahead of time, create a bullet-point list of the who, where, why, and how of your book into little paraphrases or cliff notes. That will give you a cheat sheet for interviews. Don’t forget to add new questions you get asked to the cheat sheet after each interview.
- Practice in front of the mirror smiling while you talk. It always makes your voice sound more enthusiastic and exciting if you smile when talking. It’s my go-to- trick!
Before hiring a publicist or a PR firm, what are 3-4 questions one should ask?
- Do you have connections with the top book review media?
- Why can you promote my book successfully? What makes it stand out to you?
- How would you implement the PR campaign? What is the launch timeline?
- What are your rates? (Be sure it’s reasonably within your budget. If it’s too expensive, look elsewhere until you find a fit that won’t be a big stretch—or stress—financially.)
These expert insights are a good reminder that we may be the architects of our stories and poetry, but can also accidentally bulldoze our careers while they’re still under construction—by entering spaces unprepared to build connections with readers. Let yourself revel in the realm where dreams come true, then invite others to join you with candor, vulnerability, and joy. Because you did it; you wrote the book. And are now welcomed into rooms to share about it.