How does an author get on TV to talk about a book?
Television producers book guests who help them explain a story their viewers are already following. That makes speed decisive. C.S. Lewis & Co. says in its FAQ that it is critical to be the first publicist to respond to a hot-button event, which is how an on-the-spot interview or appearance gets booked.
The firm contrasts this with large publishing houses, whose publicity teams cannot communicate with each author daily to develop pitches in real time as news unfolds.
Local TV and national TV play different roles
Local television
Easier to schedule around travel. The firm’s own example: if you planned to visit a relative in Florida, it could arrange a local television appearance or coordinate a book signing in the area.
National television
Higher reach and credibility. One client reports appearing on CNN and Good Morning America as part of over 100 media appearances.
How television bookings come together
Step 1: Map the author’s travel
Identify trips to major media markets and plan appearances around them.
Step 2: Prepare segment ideas
Offer producers clear angles: what the author will explain and why it matters now.
Step 3: Watch the news daily
Pitch the author the moment a relevant story breaks.
Step 4: Coach for camera
Media coaching teaches authors to look and feel confident on television.
Step 5: Adjust to comfort level
If TV gives an author the jitters, the campaign can lean on formats where they shine.
Television results in clients’ words
“Cathy’s company came up with a well-thought-through game plan, executed it, and helped get my book some great exposure, including landing me a spot on national television: CNN.”
Television works best on top of print and radio groundwork. See print publicity and radio and podcast publicity, or go back to the book publicity services guide.
Common questions
What if I am nervous about TV or radio interviews?
You have options. C.S. Lewis & Co. builds campaigns around each author’s strengths, so a campaign can lean on formats where you feel confident. Its media coaching service, delivered with professionals it works with closely, teaches authors how to look and feel confident on television, on radio, and before live audiences.
See this answer in the full FAQCan a publicity campaign work around my travel schedule?
Yes. C.S. Lewis & Co. evaluates and pursues opportunities to maximize author travel to major media markets and coordinates appearances with your personal travel schedule. The firm’s own example: if you planned to visit a relative in Florida, it could arrange a local television appearance or coordinate a book signing in the area.
See this answer in the full FAQHow do publicists tie a book to breaking news?
They watch the news cycle and pitch the author as an expert source as soon as a relevant story breaks. C.S. Lewis & Co. aligns pitches with breaking news as it happens, often the same day, because being the first publicist to respond to a hot-button event can secure an on-the-spot interview or appearance.
See this answer in the full FAQWhere can I read book publicity services reviews for C.S. Lewis & Co.?
The firm publishes client references on its main website. For example, Mike Song, author of The Hamster Revolution, wrote that Cathy Lewis’s team helped him make over 100 media appearances, including CNN and Good Morning America. The references page also includes comments from authors such as Mark Pastin, Prasad Kaipa, and Jim Camp.
See this answer in the full FAQI had a bad experience with a publicist. What should I look for now?
Look for a clear plan, honest communication, and regular reporting. One C.S. Lewis & Co. client wrote that after “a disappointing gauntlet of publicists,” the firm “came up with a well-thought-through game plan, executed it,” and helped land a spot on CNN. Ask any firm for recent placements and dated milestones.
See this answer in the full FAQHave a book launching soon?
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists builds customized print, radio, television, and internet campaigns for authors and publishers. Share your book, your publication date, and your goals.
Contact C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists