Winner Los Angeles Book Festival
Runner Up London Book Festival
Winner Southern California Book Festival
Winner Great Midwest Book Festival
A Publicity Primer on Mastering The Media Without Having To Be Arrested, Involved In A Scandal or Otherwise Embarrassing Yourself and Your Family
Burke Allen‘s Becoming Semi-Famous micro book distills his three decades in the media and P.R. trenches. In an easy-to-read, compact format, you will learn very quickly exactly how to generate thousands of free appearances on television, radio, print, and online media outlets. This no-nonsense primer was culled from the real-world experience of Burke’s long career, where he spent the first half in front of the camera and behind the microphone and the second half helping his clients get in front of the camera and behind the microphone…all in their quest to Becoming Semi Famous!
What People Say
“Burke Allen has been an angel in my life, pure and simple. Not only is he one of the most decent men I’ve ever known, but he has to be the hardest-working man in media. His organizational skills and his attention to detail never cease to amaze me, and don’t even get me started on this man’s energy. He never stops! Working with Burke and Allen Media Strategies has changed my life in ways that are almost impossible to describe. I only wish my late husband, Bob Denver of “Gilligan’s Island”, could have been the recipient of Burke’s TLC with his clients. I know one thing for sure – Bob is smiling down, knowing that I’m in good hands. Thank you, Burke, from both of us.”–Dreama Denver Actress and Author – BobDenver.com
“I’m so proud to have Burke Allen as a key member of Team Landau. He really gets P.R. and knows everyone in the media; it seems like any time I go to do an interview with a TV station, radio station or newspaper, they know Burke. And his attention to detail and hard work are awesome. He’s my boy… love him.”
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. America’s Got Talent winner and best-selling recording artist – LandauMurphyJr.com
Thank you so much, Burke. I recommended you to an ex-astronaut who has a new book out. Hope he contacts you. You’re the best!” —Homer HickamNew York Times best selling author of many books including “Rocket Boys” which was made into the major Hollywood movie “October Sky” – HomerHickam.com
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite –
Becoming Semi-Famous by Burke Allen is a comprehensive strategy for authors to amplify visibility through media exposure. Allen says that writing your book is just the beginning, and promotion is absolutely crucial in today’s saturated market. Allen explains the importance of earned media, which is unpaid coverage you earn through offering great content to media outlets, which he distinguishes from paid media. He categorizes today’s diverse media landscape into TV, radio, print, and online platforms, like podcasts and social media. To grab maximum attention, Allen says that authors must have a unique and emotionally or financially relevant message. He talks about how to create effective media pitches and press releases, and provides guidance on identifying the right contacts across different media types. Allen speaks on the value of a media list, following up professionally, and being prepared to harness media opportunities when they come along.
Becoming Semi-Famous by Burke Allen is an absolute masterclass in making your book harder to ignore and stand out louder and prouder. Allen’s writing is crisp and confident, cutting through the jargon with straight facts and zero fluff. What truly stands out is how every bit of advice is not only clear but also completely doable. I like that there’s no theory for theory’s sake here. Allen doesn’t just tell you what to do; he signposts the way and shows you how, with real-world strategies and examples that demystify the process and push you to take bold, smart action. The guidance is so spot-on and thorough that if you fail to gain traction after reading this book, you’ve got no one to blame but yourself. This book is more than a helpful resource, it’s a call to action for authors who are ready to get serious about visibility. It’s sharp, actionable, and unflinchingly honest, and that’s exactly what makes it indispensable. Very highly recommended.
Mary Clarke, Readers’ Favorite –
Becoming Semi-Famous by Burke Allen is a simple and useful guide for authors who want to generate publicity and increase their book sales through free media exposure. It talks about the media world today, taking a deeper look at different traditional sources like television, radio, and print. It also talks about the fast-growing digital and online media platforms. Burke Allen, the founder of Allen Media Strategies, used his skills and roles in the broadcasting industry to share key elements for the best strategies, which include creating great media pitches, making compelling messages, and outlining the steps to take during interviews and coverage. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs and interests of media professionals and following an approach that will provide value to their audience.
Becoming Semi-Famous is a very insightful and straightforward read; Burke Allen’s writing is clear and easy to understand. One of the things I loved was the emphasis on the importance of understanding the media world and the needs of different platforms, instead of focusing on self-promotion. Burke’s conversational tone in his writing and the personal experience he added to this book made it feel like I was in a mentorship session. His discussion on earned media over paid advertising sounds like a game-changer and will be a great tool for people with limited budgets. I appreciate the detailed breakdown of pitching strategies like crafting a seven-word subject line or tying a pitch to current events; they feel achievable and strategic. I recommend Becoming Semi-Famous to authors, self-published writers, and creators who would love to promote their work through media without big budgets or fame. It will also be helpful to small business owners or experts who would love to be seen and heard.
Zahid Sheikh, Readers’ Favorite –
Becoming Semi-Famous by Burke Allen is a helpful resource for both writers and professionals who want to establish their media presence. The author reveals how to gain advertising buzz for books while using earned media to obtain free publicity across television, radio, print, and online formats without achieving celebrity status and without causing scandal. Allen draws from 30 years of experience in the broadcasting field and media consulting to provide straightforward, pragmatic advice on how to craft compelling messages, draw media attention, and maximize various media outlets. This book identifies the appropriate ways to navigate the modern media landscape, from traditional dot television and radio to podcasts and social media, so that one understands where to level and how to pitch the stories. It is designed to remove ineffective and snake-oil marketing advice and replace it with brass tacks tools that authors can use right away to increase their visibility and sales.
Through his straightforward writing style, Burke Allen explains difficult media tactics so beginners in the field can understand them. The book maintains a fast pace because of its structured organization. Allen establishes his expert status by conveying practical information alongside real-world examples. He uses empowerment combined with practical success themes to motivate authors toward taking charge of their publicity activities. The book illustrates media professionals as characters while treating both authors and professionals with dignity. Becoming Semi-Famous provides readers with essential tools to approach the media world confidently through its step-by-step guide and concise and accessible homework exercises for all readers.
Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite –
Becoming Semi-Famous by Burke Allen is a fast-paced and practical guide designed for authors, creators, and subject-matter experts seeking to amplify their visibility through earned media without relying on controversy, scandal, or viral gimmicks. Drawing from decades of experience in broadcasting and public relations, Allen distills the essentials of publicity into a compact, easy-to-follow playbook. From the start, Allen’s tone is encouraging and conversational. He speaks directly to the reader with the confidence of someone who’s spent a lifetime behind both the microphone and the camera. The book outlines step-by-step strategies for attracting media attention across television, radio, print, and online platforms, offering real-world advice that is both accessible and actionable.
A standout feature of the book is its analysis of contemporary media dynamics. Burke Allen effectively argues that modern authors must promote their work. He clarifies the distinction between paid and earned media, stressing that authors should present themselves as experts or storytellers to media platforms in search of valuable content. The chapters are filled with practical examples, covering how to create an engaging subject line, customize pitches for various outlets, and follow up appropriately with journalists and producers. Allen’s guidance is invaluable for authors navigating the digital media landscape. His tips for podcast appearances, live video interviews, and social media outreach are rooted in current industry practices. While short, it is densely packed with advice. Whether self-published or traditionally published, Becoming Semi-Famous offers a motivating, well-informed approach to building your public platform with integrity and confidence. It’s an empowering read for anyone ready to promote their work in an innovative, strategic, and sustainable way.
Pikasho Deka, Readers’ Favorite –
Are you an author struggling to create buzz for your latest release? Do you feel your books are not reaching your target audience? If the answer’s yes, grab a copy of Burke Allen’s practical marketing handbook Becoming Semi-Famous. With a background in radio, TV, marketing, media, and entertainment, Allen draws from his multi-decade experience in PR-related work to offer you essential tools designed to create buzz and increase your book sales. In this book, you will learn about earned media coverage using stories and messages that your core audience can connect with, developing a great media pitch, the difference between a media pitch and a press release, building a successful media campaign, maximizing the four different types of media, among other topics. How do you identify your target audience or choose the right media outlet? Grab a copy and find out.
Concise and to the point, Becoming Semi-Famous is your chance to discover how to reap the benefits of various available media platforms and ensure your product reaches your intended customers. Burke Allen packs a lot of information into a short book. It’s succinctly written, thoroughly engaging, and informative. The book further explores the concepts of paid media versus earned media and shows how to get your message out through different media platforms. In today’s internet and social media-driven world, getting exposure is one of the fundamental keys to success. This book unveils the secrets to getting the right kind of exposure without having to sacrifice your privacy and personal life. For authors, especially indie authors, this is a must-read!