Book Press Release Example for Authors

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Table of Contents

 

13 Book, Author, and Publisher Press Release Examples

This example is part of a larger collection of press release examples.

Example #1: Publisher announces new book release

What makes this a good book press release:

  • Clear, complete product details. The release includes all the essentials a buyer or retailer needs — title, author, publisher, ISBN, price, and formats — presented cleanly in one spot. That’s practical and media-friendly.
  • Specific narrative hooks. Rather than staying vague, the release grounds the book in concrete details: a childhood near-death experience, competitive CrossFit, mental health struggles. These specifics make the story more compelling and give journalists something tangible to work with.
  • Credible editorial quote. The quote from a named senior editor at the publisher adds a layer of legitimacy and provides a third-party endorsement without feeling generic.

What could be improved:

  • The author bio undersells the author. The “About the Author” section is thin — it lists background facts but doesn’t convey her voice, platform, or why she’s credible on this topic now. Does she have a following, a ministry, a podcast? Any of that would strengthen the case for coverage.
  • Missing a call to action for media. There’s no contact name, email, or phone number for press inquiries — just a generic publisher URL. A journalist interested in an interview has nowhere to go, which is a significant oversight.
  • The contemporary themes are buried. The mention of social media’s impact on self-perception and “toxic empathy” is genuinely interesting and timely, but it’s tucked into the third body paragraph. Leading with or elevating those angles would make the release feel more newsworthy and relevant to a broader audience.

Example #2: Book Announcement Press Release from a Self-Published Author

What makes this a good press release for a self-published author:

  • Strong author credibility up front. The release leads with the author’s credentials — “award-winning publicist,” “communications strategist,” “bestselling author” — and ties her professional expertise directly to the book’s subject matter. That’s a much more compelling case for coverage than a bio buried at the bottom.
  • The origin story adds genuine emotional resonance. The detail that the book was originally written as a note to her teenage son before graduation is memorable and human. It gives journalists a natural narrative hook that goes beyond “author releases self-help book.”
  • Excellent media contact information. A named contact, direct email, and phone number are right there at the end. This makes this press release immediately more actionable for any journalist or producer.

What could be improved:

  • The endorsement quote is oddly placed and overlong. Judy Carter’s testimonial is charming, but it runs quite long and appears in the middle of the release rather than as a tight supporting pull quote. It also risks coming across as inside-baseball — it references Black as her personal publicist, which reads more like a favor than an independent endorsement.
  • No product details block. There’s no ISBN, retail price, or format information, leaving retailers, librarians, and media who want to feature the book without the basic specs they need to act quickly.
  • The subtitle/tagline in the deck does more work than the headline. The italicized line — “a modern roadmap for dreamers ready to trade fairy tales for real-world results” — is actually more punchy and clear than the headline itself. That energy could be better integrated into the opening paragraph rather than sitting as a standalone subtitle that many readers will skip.

Example #3: Book tour announcement

What makes this a good book tour announcement press release:

  • The opening is genuinely compelling. Rather than leading with organizational boilerplate, the release opens with two sharp, punchy paragraphs about why sleep matters and how high achievers get it wrong. It’s one of the stronger lede paragraphs across all three releases — it earns the reader’s attention before asking anything of them.
  • Logistics are complete and clearly organized. Date, time, location, format (in-person and livestream), cost (free!), and two direct registration links are all present and easy to scan. Someone who decides mid-read to attend has everything they need without having to hunt for it.
  • The author’s bio is genuinely impressive and well-deployed. The credentials — board-certified, Duke fellowship, NPR, NYT — are specific and credible. The closing line about napping before playing with her kids also adds personality, making the bio memorable rather than a dry list.

What could be improved:

  • Unlikely Collaborators is underexplained for newcomers. The “About Unlikely Collaborators” section describes the organization’s mission in abstract terms (the “Perception Box™ framework”) without giving a journalist or first-time reader much to grasp. The founder is named, but her background or why she’s a credible convener isn’t touched on. A single grounding sentence would help considerably.
  • No media contact information. There’s no named press contact, email, or phone number. For an event happening in one week from the release date, that’s a significant miss: a journalist wanting to request a press pass or interview the author has no clear path forward.
  • The speaker list feels like filler. The paragraph listing past speakers runs very long and reads more like a trophy case than useful context. A tighter version: perhaps two or three of the most recognizable names with a brief note about what the Salons are, would serve readers better and keep the focus on Dr. Wu and this specific event.

10 More Book, Author, and Publisher Press Release Examples:

New book release

Company releases a book

Acquisition of a publishing company

Book exposition

Book circulation data announcement

Book prizes awarded

New book announcement

New edition of a book release announcement

Publisher donates books

Book special edition/movie tie-in announcement

 

The Authors and Publishers Guide to How to Write and Distribute a Press Release

Resources to help you write an amazing press release and distribute it to the right people to get publicity for your company, cause, or announcement.

What to Write a Press Release About

Need ideas you as an author or publisher could write a press release about? Here are 25 ideas to get you started:

  1. A new book release
  2. An upcoming book signing or author event
  3. A book reaching a notable milestone (e.g. 100,000 copies sold)
  4. A book being optioned for a movie or television adaptation
  5. An author receiving a prestigious award or recognition
  6. A publisher acquiring a highly anticipated manuscript
  7. A book receiving rave reviews from critics or readers
  8. An author’s unique backstory or writing process
  9. A book’s relevance to current events or cultural trends
  10. An author’s personal connection to the subject matter of their book
  11. A book’s positive impact on a particular community or group
  12. An author’s appearance on a popular podcast or talk show
  13. A book being selected for a book club or reading group
  14. An author’s successful crowdfunding campaign for a new project
  15. A book being translated into multiple languages
  16. An author’s participation in a literary festival or conference
  17. A book being used in a university or college course curriculum
  18. An author’s work being featured in a prominent literary journal or magazine
  19. A book’s inclusion on a bestseller list or award nomination
  20. An author’s or publisher’s contribution to a charitable cause or organization
  21. A book being recommended by a celebrity or notable figure
  22. An author’s collaboration with another author or artist
  23. A book being adapted into a stage play or musical
  24. An author’s engagement with their readers through social media or events
  25. A book being used as source material for a research project or academic study.
 

How to Write a Results-generating Book Announcement Press Release

Follow this outline to get attention:

  1. Get a Free Press Release Template

    The first step in writing a press release is to format your press release correctly. 
    Here’s a free Microsoft Word press release template – no opt-in required
    And here’s a Google docs press release template – no opt-in required

  2. Headline

    Lead with the author’s strongest credential, then the book title, then the core theme. Structure it as: [Who they are] releases [title], [what it’s about]. Keep it to one line if possible. Avoid generic phrases like “announces the release of” and opt for active, specific language instead.

  3. Dateline

    City and date in standard format (e.g., NEW YORK, Jan. 1, 2026). Use the city where the author or publisher is based.

  4. Lede Paragraph

    The most important paragraph in the release. In two to three sentences, answer: who is the author, what is the book, who is it for, and why does it matter right now. Establish credibility immediately. If the author has a compelling origin story or an unusual background that shaped the book, this is where to surface it.

  5. Body Paragraphs

    Two to four paragraphs that expand on the lede. Cover: what the book actually does for the reader (be specific about themes and takeaways, not just vague descriptions), any timely or culturally relevant angles that connect the book to a broader conversation, and a brief origin story or narrative hook that gives journalists something human and concrete to work with. End the body with a product details block — title, author, publisher, ISBN, retail price, formats, and where to buy it, on clean, separate lines.

  6. Quote

    One quote, placed after the first or second body paragraph. Either from the author (explaining the book’s purpose in their own voice) or a credible third party, such as an editor, peer, or early reader. Keep it to two to four sentences. It should add something the surrounding prose doesn’t already say — not restate it.

  7. Author Bio

    A short paragraph (three to five sentences) that goes beyond the job title. Include relevant credentials, media appearances, speaking history, platform size, or anything that signals the author can generate and sustain coverage. End with one personal detail that makes the bio memorable.

  8. Contact Information

    A named individual, direct email address, and phone number. Never leave this out. This is how a journalist requests an interview, a producer books a segment, or a retailer follows up — without it, the release is a dead end.

Book Press Release Templates

It’s always easier to write when you have a fill-in-the-blank template. So, here are 5 templates each tailored to a different type of book and author situation.

TEMPLATE 1: Expert/Nonfiction Author Best for: Business, self-help, health, or science books by credentialed professionals

[AUTHOR’S CREDENTIAL] Releases New Book “[TITLE],” Offering [TARGET AUDIENCE] a [KEY BENEFIT]

[CITY], [DATE] /PRNewswire/ — [Full credential: e.g., “Award-winning behavioral psychologist and keynote speaker”] [AUTHOR NAME] today announced the release of [TITLE], a [genre/format] that [one-sentence description of what the book does for the reader and why it matters now].

Drawing on [X years of experience / clinical research / case studies], [TITLE] addresses [core problem or tension the book resolves]. Unlike conventional approaches that [common misconception or gap in the market], [AUTHOR LAST NAME] offers [specific framework, method, or perspective the book introduces]. The book is written for [specific audience] who [describe their situation or struggle].

Chapters explore [two or three specific themes or topics], giving readers practical tools to [desired outcome]. The book also tackles [timely or culturally relevant angle], making it essential reading for anyone navigating [broader context].

“[Author quote — two to four sentences explaining the book’s mission in their own voice. Should add something the body copy doesn’t already say.]”

[TITLE] is available now through [retailers]. [Any notable early praise, bestseller status, or endorsements in one sentence.]

Product Details Title: [TITLE] Author: [AUTHOR NAME] Publisher: [PUBLISHER] ISBN: [ISBN] Retail Price: $[PRICE] Formats: [Hardcover / Paperback / eBook / Audiobook]

About the Author [AUTHOR NAME] is [credential and current role]. [He/She/They] has [notable achievements: media appearances, speaking history, previous books, organizational affiliations]. [One personal detail that adds humanity and memorability.]

Media Contact [CONTACT NAME] [TITLE] [EMAIL] [PHONE]
TEMPLATE 2: Memoir or Personal Narrative Best for: First-person accounts, survival stories, identity, faith, or recovery narratives
[AUTHOR NAME] Shares [Theme] Journey in New Memoir “[TITLE]”

[CITY], [DATE] /PRNewswire/ — [AUTHOR NAME], [brief credential or identity descriptor], today announced the release of [TITLE], a memoir chronicling [one-sentence description of the journey or transformation at the heart of the book].

What begins as [inciting situation or starting point] becomes a story of [core transformation: e.g., resilience, faith, reinvention, healing]. In [TITLE], [AUTHOR LAST NAME] recounts [two or three key experiences or turning points from the narrative] — and what she/he/they discovered on the other side.

The book speaks directly to readers who have experienced [shared struggle or universal theme], offering both [emotional resonance] and [practical takeaway]. It also touches on [timely or culturally relevant angle], connecting one person’s story to a much wider conversation about [broader theme].

“[Author quote — personal and specific to the story. Should feel like the author’s voice, not a press release. Two to four sentences.]”

[TITLE] is available now through [retailers].

Product Details Title: [TITLE] Author: [AUTHOR NAME] Publisher: [PUBLISHER] ISBN: [ISBN] Retail Price: $[PRICE] Formats: [Paperback / eBook / Audiobook]

About the Author [AUTHOR NAME] is [brief background — where they’re from, what they do, what shaped this book]. [One sentence on platform, community, or prior work if applicable.] [One personal detail.]

Media Contact [CONTACT NAME] [TITLE] [EMAIL] [PHONE]
TEMPLATE 3: First-Time Author with a Strong Publisher Best for: Debut authors where the publisher’s credibility helps carry the announcement
[PUBLISHER NAME] Announces Debut Release “[TITLE]” by [AUTHOR NAME], Exploring [Theme]

[CITY], [DATE] /PRNewswire/ — [PUBLISHER NAME], [one-line description of the publisher and what they’re known for], today announced the publication of [TITLE] by [AUTHOR NAME] — a [genre] that [one-sentence description of the book’s subject and purpose].

[AUTHOR NAME]’s debut work grew out of [origin story: a personal experience, a professional discovery, a gap in the literature, a defining moment]. In [TITLE], [he/she/they] explores [two or three central themes], drawing on [personal experience / research / interviews] to offer [target audience] a [key benefit or fresh perspective].

“[Publisher or editor quote — two to four sentences explaining why this book stood out and who it’s for. Named, with title.],” said [NAME], [TITLE] at [PUBLISHER].

The book arrives at a moment when [timely cultural or social context that makes the book relevant]. [One sentence connecting the book to a broader conversation or trend.]

[TITLE] is available now through [retailers].

Product Details Title: [TITLE] Author: [AUTHOR NAME] Publisher: [PUBLISHER] ISBN: [ISBN] Retail Price: $[PRICE] Formats: [Paperback / eBook]

About the Author [AUTHOR NAME] is [background — profession, location, relevant life experience]. [TITLE] is [his/her/their] first book. [One personal or professional detail that adds credibility or color.]

About [PUBLISHER] [PUBLISHER] is [one to two sentences on the publisher’s mission, specialty, and distribution.]

Media Contact [CONTACT NAME] [TITLE] [EMAIL] [PHONE]
TEMPLATE 4: Established Author with a New Release Best for: Authors releasing their second, third, or subsequent book who have an existing audience and track record
Bestselling Author [AUTHOR NAME] Returns with “[TITLE],” [One-Line Description of the New Book]

[CITY], [DATE] /PRNewswire/ — [AUTHOR NAME], [credential — e.g., “bestselling author of [PREVIOUS TITLE] and founder of [ORGANIZATION]”], today released [his/her/their] [second/third/latest] book, [TITLE] — a [genre] that [one-sentence description of what makes this book distinct from the author’s prior work].

Building on the success of [PREVIOUS TITLE], which [achievement: e.g., sold X copies / became an Amazon bestseller / was featured in X outlet], [AUTHOR LAST NAME] now turns to [new subject or angle]. [TITLE] explores [two or three central themes], offering [target audience] [key benefit or framework].

[One paragraph on the book’s content — specific themes, structure, or methodology. Include a timely or culturally relevant angle that connects this book to a current conversation.]

“[Author quote — two to four sentences. Should reflect growth or evolution from previous work, or explain what makes this book necessary right now.]”

Early praise for [TITLE] has been enthusiastic. [One endorsement from a named, credible source — kept under 15 words of direct quotation.]

[TITLE] is available now through [retailers].

Product Details Title: [TITLE] Author: [AUTHOR NAME] Publisher: [PUBLISHER] ISBN: [ISBN] Retail Price: $[PRICE] Formats: [Hardcover / Paperback / eBook / Audiobook]

About the Author [AUTHOR NAME] is [credential and current role]. [He/She/They] is also the author of [previous titles] and [other platform details: podcast, speaking, media]. [One personal detail.]

Media Contact [CONTACT NAME] [TITLE] [EMAIL] [PHONE]
TEMPLATE 5: Gift, Illustrated, or Interactive Book Best for: Coffee table books, children’s books, journals, workbooks, or visually driven titles
[AUTHOR NAME] Releases “[TITLE],” a [Format Description] Designed for [Target Audience or Occasion]

[CITY], [DATE] /PRNewswire/ — [AUTHOR NAME], [credential or brief background], today announced the release of [TITLE], a [illustrated / full-color / interactive / gift] [book/journal/workbook] that [one-sentence description of what it offers and who it’s for].

Unlike traditional [genre] books, [TITLE] is designed to be [experienced / shared / used / displayed] — [describe the format, visual elements, or interactive features that make it distinct]. Each [chapter/section/spread] invites readers to [specific action or experience].

[AUTHOR LAST NAME] created the book because [origin story or motivation — personal, professional, or observed need]. The result is [one sentence describing the overall effect or feeling the book creates], making it an ideal [gift occasion, e.g., graduation gift, holiday gift, baby shower gift, workplace tool] for [specific audience].

“[Author quote — two to four sentences. Warm and personal in tone, reflecting the spirit of the book.]”

[TITLE] is [full-color / illustrated / spiral-bound / etc.], [X] pages, and available now through [retailers] at [PRICE].

Product Details Title: [TITLE] Author: [AUTHOR NAME] Publisher: [PUBLISHER] ISBN: [ISBN] Retail Price: $[PRICE] Formats: [Hardcover / Paperback / eBook] Pages: [NUMBER] Dimensions: [if relevant]

About the Author [AUTHOR NAME] is [background]. [One sentence on relevant creative or professional experience.] [One personal detail.]

Media Contact [CONTACT NAME] [TITLE] [EMAIL] [PHONE]

Finally, Be Sure to Distribute Your Press Release to the Right People

Press releases are useless unless the right people receive them! That’s our specialty – custom distributing press releases to the reporters, editors, bloggers, and influencers most likely to pick up and publish your press release, or even better, to write their own story about you. Learn more about how to distribute your press releases here.

Finally, here are some tips and training to help you write an amazing press release:

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