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Q & A with Pam Perry by Dee Stewart (@deegospel)

What Brenda Jenkins says About Pam Perry

"Pam is my publicist and coach. She has major networking skills. Pam introduced me to professionals across the states that I was able to partner with on a few projects. She has given me suggestions on book cover design and post cards for my professional image in the media. I am still working on the leads she provided last year. If you are looking for ROI, Pam is the person."

Author, He’s Not Left Behind…He’s with me

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Q & A with Pam Perry by Dee Stewart (@deegospel)

Press Room - Who is Pam Perry?

Written by Pam Perry

AAW Writer’s Publicity Series: Pam Perry. The Christian Connector - Suite 101.com

Dec 7, 2004

I spoke to Pam a few months ago about doing me the honor of a mini-interview on publicity in the Christian marketplace and she graciously acquiesced.

How important is it to get noticed by one of the major distributors?

You can sell your books by hand....or you can be picked up and let someone else handle it. It's a catch 22 if you self-publish. They want to see how you can sell on your own and if you do well they'll pick you up.

But if you do well, do you really need them?

Yes!

Do you think that authors should start making connections with distributors too late?

It's all part of the marketing plan.

So when should a writer start their marketing plan?

Before the book is ever finished! After you sign on the dotted line, won't you be able to turn the marketing reins over to the in-house public relations representative and wait for sales to take off?

Yeah, right. That's fantasy. In the real world, the author has to work to make the book a success. In-House P.R. departments are over worked with so many other titles. Their job is to cover the basics and the "cream of the crop" comes from the author's efforts and energy.

What's the difference between a PR Rep and a publicist?

A public relations representative is a person who works in all facets of public relations from promotions to event planning. A publicist works primarily with the media - writing and pitching full time.

Are booksellers the most important sales force for your book?

Yes. They are the ones who can put you on those "best sellers" lists. You can't sell books from the trunk of your car and have them "count" towards real book sales.

What should an author expect in a PR and/or marketing kit from a publicist?

A solid bio, release, Q &A and endorsements/clips if available.We help get endorsements too for the author.

What is the difference between promoting POD and "traditionally" published books?

POD does not have the credibility like a major publishing house does. POD books often get treated like stepchildren.

So you're saying that an angle or hook is something that a publicist will look for when looking at an author's work?

Yes, the hook is what catches the editors/producers eye. Should an author look at a publicist's past successes? At the contacts he/she has? What's the criteria

Pam Perry

Yes, you should look at whom the publicist has represented and what was the success rate. Also, see if the publicist has solid media contacts. Make sure your publicist can WRITE. If they're trained as a journalist-they usually make the best publicists.

What should an author NOT expect a publicist to do?

To get you on Oprah if you're a first-time author. Can someone purchase limited help such as a press release or some other such feature due to financial limitations?

Yes, that's a start a least, but the bigger your investment in the process of PR, the bigger the return.

Has there been any completely disastrous appearance or signing that we can learn from?

Make sure when you go to book signing overseas...take books with you. Do not depend of the postal system to get them there.

What about newspaper and radio coverage?

Typically all news leads come from print. It's better to get print stories first (radio and TV producers/editors) get their news from newspapers primarily.

So is the book tour essentially dead?

No. In the African American market, books tours are very hot. We make a show out of it and people love to touch, feel and talk to their favorite authors. So how can authors get involved to help influence the decisions that get made about their books?

By having a strong marketing plan on paper and submitted to your editor.

What might a new author reasonably expect from a publisher in terms of a budget?

Not much if you're new. You have to PROVE yourself in the marketplace before they risk a ton of money.

If you had one thing you could tell an author about the process, what would it be?

Be patient and don't expect your publicist to update you on every detail along the way. When they get a hit or an interview request, believe me, they'll find you and let you know the details. Work with the publicist and be grateful. They're human too.

Pam and her husband, Marc have a daughter and live in the metro Detroit area. Perry can be reached at 248.426.2300 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

1994! :) My first interview!