by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga
As I wheeled my suitcase through the gleaming lobby of the Gaylord Resort, the energy was palpable. With my newest book tucked safely in my bag, I felt equal parts excitement and nervousness. The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention, a cornerstone event for Christian media professionals, was about to begin.
As an author seeking to expand my platform and connect with media for potential interviewees, I knew these next few days represented a golden opportunity for me. There were thousands of media professionals under one roof, all potentially interested in featuring new books and fresh voices on their platforms.
Why NRB?
The NRB Convention isn't just another industry meetup—It's where Christian media's most influential voices gather to shape the future of faith-based communication. With over 3,500 attendees representing radio, television, digital media, and publishing, it's a goldmine for media to find captivating stories and meaningful connections. As Christian authors, we can fill those interview slots.
The convention floor buzzed with activity. Radio stations had set up remote broadcasting booths, podcasters conducted live interviews, and television networks conducted live interviews right at the hotel. For an author this meant I had access to industry professionals who could provide me with outlets to tell my story.
Making the Most of Media Opportunities
To make connections with media, you need the media list, but NRB only gives that list to booths who pay thousands of dollars. Therefore, I attended the show with the Christian Authors Network, so I got a list of all the media attending the show.
I quickly learned that preparation was key. Before arriving I:
- Researched attending media and chose the ones who resonated with my brand
- Emailed the respective media
- Prepared a media kit about my healthy living series of books (to learn the 10 Essential Ingredients You Should Include in Your Media Kit click HERE)
- Created a list of potential interview questions
- Bought a new pair of walking shoes, as I knew there would be lots of ground to cover
The convention's Media Room was where podcasters and other online platforms set up temporary studios for live broadcasting throughout the event. I learned quickly that many hosts welcome impromptu interviews with authors, especially if you have an interesting hook for their audience.
I'd scheduled several interviews in advance. Most were during NRB and a couple thereafter. But some of my best media opportunities came unexpectedly. Months after NRB, several television stations who had received my media kit contacted me. I got four television shows from these contacts. I felt as though I had finally arrived as an author, and it was due to attending this premier trade show.
NRB's strength lies in its networking opportunities. Before the show, I prayed for divine connections. And boy did I receive them. You never know who is standing in line with you or sitting next to you while waiting. I always struck up a conversation with other content creators.
Tips for Authors Attending NRB
- Attend NRB with a Booth: You can obtain the list of media only if you attend with a booth. Christian Authors Network(CAN) is a great organization to go with. They provide loads of training, so you are prepared. The next NRB Convention is February 25–27, 2025 in Grapevine, Texas at the Texan Gaylord. The deadline to sign up with CAN is December 15, 2025 HERE.
- Research Shows in Advance: Focus on media outlets that align with your book's message and audience.
- Perfect Your Pitch: Practice a short, clear 30-second elevator pitch of your ideas that you can give to media.
- Be Interview-Ready: Be ready for an interview every day, even if you don’t have one scheduled—you never know when an opportunity will arise.
- Schedule Smart: Unless you are a podcaster or radio host, don’t attend the conference training sessions, which are geared for media. Instead, visit all the booths on the showroom floor and pray for connections and collaborations. Be prepared for your scheduled interviews but leave room for spontaneous networking. Some of my best interviews happened during unscheduled moments.
- Come Prepared: Bring plenty of business cards, media kits, and smiles. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Create a To-Do List: During the conference, create a digital to-do list on one of your smart phone list apps. When you get home, print out the list and complete the tasks.
- Follow Up Promptly: Don't wait to connect with new contacts. Send follow up emails while conversations are fresh. Send thank-you emails to hosts and producers within 48 hours of interviews.
Beyond the Convention
NRB isn't just about immediate media coverage, it's about building relationships that can support your entire author journey. The connections made here can lead to regular media appearances that help build your platform and reach new readers with each new book release. For example, the television show connections I made a couple of years ago led to me getting three television interviews for my new release this year.
Remember that every media professional at NRB is looking for compelling content for their audiences. As authors, our stories and messages can be exactly what they need.
For authors serious about expanding their media presence, NRB offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with Christian media professionals. The investment in attending pays off through increased visibility, sales, and ongoing media relationships. You can obtain a year’s worth of interviews from attending NRB.
TWEETABLE
Thank you for this well written, precise guideline. It is a topic I’d never heard at a writing conference before. You’ve expanded the professional business side of my writing career.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. One thing I see common to so much of writing and life is the importance of preparation. As an Eagle Scout, I remember our motto, be prepared.
ReplyDeleteTim Suddeth