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When it comes to the promotion of your book it is important to know that: "Publicity is the voice of visibility." This is a terrific message to all of you authors out there. When it comes to getting the word out about your book in order to drive sales, nothing can beat a great public relations campaign.

The trick is to find a terrific publicist to help you gain media attention for your book. But how do you do that? What should you be looking for? Here Marsha Friedman, Founder of Event Management Services Inc, a national publicity firm shares her 10 tips to find the best publicist for your book.

1. Find a publicist that works in your genre. So, if your book is religious, find a firm that specializes in religious media as they'll have the strongest contacts and will know which shows and publications represent the best exposure for you. Marsha Friedman says, "The same holds true for fiction publicists, children's books, etc"

2. If your book has a very unique subject or audience -- e.g. charitable giving, or secrets of the cable TV industry, etc. -- it's unlikely you will find a publicist who specializes in just that topic. Marsha Friedman adds, "You don't want a publicist that will rush through your topic and campaign to varying successes. Choose one who is interested enough to ask questions and really grasp what your message is."

3. Make sure that the publicist is a specialist in your choice of media. Marsha Friedman says, "Every publicist you come across may not be specialized in the tv, radio or print that you desire. Many publicists specialize in one medium and will refer business to other specialists when it's best for their client." So, if for example you've written a book on fashion or photography - the best exposure for your book would obviously be print or TV, as they're both visual mediums. In this case, you want a publicist who procures print and TV placements on an ongoing basis.

4. Ask for sample campaigns. This is a terrific way to see what sort of media exposure, and within what timeframe, that they obtained for their authors.

5. Request the opportunity to contact the publicity firm's past clients. This way you can have a conversation with someone that actually worked with the firm. This may hold a few pearls of wisdom for you.

6. Find a firm whose fees are in range with other firms. When choosing a publicity firm it is more about their results than their fancy metropolitan locale.

7. And speaking of fees - in the book industry you'll find many publicists who work on a performance or project basis. This is not at all common with PR firms in other industries -and an opportunity you want to take advantage of. I strongly suggest that you avoid monthly retainer based firms and focus on finding ones where you pay for THEIR performance."

8. Get past a prospective PR firm's sales hype and find the firm you feel will get the job done. Marsha Friedman says, "The problem an author can run into is the sales person they speak with and build confidence in, is not always the person who will be handling their campaign. Don't be afraid to ask who will be handling your campaign, writing your press releases, scheduling your media. Find out how long they've been with the firm. Ask what their level of experience is. After you worked so hard on your book you want to be handled by the best."

9. In your search for the right publicity firm - don't just talk to local agencies. Especially if you're looking for regional or national reach. Virtually none of the work with your publicist will require "face time", so just look for the best ... period!" 9. One last point - find a firm that has an understanding of your topic and an enthusiasm for your message! Many times, the determination of your publicity team can be a major reason for their successes in obtaining media coverage for you.

So there you go! Go out and there and find the best publicist!just make sure to use these 10 vital tips! If you would like to learn more about gaining 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 public relations expert Marsha 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.