DIY Publicity That Actually Works: How One Author Built 20 Years of TV Appearances Without a Publicist

Have you ever dreamed of seeing yourself on local TV promoting your book or message—but had no idea where to start? You're not alone. Many writers feel overwhelmed by the idea of pitching media, building relationships with producers, and finding that newsworthy angle that gets them booked. In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp sits down with Tenneil Register, a writer and entrepreneur who has been appearing on local TV for nearly 20 years. Tenneil shares her practical, relationship-centered approach to building community partnerships that have put her in front of new audiences again and again—without ever feeling salesy or pushy. What You'll Learn in This Episode How to find the newsworthy angle in what you're promoting The key to crafting a pitch that makes a producer's job easier Why serving the audience (not selling your book) is the secret to getting asked back How to build and maintain a media contact database What "aftercare" looks like to strengthen your media relationships The power of leave-behind gifts and personal touches Key Takeaways Lead with service, not self-promotion. The most successful media appearances happen when you focus on solving a problem for the audience rather than promoting yourself. When you serve the producer's goals and their viewers' needs, you become someone they want to book again. Be supremely askbackable. Show up prepared, don't overstep boundaries, deliver everything a producer needs, and make their job as easy as possible. That's how you get invited back. Your pitch should read like a news headline. Producers don't have time to read three-page emails. Be clear, succinct, and include the "why now" that connects your topic to their audience's current needs. Relationships matter more than one-time appearances. Treat producers and hosts like the humans they are. Remember details about their lives, follow up with gratitude, and promote their show on your own platforms. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned speaker looking to expand your reach, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to start building your own community partnerships.