Author Media Kit Template: Book Publicity, Podcasts and Events
An author media kit gives a podcast host, journalist, book reviewer or event organizer the materials they need to consider your book and prepare a feature. A useful kit is easy to open, accurate and tailored to the next opportunity. It should reduce the other person's work.
Your result: a public media-kit page or shareable folder, a book fact sheet and a short pitch you can adapt. IngramSpark's media-kit guidance outlines how bios, book information and promotional assets support publicity.
1. Gather the material someone can actually use
- A short author bio and a longer version for introductions or features.
- A clear cover image and an author photograph, with appropriate credit and usage information.
- A book fact sheet: title, subtitle, author, genre, formats, publication date, identifiers where relevant and ordering links.
- A concise book description and a sample or excerpt you have permission to share.
- Three to five conversation topics and a reliable contact route.
- Relevant, verifiable endorsements or previous appearances, if available.
Keep the kit useful even if you have no awards or press mentions. Explain the book and its audience clearly; do not invent credentials to fill a template.
2. Copy this book fact-sheet structure
| Field | Your entry |
|---|---|
| Book and author | [Exact title, subtitle and author name] |
| Reader fit | [Who the book is for and what they will find in it] |
| Short description | [A clear paragraph without unnecessary plot spoilers] |
| Formats and release | [Available editions and accurate publication date] |
| Ordering | [Verified book-page link and relevant ordering details] |
| Conversation ideas | [Three topics suited to your book and expertise] |
| Contact and assets | [Public contact method, kit link and image credits] |
Use your master metadata sheet so these details match the retailer listings. Put a last-updated date on the sheet and revise it when a format, price or link changes.
3. Write a bio that fits the opportunity
Use this starter: “[Author name] writes [type of work] for [reader group]. Their book, [title], explores [central topic or story]. [One relevant, truthful detail]. Learn more at [website].”
For a local event, include your relevant connection to the area. For a subject-focused interview, explain why you can contribute to that conversation. Keep personal account information and unrelated life details out of the public kit.
4. Make assets easy to open
Use descriptive filenames such as AuthorName_Bio_Short.txt and BookTitle_Cover.jpg. Offer a readable web version of the essentials alongside a downloadable document when useful. Test the kit in a private browser window so you know a recipient does not need your account to open it.
Supply clear image credits and the permissions you can actually grant. Do not send artwork or photographs for reuse if your license does not permit that use. Put download links next to the relevant description rather than burying everything in a large archive.
5. Use a focused pitch, not a mass introduction
Adaptable pitch: “Hello [name], I enjoyed your [specific episode, article or event]. My book [title] explores [topic], and I could contribute a conversation about [specific angle] for your [audience]. My author information and book materials are here: [kit link]. Would this fit an upcoming [interview, feature or event]?”
Choose one ask and show why it fits. Follow the outlet's submission instructions. A kit supplies useful material; it does not guarantee coverage, reviews or sales.
6. Track outreach and improve the next attempt
Create columns for outlet, audience fit, proposed topic, contact date, reply and next step. If recipients repeatedly ask for the same missing detail, add it to the kit. If pitches get no response, review the audience match and opening sentence before simply sending more messages.
Do I need a designer to make a media kit?
You can begin with a clean document and organized assets. Professional design may help presentation, but accurate information and working access are the first priorities.
Can the same kit support podcasts and bookstores?
Keep one accurate master kit, then send the relevant materials and a tailored pitch. Use the podcast preparation guide for interview readiness and the launch timeline to schedule outreach.
Your next publishing step
Use what you have learned to prepare a clearer brief, improve your files, or decide which task you can complete yourself.
Return to publishing services and the 12 service guides → · Follow the publishing pathway →
Need hands-on help? Ask about your project. Professional work, deliverables, timing and pricing are agreed separately. These educational resources do not include a booked service.