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. In this crowded marketplace (there were nearly 300,000 books published in 2007 alone) you MUST take an active approach to let book buyers know that your book exists, on both a national and a local level!

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, Founder of Event Management Services Inc, a national public relations firm says that "Building attention for you book on a local level will really grow your fame and recognition as an expert which will benefit your national campaign. If you can create the local "buzz" you will also get some fantastic media experience that will come in handy when the national media starts calling!"

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: When it comes to the secret weapon of gaining local exposure for your book, they don't make 'em any stronger than this! So what good are they? Well take a look at these facts: Will drive distribution of your books into the stores where you have the book signing The store will give you free advertising in their customer mailings Highly visible placement of your books in store a week before your signing You'll earn powerful third-party endorsements by store employees whom have met you during the signing As you can now see, these really are a hidden book promotional goldmine. Marsha Friedman says, "Do as many as you can. Even look at other cities that are close by. Even ask friends and relatives to see about setting up book signings for you in their hometowns." 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 : Almost every city has a talk radio or TV programs that have a guest format. 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 Print Media : Marsha Friedman says, "My firm finds that how-to or tips-type articles really interest the print media. So if your book offers a solution to a problem, then go ahead and work on a tips-type article." 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. If there isn't one person in particular that you can identify, "as you'll find in smaller weekly papers" send your article to the editor - in - charge. 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.

And once again, get as many print placements AS 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, Marsha 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 PR expert Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without costly monthly retainers .

Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.