Should You Attend NRB to Obtain Media Interviews
I had the amazing opportunity to attend the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention with the Christian Authors Network (CAN) and Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA). Their large booth was perfect to meet media during each members’ book signings. The convention was a combination of authors, media personalities, and dynamic ministries. I felt a connection with my fellow authors who were also CAN/CIPA members. To learn more about attending check out this page.
My Story
My books were supposed to arrive the day before the conference started, but they didn’t. My fellow CIPA authors prayed for my book’s supernatural delivery. Their prayers were answered. Some members graciously swapped book signing times to accommodate my books’ late arrival. Thankfully, my books arrived on day two in plenty of time to make the most of the week.
I snagged an interview with US Christian Chamber of Commerce about the faith walk I was taking with my delayed books. I was trusting God to work all things for my good. I still remember the host, Krystal Parker’s comment about trusting God to show up in the moment, when things are not perfect or how you planned.
As recommended by Susan Neal in a CAN/CIPA training session a month before the conference, I worked my way through the various booth sections methodically and intentionally. I felt very prepared for the convention with all the training through CIPA. Knowing how to deliver a quality spiel on the spot that ends in sixty seconds or less is key to capturing the person’s attention. Answering the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how in one minute lets the person know if they will be interested in learning more about the book.
Time to Rise and Shine
Time to Rise and Shine is about empowering the reader to embrace who he is in Christ and walking out that identity every single day. I share my own experiences and processes to help show readers how to navigate similar waters. Obviously, that isn’t a fit for a homeschool-focused podcast or a show about atheists turned believers. By realizing what media would be optimal for my genre, I was able to optimize my time talking to potential connections while respecting others’ time as well.
With that strategy in place, I took my author media sheet, book, and a solid pitch for a stroll around the expo hall. This combination led to impromptu interviews at several NRB booths. Many people at NRB encouraged me to create more content and develop my own channel based on what I shared about my journey in Time to Rise and Shine. I am currently in the process of doing so. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel here.
Amid my trekking around the expo hall, I discovered the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, which offers an amazing opportunity to connect with other women authors and speakers. As a fledging member, I’m excited to see what transpires next.
Marketing Secret
My secret sauce for marketing was having a book with me wherever I went. You never knew who you would run into at breakfast or in the elevator. I encouraged my roommate to take her book along to breakfast. The next thing we knew, she was signing it and giving it to the couple sitting next to us because of the conversation we had. By looking at my books as seeds, I scattered seeds, trusting the Lord of the harvest to bring forth the fruit in his timing.
What I discovered at NRB was a community I hadn’t met yet that suddenly become a plethora of friends and connections. Five months later, I am still receiving follow-up messages and interviews from the media I met at NRB. I am exploring possibilities and seeing where the Good Shepherd leads from here.
About the Author
Follow Janice Riley at https://www.facebook.com/janleymd/ and visit jandrstrategies.com to schedule a coffee chat. Get your copy of Time to Rise and Shine today.