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You probably have just published your 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!

While national media exposure for you and your book is ideal, there is great power in local media exposure as well. Marsha Friedman, Managing Director of EMSI, a national PR firm says that " By focusing on your hometown media outlets you will be able to build a solid base of fame and recognition from which to grow on. 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: This is your "secret weapon" in your local media assault. At every book signing: Will drive distribution of your books into the stores where you have the book signing You'll receive free advertising and promotion in the book store's customer mailingsHighly visible placement of your books in store a week before your signing Employees of the book store will give you valuable third-party endorsements Book signings are a goldmine for local publicity. I strongly suggest doing as many as you possibly can, including all stores that are located within a 100 mile radius. Even ask friends and relatives to see about setting up book signings for you in their hometowns." So let's get out there and create the buzz that sell the books!

* Talk Radio Interviews and Television Appearances: Almost every city has a talk radio or TV programs that have a guest format. Do your research on the web to find the main stations that broadcast in your hometown. Then go to their website where you will find information about the shows they broadcast. Look and see if they have a guest format and get any relevant contact information." Then call and pitch yourself as a guest. Aim to get as many interviews on TV and radio as possible.

* Local Newspapers and Magazines: Marsha Friedman says, "When it comes to the print media, at EMSI we find that "Tips" type articles have an extremely high pick up rate with newspapers and magazines. If your topic offers any sort of solution to a problem, then a "Tips" article is what I would suggest." Write an article that gives 5-7 helpful, quality solutions (or "Tips") to a problem that many people face. Next, identify the newspapers and magazines in your local market, go to their website and find the right "beat" your topic falls in - for example - religious, business, health, lifestyle, etc - and send your article to the journalist that covers that "beat." 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.

Aim to get as many as humanly possible. If you would like to learn more about gaining national media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman 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.