For a founder, CEO, or expert, a non-fiction book is rarely just a book. It’s a calling card, a credibility booster, and a key that can unlock the next stage of your career. But that key doesn’t turn itself. Without a strategic push, even the most brilliant book can fail to reach its full potential as a brand-building tool. This is the essential role of a specialized book PR agency. They understand that your goals extend beyond the bestseller list. Their job is to leverage your book to land speaking gigs, attract high-value clients, and build a lasting legacy. Here, we’ll explore how to find a partner that can help you achieve those bigger-picture ambitions.
Key Takeaways
- Think Beyond Book Sales; Focus on Brand Authority: For non-fiction authors, the real return on investment is professional credibility. A strategic PR agency positions you as a thought leader through high-impact media, creating long-term opportunities like speaking gigs and new business that deliver value long after your launch.
- Your PR Campaign is a Partnership, Not a Hand-Off: The best results come from collaboration. Your role is to provide the expertise and be ready for interviews, while your agency opens the doors. Active participation is what turns a good campaign into a great one.
- Plan for the Long Haul, Not Just Launch Week: Effective book publicity starts months before your publication date to build anticipation and continues long after to maintain momentum. This sustained effort is what transforms your book from a one-time event into a lasting asset for your brand.
Why Hire a Book PR Agency?
You’ve poured your expertise, stories, and countless hours into writing your book. But here’s the hard truth: writing the book is only half the battle. Getting it into the hands of the right readers—and using it as a tool to grow your brand—is a completely different challenge. This is where a book PR agency comes in. They don’t just market your book; they market you. A strategic PR campaign transforms your book from a simple product into a powerful platform for your personal brand and business.
How PR Helps Market Your Book
Effective PR campaigns help authors establish credibility and broaden their audience. While marketing focuses on sales, public relations focuses on reputation. For an author who is also a CEO, founder, or expert, this distinction is critical. A PR agency works to secure media placements, interviews, and features that position you as a thought leader in your industry. This isn’t about running ads; it’s about earning credibility through trusted media outlets. By sharing your story and insights with a wider audience, a PR firm helps you build a narrative that supports your long-term goals, whether that’s attracting new clients, landing speaking engagements, or solidifying your legacy.
The Benefits of Professional Publicity
Let’s be realistic—you’re busy running your business. Do you also have time to build relationships with journalists and producers? Hiring a publicist will save you time because you’ll be free to focus on what you do best instead of learning an entirely new skill set. One of the biggest benefits of professional publicity is having an extra set of hands during the hectic period around your book launch. An agency handles the pitching, follow-up, and scheduling, freeing you up to engage with your audience and prepare for interviews. This dedicated support ensures your launch is strategic and impactful, not chaotic and overwhelming.
What’s the ROI on Book Publicity?
The return on investment from book PR extends far beyond initial sales figures. For non-fiction authors, the true value lies in brand equity. Effective book publicity campaigns help authors craft a compelling brand, drawing in new readers and fostering a committed following. Each media feature, podcast interview, and article serves as a lasting piece of social proof. This enhanced credibility can lead directly to more lucrative opportunities, such as high-profile speaking gigs, new business ventures, and a stronger client base. When you look at our client results, you see that the ROI is measured in authority and influence, which pays dividends long after your book hits the shelves.
What Does a Book PR Agency Actually Do?
So, you’ve written a book. That’s a huge accomplishment, but you know the work isn’t over. Now, you need to get it into the hands of readers. You might think a book PR agency just sends out a few press releases and hopes for the best, but their role is far more strategic and hands-on. Think of them as your partner in building a legacy. A great agency works to build your brand, secure meaningful media attention, and create a comprehensive strategy that ensures your message resonates long after your launch week. They handle the complex world of media so you can focus on what you do best: sharing your expertise. From getting you on national television to preparing you for the interview, their job is to make sure your book—and you—get the attention you deserve.
Secure Media Relations and Press Coverage
This is the cornerstone of book PR. An agency’s primary function is to get you and your book featured in the media. This isn’t about sending a mass email blast; it’s about leveraging established relationships with producers, editors, and journalists. A skilled publicist knows exactly who to pitch and how to frame your story to land placements in major outlets like national news shows, top-tier publications, and popular podcasts. For our clients, this means getting their stories featured in front of millions. The goal is to secure coverage that not only sells books but also builds your credibility as an expert in your field. These are the kinds of media placements that solidify your authority and open doors to new opportunities.
Build Your Author Platform
Writing a great book is essential, but in today’s market, readers want to connect with the person behind the words. A book PR agency helps you build your author platform, which is your professional visibility and influence within your niche. This goes beyond a single book launch; it’s about establishing you as a thought leader. The agency will work to grow your influence by securing bylined articles, expert commentary opportunities, and features that highlight your unique perspective. This process turns you from an author into a recognized authority people trust and want to hear from, ensuring a dedicated audience for your current book and any future projects you undertake.
Execute Book Launch Campaigns
A successful book launch doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of a carefully orchestrated campaign. Your PR agency is the director of this entire production. They create a tailored publicity plan that maps out key activities before, during, and after your book’s release. This includes coordinating media outreach, scheduling interviews, managing a book tour (virtual or in-person), and creating buzz to drive those crucial first-week sales. Every campaign we design is customized to fit the author’s unique goals and the book’s specific message. These strategic PR packages are designed to create momentum that carries your book forward, making a powerful initial impact on the market.
Land Speaking Engagements
Your book is a powerful calling card that can lead to lucrative speaking opportunities. A PR agency can actively pitch you to event organizers for keynotes, panel discussions, and corporate workshops. By positioning you as the go-to expert on your book’s topic, they help you find platforms where you can share your message with a live audience. This not only provides an additional revenue stream but also amplifies your book’s reach and reinforces your brand. Each speaking gig is a chance to connect directly with your target audience, sell books on-site, and build a reputation that extends far beyond the written page. It’s a key part of transforming your author platform into a multifaceted career.
Develop a Social Media Strategy
While you’re the expert on your book’s topic, your PR agency is the expert on how to talk about it online. They can develop and help execute a social media strategy that aligns with your brand and PR goals. This isn’t just about posting “buy my book.” It’s about creating engaging content, building a community, and interacting with your audience in a way that feels authentic. They’ll identify the best platforms for you—whether it’s LinkedIn for a business book or Instagram for a wellness guide—and help you craft a voice that resonates. This ensures your online presence is professional, consistent, and effectively supports your broader publicity efforts.
Provide Media Training
Facing a camera or a microphone for the first time can be intimidating, even for the most confident CEO or celebrity. That’s why media training is a critical service offered by top PR agencies. Your publicist will prepare you for every interview, teaching you how to deliver your key messages clearly and concisely, handle tough questions with grace, and present yourself with confidence. Getting expert help can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived. This training ensures you make the most of every opportunity the agency secures, allowing your passion and expertise to shine through. Our team of experts works with you to refine your delivery so you feel prepared and poised in any media setting.
How to Choose the Right Book PR Agency
Finding the right PR agency is a lot like finding the right business partner. You’re looking for a team that not only understands your vision but also has the expertise and connections to bring it to life. The goal is to find a partner who will champion your book and your brand with the same passion you do. This decision can shape your book’s entire journey, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right. A great agency will act as an extension of your team, creating a strategy that aligns with your specific goals and amplifies your message across the right channels.
What to Look For in an Agency
Before you even start searching for an agency, the first step is to get crystal clear on your own goals. What does success look like for you? Is it hitting a bestseller list, landing a keynote speaking gig, or building a platform for your next venture? Write it down. Having a clear objective makes it much easier to find an agency that can realistically help you achieve it. Look for a team that asks thoughtful questions about your goals during your initial conversations. A great partner won’t just sell you a package; they’ll work with you to define what a successful campaign looks like and then build a strategy to get you there.
Industry Experience and Specialization
Not all PR agencies are created equal. Some are brilliant with fiction, while others excel at promoting lifestyle brands. For non-fiction authors, CEOs, and founders, you need an agency that lives and breathes the world of business, leadership, and thought leadership. Look for a firm with a deep understanding of your niche. Do they have experience working with authors in your field? Do they understand the specific media outlets and journalists that your target audience reads and trusts? An agency that specializes in your area will already have the right relationships and a playbook for authors just like you, which is why we proudly showcase our client results.
Established Media Connections
A PR agency’s most valuable asset is its network. Anyone can send a mass email, but a top-tier agency has genuine, hard-won relationships with producers, editors, and journalists at major media outlets. These connections are what turn a pitch into a placement. When vetting an agency, ask about their relationships with media that matter to you. Better yet, look for proof. A reputable agency will have a portfolio of recent media placements for their clients. Check their website for a page showcasing their recent press coverage to see if they’re consistently landing features in outlets like Forbes, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.
Communication Style
A successful PR campaign is a collaboration, and clear communication is the foundation of any good partnership. From your very first interaction, pay attention to the agency’s communication style. Are they responsive, transparent, and easy to talk to? You’ll be working closely with this team for months, so you want to feel comfortable with them. A great agency will set clear expectations from the start, provide regular updates on their progress, and be available to answer your questions. To get a feel for how a team operates, it’s always a good idea to book an introductory call and see if the chemistry is right.
Proven Track Record
Talk is cheap. You want an agency with a proven history of delivering tangible results for authors like you. Don’t just take their word for it—look for evidence. Scour their website for case studies and testimonials from past clients. Do their clients have profiles similar to yours? Are the results they highlight the kind of results you’re hoping for? Seeing a portfolio of successful campaigns for other non-fiction authors and entrepreneurs is one of the strongest indicators that an agency has the right experience to handle your book launch. This track record demonstrates not just what they can do, but what they have already done.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Hire
When you’re ready to talk to potential agencies, having a list of smart questions will help you make an informed decision. Go beyond the basics and dig into their process and strategy.
Here are a few key questions to ask:
- Based on my book and goals, what would your specific strategy be?
- Can you share a case study of a similar author you’ve worked with?
- How do you measure the success of a campaign? What KPIs do you track?
- What will you need from me to ensure our partnership is successful?
- Who will be my day-to-day contact on the team?
- What is your process for providing updates and reports?
Their answers will reveal a lot about their expertise, transparency, and whether they’re the right fit for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes authors make is assuming the PR agency will handle everything. In reality, PR is a collaborative effort. Your active participation is essential for success. You’ll need to be available for interviews, provide insights for pitches, and be an engaged partner throughout the campaign. Another pitfall is choosing an agency based solely on price. The cheapest option is rarely the best one. Instead, focus on value and fit. A slightly larger investment in an agency with the right expertise and connections can yield a much greater return. Finally, avoid the mistake of not investing smartly in your success by ensuring your PR efforts are aligned with a broader marketing plan.
How Much Does a Book PR Agency Cost?
Investing in a book PR agency is a significant business decision, and understanding the costs is the first step. Think of it less as an expense and more as a capital investment in your brand. For non-fiction authors, especially founders and CEOs, a book is a powerful tool for building authority, and a PR campaign is what activates that tool. The price for these services can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars for a targeted project to five-figure monthly retainers for a comprehensive, long-term strategy.
The cost reflects the agency’s expertise, connections, and the level of personalized attention you’ll receive. A well-executed PR campaign does more than sell books; it secures high-profile media features, lands speaking engagements, and solidifies your status as a thought leader in your industry. When you’re evaluating costs, remember to weigh the price against the potential return on your brand’s visibility and credibility. Our clients often find that a single strategic media placement can generate business opportunities that far exceed the initial investment in PR.
Common Pricing Models
When you start talking to agencies, you’ll find they typically use one of three pricing models. The most common is a monthly retainer, where you pay a fixed fee each month for ongoing services. This is ideal for long-term campaigns that build momentum over time. Another option is a project-based or flat fee, which covers a specific campaign with a clear start and end, like a three-month book launch.
Finally, some publicists offer hourly rates for smaller tasks or consulting. According to industry data, flat fees can range from a few thousand dollars for a simple campaign to much more for a robust one, while hourly rates often fall between $50 and $150. For the kind of high-touch, strategic work required to promote a CEO or expert, expect to invest in a retainer or a significant project fee that reflects the depth of the work involved.
What Influences PR Costs?
Several factors determine the final price tag for a PR campaign. The agency’s reputation and track record play a big role—a team with deep media connections and a history of landing clients in top-tier outlets will command higher fees. The scope and length of your campaign are also key. A three-month launch plan will cost less than a year-long strategy aimed at sustained brand building.
The specific services included in your package will also affect the price. A basic plan might focus solely on media outreach, while a more comprehensive one could include social media management, media training, and securing speaking engagements. It’s crucial to get a clear breakdown of what’s included so you can compare apples to apples. Our PR packages, for example, are tailored to meet different author needs, from foundational visibility to full-scale market leadership.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
A reputable agency will be transparent about all costs, but it’s smart to know what to ask about. Always inquire about potential expenses beyond the primary fee. Some agencies charge a one-time onboarding fee to cover the initial strategy and setup work. While this is a standard practice, you should know about it upfront. For instance, an agency might waive a $1,000 onboarding fee if you commit to a longer-term contract.
Other costs can include fees for wire services to distribute press releases, subscriptions to media monitoring software, or travel and accommodation expenses if your publicist accompanies you to events or media appearances. Asking for a detailed proposal that outlines every potential cost is the best way to avoid surprises and ensure your budget stays on track.
How to Budget for a Successful Campaign
Creating a budget for PR requires a shift in mindset. Instead of asking, “How much does this cost?” ask, “What level of investment is required to achieve my goals?” Start by clearly defining what success looks like for you. Is it a feature in Forbes? A spot on a popular podcast? More speaking inquiries? Once you have your goals, you can find an agency that can realistically help you meet them.
Schedule consultations with a few agencies to discuss your book and your vision. A great agency will listen to your needs and present a clear, strategic plan tailored to you. When you receive their proposals, don’t just look at the price. Choose the agency that demonstrates a deep understanding of your brand and makes you feel confident in their ability to deliver results. If you’re ready to explore a partnership, you can book a call with our team to discuss a strategy for your book.
How to Measure Campaign Success
For authors who are also business leaders, the success of a PR campaign goes far beyond book sales. The real value lies in how it enhances your professional brand and authority. Getting your name and ideas featured on major news sites like Bloomberg or in industry-leading trade publications accomplishes two things: it positions you as an expert in your field and it significantly improves your digital footprint and search rankings.
Think of each media placement as a valuable asset. A single television appearance or a well-placed article can introduce your message to thousands of potential clients, partners, and followers. This is how you turn a book into a cornerstone of your professional legacy. The campaign’s success is measured by the quality and impact of the media coverage and how it contributes to your long-term business objectives.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Track
To truly understand the return on your investment, you and your agency should agree on specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track. KPIs make your goals tangible and provide a clear picture of what your campaign is achieving. Your dashboard should include metrics like the number and quality of media placements, audience reach for each feature, and sentiment analysis (is the coverage positive?).
Other important KPIs include website traffic, particularly referrals from media articles, and lead generation. Are more people visiting your company website or booking consultations after reading about you? You should also track social media metrics, such as follower growth and engagement rates on posts related to your media features. A good PR partner will provide regular reports detailing these metrics, showing you exactly how their efforts are moving the needle for your brand.
A Look at Top Book PR Agencies
Finding the right PR partner is a lot like dating—you need to find the right fit. The agency that’s perfect for a debut novelist might not be the best choice for a CEO launching a business book. To help you start your search, I’ve put together a look at some of the top book PR agencies out there. Each has its own strengths and specialties, so you can get a feel for what aligns with your specific goals.
Leverage with Media PR
We specialize in working with high-achieving non-fiction authors, CEOs, and founders. Our approach is anything but one-size-fits-all; we focus on creating tailored publicity strategies that connect you with your ideal audience. We believe your story is your most powerful asset, and our goal is to ensure your book gets the attention it deserves from top-tier media outlets. We’ve built a strong track record of securing impactful placements for our clients, helping them build authority and expand their brand far beyond the page. If you’re looking for a dedicated partner to help you share your message, we’d love to chat.
Smith Publicity
With a strong focus on tangible results, Smith Publicity is a great option for authors who want to see a direct impact on their book sales. They work to get better media coverage and book publicity to help authors promote their books and grow their audience. Their process is geared toward securing media placements that translate into increased visibility and sales. If your primary goal is to move units and climb the bestseller lists through traditional media outreach, Smith Publicity has a long history of helping authors achieve just that. They are a well-known name in the industry with extensive experience across various genres.
Fortier Public Relations
Fortier Public Relations is a boutique agency that specializes in book publicity and marketing. They stand out by offering tailored services designed to help authors gain visibility and connect with their specific target audience. This personalized approach can be particularly effective if your book serves a niche market or if you’re looking for a team that will take the time to understand the unique message of your work. Their focus on both publicity and marketing means they take a holistic view of your book’s launch, ensuring that media attention is supported by a solid marketing strategy to reach readers directly.
BookSparks
If you’re looking for a campaign with creative flair, BookSparks is known for its innovative book marketing campaigns. They excel at creating buzz around new releases and are focused on building long-term relationships with their authors. This agency is a great fit if you want a partner who thinks outside the box, blending traditional media with digital strategies and influencer outreach. Their approach is often very visual and social-media-savvy, making them a strong choice for authors whose brands would benefit from a vibrant, engaging online presence. They’ve worked with many bestselling authors and major publishing houses.
PR by the Book
With over two decades of experience, PR by the Book is a leading agency that has helped countless authors succeed. They use a comprehensive three-prong approach that includes traditional publicity, digital marketing, and platform development. This integrated strategy ensures all your bases are covered, from landing spots on TV and radio to building a powerful online presence. Their focus on platform development is especially valuable for non-fiction authors and experts who want to use their book as a launchpad for speaking engagements, consulting, or other business ventures.
Kaye Publicity
Kaye Publicity emphasizes a highly personalized approach, tailoring each publicity campaign to meet the unique needs of individual authors and their books. Their core focus is on building unique brands and increasing readership through strategic, customized outreach. This is an excellent choice for authors who feel their story or personal brand is distinct and requires a special touch to communicate effectively. Instead of a templated campaign, you can expect a strategy built from the ground up, specifically for you. This dedication to individuality helps authors stand out in a crowded market.
MindStir Media
For authors who appreciate a clear, structured plan, MindStir Media offers a comprehensive 3-month book publicity and marketing package. Their services are broad, including everything from author website design and social media management to guaranteed media exposure. This all-in-one model can be appealing if you’re looking for a single team to handle multiple facets of your book launch and author platform. By bundling services, they aim to provide a seamless experience for authors who may not have the time or desire to manage multiple vendors, making them a convenient, full-service option.
Baden Bower
Baden Bower has a unique selling proposition that many authors find compelling: they provide guaranteed media coverage. This promise helps remove some of the uncertainty that can come with PR investments. Their book publicity services are designed to increase visibility and book sales by securing placements in well-known media outlets. If you’re results-oriented and want assurance that your campaign will yield specific media mentions, their model is worth exploring. This approach is particularly straightforward, focusing on delivering tangible press features to build your credibility and reach a wider audience.
How to Partner With Your PR Agency for the Best Results
Hiring a PR agency is the first step. The next, and arguably more important, step is building a strong, collaborative partnership. Your publicist is your champion, your strategist, and your connection to the media, but they can’t do it alone. The most successful campaigns happen when the author and the agency work in sync, moving toward the same vision. Think of it as a joint venture where your expertise and your agency’s connections combine to create something powerful. Here’s how you can be an amazing partner and get the most out of your investment.
Set Clear Goals and Expectations
The foundation of a great partnership is mutual understanding. Before your campaign even kicks off, you need to define what success looks like for you. Is your primary goal to sell more books, land high-profile speaking engagements, or become the go-to expert in your field? Maybe it’s all three. Be specific. Instead of saying “I want more press,” try “I want to be featured in three industry-leading publications and appear on two top-tier podcasts.” Share these concrete goals with your agency. This clarity allows them to build a tailored strategy that directly serves your ambitions. It also gives you both a clear benchmark for measuring success down the line. A quick consultation call is the perfect place to align on these goals.
Establish Communication Best Practices
Clear and consistent communication is the engine of any PR campaign. From the start, have a conversation about how you’ll work together. Will you have weekly check-in calls or bi-weekly email updates? Who is your main point of contact, and what’s the best way to reach them? Establishing these protocols early prevents misunderstandings and ensures you always feel in the loop. A great agency will be proactive in their updates, but it’s also on you to be responsive when they need your input on a pitch or have to schedule a last-minute interview. Remember, you’re working with a team of experts who are dedicated to your success, and open communication keeps everyone moving in the same direction.
Plan Your Campaign Timeline
Public relations isn’t an overnight magic trick; it’s a strategic process that unfolds over time. Work with your agency to create a realistic campaign timeline. This should map out key phases, from the pre-launch buzz-building activities to the intensive launch week push and the long-term efforts to maintain momentum. Understanding this timeline helps manage expectations. A feature in a major monthly magazine, for example, often requires a pitch three to six months in advance. Your agency will handle the long-lead and short-lead pitching, but knowing the general schedule helps you prepare. Seeing the results of well-planned campaigns can give you a better sense of what to expect as your own strategy unfolds.
Manage Your Campaign
While you’re hiring an agency to handle the heavy lifting of media outreach, the campaign is still very much a collaboration. Your active participation is crucial. You are the expert on your book’s subject matter, and journalists will want to talk to you, not your publicist. Be available and prepared for interviews. Provide quick feedback on press materials and pitches. Share any newsworthy updates from your world—a new business milestone, a speaking award, or a fresh take on a trending topic—as these can all become new angles for your team to pitch. By actively managing your side of the campaign, you provide your publicists with the raw materials they need to secure incredible media placements.
Know Your Responsibilities as the Author
Your PR agency’s job is to open doors. Your job is to confidently walk through them. They will secure the interview, but you have to deliver a compelling conversation. They’ll land you a contributor spot, but you have to write a stellar article. Readers and audiences want to connect with the person behind the book. Your personality, passion, and expertise are your greatest assets. Practice your key talking points, be active and engaging on your social media channels, and treat every media opportunity as a chance to build your brand. Your publicist is your biggest fan, but you are the face of your brand. Being a prepared and enthusiastic partner makes all the difference in turning an opportunity into a major win.
How to Plan a Strategic PR Campaign
A successful book launch doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a thoughtful, strategic PR campaign that begins months before your publication date and continues long after. For non-fiction authors, a book is more than just words on a page—it’s a cornerstone of your professional brand. A great PR plan acts as your roadmap, guiding every decision and ensuring each activity builds on the last. It transforms your book from a product into a powerful tool for establishing your authority and opening doors to new opportunities.
Planning a campaign involves more than just sending out a press release and hoping for the best. It’s about defining your specific goals, identifying your ideal reader, and crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with both the media and your audience. A strategic plan helps you and your PR agency stay aligned, making sure every podcast interview, article, and social media post serves a purpose. It allows you to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and measure what’s working. With a clear strategy, you can create sustained momentum that not only drives book sales but also builds your long-term influence. Let’s walk through the key phases of a campaign that gets results.
Plan Your Pre-Launch Activities
The work for your book launch should start four to six months before it ever hits shelves. This pre-launch phase is all about building a solid foundation. During this time, your PR agency will focus on outreach to long-lead media, like print magazines, that finalize their content months in advance. This is also the time to send out advance reader copies (ARCs) to secure early reviews and testimonials from influential figures in your field. As one agency notes, authors should consider hiring a publicist early if they want their book to stand out in a crowded market. This early start gives your team the runway needed to build anticipation and ensure you have media hits ready to go on launch day.
Define Your Launch Phase Strategy
As your publication date gets closer, your focus will shift to the launch itself. This is an intense period where your pre-launch efforts begin to pay off. Your launch phase strategy should be a detailed, week-by-week plan of action. It will outline which media outlets to target for launch-day coverage, what key messages to emphasize in interviews, and which social media tactics to deploy. This is the time to get granular with your agency. You should schedule consultations to discuss the specific angles and pitches they’ll be using. A well-defined launch strategy ensures that all your efforts are coordinated and timed for maximum impact, creating a wave of buzz that carries your book to the top of bestseller lists.
Find Post-Publication Opportunities
A common mistake is thinking the work is over once your book is launched. The truth is, the launch is just the beginning. The initial media attention provides the social proof you need to secure ongoing opportunities. Your PR agency will use the momentum from your launch to pitch you for podcasts, guest articles, broadcast segments, and speaking engagements. Effective PR campaigns help authors establish credibility and broaden their audience well beyond the initial release. Each new piece of coverage keeps your book relevant and in the public eye, attracting new readers and reinforcing your status as an expert in your field. This sustained effort is what turns a successful launch into a long-term asset.
Create a Long-Term PR Plan
For most non-fiction authors, a book is a cornerstone of a larger personal brand. Your long-term PR plan should reflect this. It’s about using the book as a vehicle to achieve bigger career goals, whether that’s growing your business, landing a board seat, or becoming a sought-after keynote speaker. It’s essential to create a digital presence that helps you grow your influence beyond just one book. Work with your agency to map out a 12- to 18-month strategy that aligns with your professional objectives. This plan will focus on positioning you as a thought leader, securing high-level media features, and building a platform that supports all your future endeavors.
Maximize Your Media Coverage
Securing a media placement is a huge win, but what you do with it afterward is just as important. Every interview, article, or feature is a valuable asset that you should leverage across all your platforms. Share links on your social media profiles, add the outlet’s logo to your website’s press page, and include excerpts in your email newsletter. This not only extends the reach of the original placement but also provides powerful social proof for potential readers and clients. When choosing an agency, look for partners who specialize in book publicity, as they have the connections to secure high-impact coverage that you can proudly share. Maximizing your coverage ensures you get the most value out of every single PR win.
Build Lasting Industry Relationships
Ultimately, public relations is about relationships. A great PR agency does more than just secure placements; it introduces you to the journalists, producers, editors, and influencers who shape conversations in your industry. Your goal should be to become a trusted, go-to source for them whenever they need an expert opinion on your topic. This doesn’t happen overnight, but by consistently providing value and being a reliable contact, you can build a network that will serve you for years to come. As many experts will tell you, getting expert help from an agency that already has these connections can make a significant difference. These lasting relationships are the key to a sustainable and successful author career.
