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It's hard to say it any better: "Publicity is the voice of visibility." And its lesson to authors is clear nothing can spotlight your book faster than good publicity.

But how do you find a publicist that best fits you and your book? Here Marsha Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Event Management Services Inc, a national publicity firm shares her 10 tips to find the best publicist for your book.

1. Find a publicist that works in your genre. If you book is financial, find a firm that works exclusively with that genre of book. Marsha Friedman says, "The same holds true for fiction publicists, children's books, etc"

2. Find a publicist that will take the time to research your topic enough to understand how to communicate your message to the media. Marsha Friedman adds, "You don't want a publicist that will rush through your topic and campaign to varying successes. Choose one who is interested enough to ask questions and really grasp what your message is."

3. Make sure that the publicist is a specialist in your choice of media. Marsha Friedman says, "Every publicist you come across may not be specialized in the tv, radio or print that you desire. Many publicists specialize in one medium and will refer business to other specialists when it's best for their client." So if you have written an exercise book, then TV would be best. Thus you would need to find a publicity firm that specializes in TV.

4. Make sure that you request to see sample campaigns. This is a terrific way to see what sort of media exposure, and within what timeframe, that they obtained for their authors.

5. Request the opportunity to contact the publicity firm's past clients. This way you can have a conversation with someone that actually worked with the firm. This may hold a few pearls of wisdom for you.

6. Make sure to look at the price tag and shop around. Don't use the most expensive publicity firm simply based on the fact that they have a fancy address in a major metropolitan city.

7. And speaking of fees - in the book industry you'll find many publicists who work on a performance or project basis. Marsha Friedman says, "There are many firms out there that charge on a project basis while there are others that will charge you every month regardless of their results. I strongly suggest that you avoid monthly retainer based firms and focus on finding ones where you pay for THEIR performance."

8. Look past the hype. Marsha Friedman says, "The problem an author can run into is the sales person they speak with and build confidence in, is not always the person who will be handling their campaign. So, don't be shy about asking who will be writing your press releases and who will be pitching you to the media. Find out how long they've been with the firm. Ask what their level of experience is. After you worked so hard on your book you want to be handled by the best."

9. In your search for the right publicity firm - don't just talk to local agencies. Marsha Friedman says, "This point is really important if you are interested in gaining the attention of the local media. You don't have to regularly have face-to-face meetings with your publicity firm. The work involved can be done via phone. So focus your efforts on finding the best publicity..period!" 9. One last point - find a firm that has an understanding of your topic and an enthusiasm for your message! Many times, the determination of your publicity team can be a major reason for their successes in obtaining media coverage for you.

So there you go! Go out and there and find the best publicist!just make sure to use these 10 vital tips! If you would like to learn more about gaining national and local media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman is available to be of service . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Marsha Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without costly monthly retainers .

Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.