...FAQs For Authors:

1)     I'm an author, why do I need a publicist?

Today so many of our authors are not full time writers, and do not have the time, or even the wherewithal to handle the business aspects that are so crucial to success in publishing. Some authors just want to write! Echo Soul provides authors with full time support, acting as a liaison to crucial connections like bookstores 

and media gatekeepers.

Echo Soul also maintains relationships with organizations and media nationwide, skilled at recognizing the nuances of dealing with both. Being represented by Echo Soul presents a professional image that is critical to an author’s success and growth.  

2) Will a publicist get me a book deal?

Echo Soul is not a literary agency. We do not contact or negotiate with publishers on an author’s behalf to solicit books deals. We do not solicit agents, either. Echo Soul simply enhances your visibility within the industry as a means of increasing book sales, and name recognition.

3) I have an agent. Why do I need a publicist?

An agent is responsible for soliciting the sale of a manuscript. Echo Soul does not deal with manuscript negotiations, and does not work on your behalf to obtain book deals. Likewise, agents do not deal day to day with media and bookstores. Agents help to get authors published, and publicists are involved in the marketing and publicity of the final published product.

4) What are your rates?

Every author and every book is unique. Therefore, our campaigns and rates are individually tailored. Authors come to Echo Soul with a desired plan for a publicity campaign based on the services we provide, at which point a detailed proposal is presented to the author, complete with an estimated rate of service. Echo Soul is dedicated to working within the budgets of authors to present the most competitive and cost-effective rates available.

5) What services do you offer?
Our services range from organizing book tours to soliciting press coverage and online marketing. For a complete list of Echo Soul’s services please visit the SERVICES PAGE.

6) For how long do you represent clients?

A typical publicity campaign begins at least 3 months before the book reaches bookstores, and lasts anywhere from 6 to 9 months. We find that standard 6-month campaigns are most effective. We are not at all limited to 6-months. We are open and available for authors looking for long-term representation.

7) Can you get my book in Essence magazine and on Oprah?

Only the editors at Essence and the producers of The Oprah Winfrey Show can get you in either. However, Echo Soul can work on your behalf to pitch quality and appropriate story ideas to almost any media entity that you desire. We work to identify as many appropriate avenues of media coverage possible for each project. 

8) What should I look for in a publicist?
An author should always look for a publicist who understands their vision, who is committed to pushing their work, and who READS OR SCREENS THE WORK BEFORE OFFERING SERVICE!. 

A good publicist is also skilled at dealing with the media, bookstores and other organizations, and knows the markets and industries well.

A good publicist is also approachable, able to communicate effectively, and available to the author. 

9) Why do I need services like media training or copy editing?
Most authors feel comfortable talking about their work, but may not be as adept and savvy in dealing with the media. Radio, television and print interviews are all effective ways of communicating to a large audience, and require succinct, direct communication skills. Echo Soul feels strongly about preparing authors for interviews teaching methods of ascertaining the intent behind interviewers’ questions, delivering tight and engaging, yet sincere sound bytes, and effectively communicating your selling points.

Whether an author is shopping a manuscript to an agent, or self-publishing their work, copy editing is a critical step in polishing your work and presenting the most coherent, tight and “publishable” work possible. A professional editor is a critical component of publishing any book.

10) Why do I need a website? Can Echo Soul help me maintain my website?
            A website is perhaps the most comprehensive resume an author can have. Websites allow authors to present their work in an enticing manner, and can reach more people than a business card ever could!

Echo Soul will help advise on the image and editorial content of the website to ensure it best reflects author and their work.

...FAQs for filmmakers:

1) Why do I need a publicist?

A filmmaker who desires a high profile and attention to his or her work may find a publicist very effective. Overseeing the many facets of filmmaking is a full time job, and a publicist can devote the time necessary to soliciting reviews, press clippings and screenings.

2) Can Echo Soul help me find distribution for my film(s)?

Echo Soul does not act as a film agent and does not contact film studios nor distribution companies to solicit distribution deals. Publicists are involved in creating “buzz” for films.

3) I am an independent filmmaker. Can Echo Soul help me raise money for my
film?

While Echo Soul does not work as a professional fundraising entity, increasing a film or filmmaker’s visibility can help to get your project into the hands of influential decision makers and investors.

4) What services do you offer?

Echo Soul offers filmmakers services that range from soliciting film reviews to organizing film screenings. For a complete list of Echo Soul’s services, here.

5) Why do I need media training?
Most filmmakers speak passionately about their work, yet may not be as adept and savvy in dealing with the media. Radio, television and print interviews are all effective ways of communicating to a large audience, and require succinct, direct communication skills. Echo Soul feels strongly about preparing filmmakers for interviews, teaching methods of ascertaining the intent behind interviewers’ questions, delivering tight and engaging, yet impactful sound bytes, and effectively communicating your selling points.

While Echo Soul does not work as a professional fundraising entity, increasing a film or filmmaker’s visibility can help to get your project into the hands of influential decision makers and investors.

6) What should I look for in a publicist?
A filmmaker should always look for a publicist who understands their vision, and who is committed to pushing their work. A good publicist is also skilled at dealing with the media and other organizations, and knows the markets and industries well.

 

>>Authors and filmmakers may contact ESP: