Book Review: Publicity for Nonprofits
I recently had the pleasure to review Sandra L. Beckwith’s book Publicity for Nonprofits; Generating Media Exposure That Leads to Awareness, Growth and Contributions (Kaplan Publishing, 2006). Although the book is written for non-profit charities, I found a lot of helpful information throughout the book, that I can apply to my personal fundraising campaigns.
I saw Sandra’s book mentioned in the Writer’s Digest Yearbook 2009. I visited Sandra’s website, to find out additional information on her book Publicity for Nonprofits. In addition to mentioning the book on her personal website, Publicity for Nonprofits also has its own website.
Publicity for Nonprofits will help you:
- Create an affordable publicity plan that integrates goals, objectives, and key strategies
- Determine which tools and strategies will have the most impact on your goals
- Develop and pitch newsworthy stories with powerful messages that will capture media attention and resonate with your audiences
- Maximize the publicity potential of your organization’s activities, talents, and resources
BOOK OUTLINE
Part One – Getting Started
- What do you want to accomplish?
- What’s your news?
- What do you want to say?
Part Two – Tools
- To whom will you say it?
- How will you say it in media materials?
- How will you say it in a news release?
- How will you say it in a pitch letter?
Part Three – Tactics
- When will you say it? Publicity without an event
- When will you say it? Publicizing an event
- How will you say it on your website?
- How will you say it on an interview?
- How will you share your message at a press conference?
Part Four – The Plan
- How will you bring this together? Writing a publicity plan
- Do you need to hire a publicity consultant?
- How will you evaluate your success?
- What other promotional tactics will you use?
Plan of Action
I have had success in the past with sending out press releases. Two years ago, a local paper assigned a reporter to write a feature story on my husband and I based upon the information in the press release I sent to the paper. They even sent out a photographer to take a few pictures of us getting ready for our weekly Team in Training extra mile ride.
I didn’t send out any press releases last year, but after reading Sandra Beckwith’s book Publicity for Nonprofits; I think I’m going to write a new release for this season, and send it out to the local media.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
No comments yet.