MediaMasters: Insider Secrets from the big names of broadcast, print and social media [Kindle Edition]

I was looking forward to reading this book to pick up some tips that could help take my expert blog to a global audience and see it picked up by the media and this book didn't disappoint. Whilst it didn't provide me an exact framework for achieving media coverage (but to be honest, I didn't expect it to!) it did give me an insight into how experienced media commentators work and this gave me ideas that I could use to develop my blogging business.

The biggest plus for me was that I was exposed to `lesser known' media pundits - the more `up and coming' experts as well as what I would term "the old boys" such as Terry Wogan and Michael Aspel etc. The newer media experts include Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, Radio 1 Producer Chris Cox and TV Weather Presenter and ex Soap Star Des Coleman and it was nice to get a young, fresh take on how modern day communicators operate when speaking to the media.

Whilst many of the interviewees supplied their theory on the subject of being a media master, Comedian and TV show panellist Phill Jupitus gave an excellent piece of practical advice for would be media masters - but you will have to read the book to find out what it is!

I did feel at times that the book was written from a very `male' point of view, although this is not surprising as both authors are male. But one example of this would be in one of the interviews (with Michael Aspel), the interviewer comments on newsreader Fiona Bruce and how he is pleased she is getting some work at last. It seemed a slightly patronising comment and a little un-necessary, given that numerous media interviews have reported that Fiona had taken a conscious decision to work part time so she could bring up her two young children. Perhaps the author knows a little more than the readers do about her personal situation, but this isn't explained in the book, so I formed my opinion based upon the fact that I too am a woman raising two young children alongside running a business, and the fact that I pick and choose my work opportunities doesn't make me any less ambitious.

That point aside, the book contains some useful reminders when dealing with the media, such as don't overcomplicate your message and always remember who your audience is - definitely sound advice. I worked in corporate PR for more than a decade and therefore can vouch for the sturdiness of this advice!

The book brings together stars of comedy, radio, sports and politics, but I am particularly thankful to the book for introducing me to experts such as Gail Emms, Rory Cellan-Jones, Dee Caffari and Allegra McEvedy who I thought was excellent - they definitely saved the best for last!

The book is a collection of short interviews with media savvy celebrities. Each of the 25 interviews distils the key tips from the experience and expertise of each subject, capturing the personality of each well.

It's so much easier reading this valuable information 'in context' in this way rather than a list of 'things you must do' (although there is a summary at the back of the book for each).

The writing styles of both authors are friendly and humorous which not only draws more out of the interviewees but makes it a more interesting and enjoyable read than similar books on the topic.

The authors know their stuff too, so they can ask the right questions to get the information that is likely to be of most use to us. Because of that you'll read anecdotes in these vignettes from well known celebrities that you probably won't hear anywhere else. Woven into to the stories is also the expertise of Alan and Jeremy who both deal with the media in all its forms every day.

If you know you'll be having dealings with the media, be it in print, radio or on tv, in a couple of days time, you better order this now and you'll find it such an easy enjoyable read that you'll be ready to face the pen, mic or camera in no time at all.

What a great read! Media Masters is both entertaining and informative and full of top tips on how to keep you cool in front of the world's media. A must-have for all aspiring politicians!