If not, you may want to rethink how to write a good one--one that gets noticed, published, and most important, gets a feature story. If editors notice and love your press release, they will want to interview you for a feature story. A feature gets a lot more attention than a news release.

Author's Tip: Editors and radio v talk show producers want and need human interest stories, and newsworthy stories. You have what they need is solutions to problems their particular audiences have. You have 7 seconds or less to impress them. So write an outrageous headline. Then, be able to prove it.

Examples: The Antidote to Depression is Passion (for book entitled "Passion at Any Age.") or "Outsell New York Times bestsellers Without Breaking a Sweat!" (John Kremer's headline for his San Diego seminar above, www.bookmarketing.com) or "Don't Drive in Traffic, Don't Look For a Parking Space, Don't Dress Up and Don't Worry About Weather!" Teleclass. (Judy Cullins' upcoming teleclass "How to Write an eBook or Other Short Book--Fast!" www.bookcoaching.com)

Advantages of getting a feature story: You get more editorial space, worth anywhere from $1500 to over $5000 depending on which paper accepts you. This "free advertising" is worth seven times as much as an ad because it implies newspaper endorses you.

Bonus Tip: Always ask interviewer is there is any problem with putting your ordering information into feature. What good is a feature if your audience can't get in touch with you? They usually say yes.

My Success Can Be Your Success

Myth: You need an agent or big publishing house to market your book and make big money.

Since big publishers don't look at unknown authors, now is time to look at what they can do for you. Dan Poynter, self- publishing guru, says that if a publisher can't sell four times as many books as you can, you're better off selling it yourself. Self-publishing first is good because it acts as a test market for your book. If it sells well (over 10,000 in a year), publishers may be interested in your book. Traditional publishers and agents accept only 1-2% of authors' submissions, and even if you are one of "chosen" you may not make much money after printing, bookstore, distributor, wholesaler and other expenses --probably $2 on a $14 book. Yes, you get an advance, but your sales must meet that and more. And after initial book tour, trainee marketing person is onto next new author. Then, your books disappear from bookstore shelf unless you, personally, devote a lot of time to marketing them.