Your Book and Author Pitch Checklist: What to Have Ready Before You Pitch

A simple checklist for first-time, self-published authors before you start reaching out about getting your book featured and visible.

Publishing your book is a huge moment.

But right after the excitement fades, most first-time authors run into the same question:

“Okay… now how do I actually start reaching out to bookstores, events, media, book reviews, podcasts and collaborators?”

This is where things can feel a little intimidating. You want to send that first email. You want to introduce yourself to a local shop. Maybe you want to pitch a podcast interview, book review or collaborate with another author.

Confidence comes from feeling prepared.

Do I have everything they might ask for? Am I supposed to send photos? What if they ask for a bio?

Inside The Local Bookshelf, we help authors get ready before they start reaching out. And a little preparation makes the whole process feel so much easier.

Here’s the simple checklist we recommend every new author put together before pitching their book.

1. A Friendly, Professional Author Headshot

This doesn’t need to feel stiff or overly formal.

Your headshot should look clear, warm, and professional.

Your headshot often shows up on:

• Event pages

• Bookstore promotion posts

• Author spotlights

• Collaboration announcements

• Media articles

  
  

Think of it as your “hello, this is me” photo.

A few simple tips:

• Use natural light if possible

• Choose a clean, uncluttered background

• Make sure your face is clearly visible

• Pick something that feels like you

  
  

2. A High-Resolution Version of Your Book Cover

Your book cover will be used everywhere once you start collaborating with people.

Bookstores, media and event organizers often need it for:

• Event graphics

• Social media posts

• Website listings

• Posters or flyers

• Book reviews

• Gift Guides

Ask your designer (or grab from your publishing files) a high-resolution version of your cover.

Ideally have:

• A front cover image

• A 3D mockup if you have one

• A clear JPEG or PNG file

3. A Few Different Short Bio Options

One of the most common things people will ask for is:

“Can you send a short author bio?”

Instead of writing it every time, create a few versions ahead of time.

For example:

• A 1–2 sentence bio (great for quick mentions)

• A short paragraph bio

• A slightly longer version

Your bio might include:

• What you write

• Why you wrote your book

• Where you're based

• Something personal or interesting about you

• Links to your website and social media platforms

Keep it warm and human, it isn’t a résumé.

4. Your One-Sentence “What My Book Is About”

This is surprisingly helpful when you start talking about your book.

Try to create one clear sentence that explains it.

For example:

• Who the book is for

• What readers will experience or learn

• The core idea behind it

Think of it as your quick introduction when someone asks:

"So what’s your book about?"

Having this ready makes conversations — and emails — much easier.

5. A Few Talking Points About Your Book

If a bookstore invites you to do a reading, or a group asks you to speak, it helps to have a few ideas ready about what you could share.

Nothing complicated — just a few natural topics, like:

• What inspired you to write the book

• The story behind how it came together

• A favorite passage or moment

• What you hope readers take away

• What surprised you during the writing process

• Where the bok is found and sold

These become great conversation starters for:

• Readings

• Author panels

• Podcast interviews

• Community events

6. A Short Author Q&A

This one is a hidden gem.

Sometimes a bookstore, blog, or community group will ask for a short author Q&A they can post.

If you already have one ready, you can send it instantly.

A simple Q&A might include questions like:

• What inspired you to write this book?

• Who would especially enjoy reading it?

• What was the most surprising part of writing it?

• What do you hope readers take away?

• What are you working on next?

This also becomes great material for newsletters and social posts.

The Goal Isn’t Perfection — It’s Readiness

You don’t need a massive media kit.

You don’t need a marketing team.

You just need a few simple things ready so that when you reach out to someone — a bookstore, a local event, another author — you feel confident.

Inside The Local Bookshelf, we encourage authors to gather these pieces before they begin pitching.

When someone asks for something, you already have it.

Your Simple Pre-Pitch Checklist

Before you start reaching out, make sure you have:

✔ A friendly author headshot

✔ A high-resolution book cover image

✔ A few short bio options

✔ A clear one-sentence description of your book

✔ A few talking points about your book

✔ A short author Q&A

✔ Links to where the book is available

Once you have these ready, you’ll feel much more comfortable introducing your book to the world.

Send us a message if you have questions about getting your book featured and visible.

Jenn Wint is the author of Josie's Busy Calendar and a PR Expert at wintcommunications.com