For a CEO, founder, or entrepreneur, a nonfiction book is far more than a passion project—it’s a powerful business tool. It’s your ultimate business card, a cornerstone of your personal brand, and a key that can unlock major media opportunities and speaking engagements. But a book can’t do that work on its own. To truly leverage your book as a strategic asset, you need a targeted plan to amplify its message and build your authority. That is the specific role of a nonfiction book PR agency. They specialize in transforming authors into recognized thought leaders, ensuring your ideas don’t just sit on a shelf but actively work to grow your influence and open new doors for your business.
Key Takeaways
- Think of PR as brand building, not just a sales tool: A nonfiction PR agency’s main job is to establish you as a leading authority in your field. This strategic positioning builds long-term credibility that leads to speaking gigs and new business, which is more valuable than a short-term sales spike.
- Find an agency that specializes in your niche: The right partner has a proven track record with authors like you and understands your industry. Look for a team whose media connections and communication style align with your goals to ensure a productive and successful partnership.
- Be a collaborative partner to maximize your investment: The most successful PR campaigns happen when the author is actively involved. Your responsiveness and willingness to provide insights give your agency the material they need to land meaningful media placements.
What Does a Nonfiction Book PR Agency Actually Do?
Think of a nonfiction book PR agency as your strategic partner in building influence. Their job goes far beyond simply sending out press releases and hoping for a review. A great agency works to establish you, the author, as a leading authority in your field. For founders, CEOs, and experts, your book is a powerful tool, and a PR agency helps you leverage it to open doors to media opportunities, speaking engagements, and new business ventures. They craft a comprehensive strategy to make sure your message reaches the right people, at the right time, through the right channels. It’s a partnership designed to build your personal brand and amplify the ideas you’ve worked so hard to share in your book. The work is a blend of media relations, brand strategy, and content creation, all tailored to your specific goals.
Secure Media Placements
One of the primary roles of a PR agency is to get you and your book featured in the media. This isn’t just about book reviews; it’s about securing meaningful placements like TV interviews, podcast features, radio segments, and articles in major online and print publications. Agencies have established relationships with producers, editors, and journalists, which allows them to pitch your story effectively. They know who to talk to and how to frame your expertise to fit what a particular outlet is looking for. Seeing our clients featured in the press is proof that a well-placed story can introduce your ideas to a massive new audience.
Develop Your Author Brand
Your book is a cornerstone of your brand, but it’s not the entire structure. A PR agency helps you build a cohesive and compelling author brand that aligns with your professional identity as a CEO or entrepreneur. This involves clarifying your key messages, defining your unique point of view, and ensuring your online presence is polished and consistent. They help shape how you present yourself to the world, from your social media profiles to your official bio. The goal is to create a strong, recognizable image that communicates your authority and makes you the go-to expert in your niche.
Land Speaking Gigs and Events
A nonfiction book is your ultimate business card for securing speaking engagements. PR agencies actively pitch you to conferences, corporate events, industry summits, and workshops where you can share your expertise directly with a target audience. They help position your book’s topic as a must-have presentation for event organizers. For many authors, speaking is not only a significant revenue stream but also a powerful way to build connections and reinforce their status as a thought leader. If you’re ready to take your message to the stage, you can book a consultation to discuss how PR can help.
Plan Your Book Launch Campaign
A successful book launch requires a carefully orchestrated campaign. Your PR agency is the conductor, coordinating all the moving parts to create maximum impact around your publication date. They build a timeline for media outreach, schedule interviews, and line up promotional opportunities to generate buzz in the weeks leading up to the launch. This strategic push is designed to drive initial sales, create momentum, and give your book the best possible chance of hitting bestseller lists. A well-executed launch sets the tone for your book’s long-term success and establishes its credibility from day one.
Create a Content Strategy
To support media outreach, your PR agency will help you develop a content strategy that extends your book’s message across different platforms. This means turning your core ideas into compelling blog posts, op-eds, social media content, and talking points for interviews. This library of content gives journalists and producers tangible assets to feature and helps you stay visible long after your launch. By consistently sharing valuable insights, you reinforce your expertise and keep your audience engaged. A strong content plan, like the one we use for our own Leverage with Media blog, ensures your voice is heard consistently and authoritatively.
A Look at Top Nonfiction Book PR Agencies
Finding the right PR partner is a lot like dating—it’s all about the right fit. You need an agency that understands your vision, has the right connections, and communicates in a way that works for you. The world of nonfiction book PR is filled with talented firms, each with its own unique strengths and specialties. To help you start your search, I’ve put together a list of some of the top agencies in the business. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a great starting point to see who’s out there and what they offer. Think of this as your curated guide to finding the team that can help share your story with the world.
Leverage with Media PR
At Leverage with Media, we believe that a nonfiction book is more than just pages in a binding—it’s a cornerstone of your brand. Leveraging media PR is essential for nonfiction authors looking to enhance their visibility and credibility. We specialize in working with established experts, CEOs, and authors to build a powerful public profile. Our approach is hands-on and completely tailored to you. We focus on securing meaningful media placements that do more than just mention your book; they establish you as a go-to thought leader in your field. A strong media presence can lead to increased book sales, speaking opportunities, and a lasting legacy. We’re proud of the results we achieve for our clients.
Smith Publicity
Smith Publicity is a well-regarded agency that helps market non-fiction books. They have a long track record of success and are known for their comprehensive approach to book promotion. The team is adept at securing media features for authors across a wide range of platforms, including TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines. Their specific expertise lies in promoting nonfiction books that provide valuable information and insights to a broad audience. If your goal is to get your book in front of as many eyes as possible through traditional media channels, Smith Publicity has the experience and connections to make it happen. They understand how to pitch nonfiction in a way that captures media attention.
Fortier Public Relations
Fortier Public Relations is an award-winning PR firm that has carved out a niche working with business and nonfiction authors, CEOs, and thought leaders. Their team is driven by a clear objective: to help clients achieve bestseller status and gain significant public attention. They do this by creating and executing tailored PR strategies designed to make a major impact. Fortier PR understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with promoting nonfiction books in the business space. They focus on positioning their clients not just as authors, but as influential voices in their industries, which is key for long-term brand building and authority.
Book Publicity Services
If you’re looking for a firm that offers a wide array of promotional strategies, Book Publicity Services is a name to know. They are focused on enhancing the visibility of nonfiction books through a multi-faceted approach. Their services are designed to cover all the essential bases of a modern book launch. This includes crafting compelling press releases, securing valuable media placements, and developing a strong author brand. Everything they do is aimed at increasing book sales and building an engaged audience around your work. Their comprehensive service menu makes them a flexible option for authors who need support across different areas of their promotional campaigns.
PR by the Book
PR by the Book is a literary publicity firm that specializes in creating customized campaigns that truly connect with an author’s ideal readers. They understand that a one-size-fits-all strategy doesn’t work in today’s crowded market. Instead, their approach is designed to drive book sales and enhance an author’s public profile by focusing on what makes each book and author unique. They work closely with their clients to develop a narrative that will resonate with both the media and the target audience. This focus on customized campaigns makes them a strong partner for authors who want a PR strategy that feels authentic to their personal brand and message.
Coriolis Company
Based in Los Angeles, Coriolis Company is an award-winning literary publicity and nonfiction book marketing agency with a distinct focus. They are particularly known for their excellent work with academics and public thinkers. Their specialty is helping brilliant minds translate complex ideas into accessible narratives that capture public interest. The team at Coriolis excels at helping these experts gain the visibility and recognition they deserve in their respective fields. If your work is research-heavy or rooted in academia, this agency has the specific expertise needed to position your book for success with both niche and mainstream audiences, making them a standout nonfiction book marketing agency.
Author Marketing Experts
Author Marketing Experts, founded by the well-known Penny Sansevieri, offers a robust suite of services designed to help authors increase their visibility and sales. Their philosophy is built on strategic marketing plans that go beyond traditional PR. They integrate social media, email marketing, and public relations to create a cohesive and effective promotional strategy for nonfiction works. This holistic approach ensures that every part of your marketing is working together to build momentum for your book. For authors who want a partner that can help with the bigger picture of author marketing, this agency provides the comprehensive support needed to build a successful author platform.
JKS Communications
JKS Communications is recognized for its thorough and comprehensive approach to book publicity. They offer a full spectrum of services that includes media outreach, event planning, and social media management. Their primary goal is to help authors gain meaningful traction in what can be a very competitive book market. The team at JKS understands that a successful launch requires a multi-pronged effort, and they provide the strategic guidance and execution needed to manage all the moving parts. Their ability to handle everything from media pitching to author events makes them a valuable partner for authors looking for end-to-end book publicity support.
How to Choose the Right PR Agency for You
Selecting a PR agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your brand and your book. This isn’t just about hiring a service; it’s about finding a strategic partner who understands your vision and has the expertise to bring it to life. The right agency will feel like an extension of your own team, championing your story and connecting you with the right audiences.
To find that perfect fit, you need to look beyond the sales pitch and dig into the details of how an agency operates. It’s about aligning on everything from their industry experience and media relationships to their communication style and how they define a successful campaign. By asking the right questions and evaluating these key areas, you can confidently choose a partner who will help you achieve your goals.
Check Their Experience and Track Record
Not all PR experience is created equal. An agency that specializes in tech startups won’t have the same contacts or strategies as one that works with non-fiction authors. Look for an agency with a proven track record of success in your specific niche. Ask to see case studies and examples of past clients who are similar to you.
It’s also important to find a team that has a realistic understanding of what PR can and can’t do. One of the biggest myths is that PR is the main driver of book sales. While it absolutely raises awareness and builds credibility, it’s just one piece of your overall marketing puzzle. A great agency will be transparent about this and work with you to set achievable expectations from the start.
Evaluate Their Media Connections
A long list of media logos on a website looks impressive, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. The strength of an agency’s media connections lies in the quality and relevance of their relationships, not just the quantity. You want an agency that can connect you with journalists, producers, and podcasters who cover your specific field and reach your target audience.
Instead of just counting clips, focus on the potential impact of the coverage. A successful PR campaign should generate meaningful results. Ask how they measure success beyond simple media mentions. The best agencies focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) like referral traffic from media sites, an increase in qualified leads from people who book a call, or a noticeable jump in social media engagement.
Find a Communication Style That Fits
You’ll be working closely with your PR team, so a compatible communication style is essential for a healthy and productive partnership. You need to feel comfortable with their process, whether they prefer weekly check-in calls, detailed email reports, or a shared project management tool. During your initial conversations, pay attention to how they listen and respond to your questions.
A good agency will be proactive in its communication, providing regular updates and being transparent about both wins and challenges. They should be able to clearly explain their strategy and demystify the PR process, especially for first-time authors who may be unfamiliar with the industry. You’re looking for a partner who is responsive, collaborative, and genuinely invested in your success.
Compare Service Packages and Pricing
PR services can be structured in a few different ways, so it’s important to understand what you’re paying for. Some agencies work on a monthly retainer, while others offer project-based packages for specific campaigns, like a book launch. Fees can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the agency’s reputation and the scope of the work.
When comparing proposals, look for a detailed breakdown of all deliverables. Does the fee include media outreach, content creation, media training, and reporting? Are there any additional costs for things like media monitoring services or wire distribution? A transparent proposal will leave no room for surprises and help you make an informed financial decision that aligns with your budget.
Understand Their Team Structure
When you hire an agency, you’re not just hiring a brand; you’re hiring a team of people. It’s important to know who will be handling the day-to-day work on your account. Will you be working directly with a senior publicist, or will your main point of contact be a junior account coordinator? Understanding the team structure helps set expectations for the level of strategic oversight and hands-on support you’ll receive.
Ask about the team’s experience and their specific roles in your campaign. A well-structured team ensures that there is clear accountability for hitting your goals. Knowing who is responsible for strategy, outreach, and reporting gives you confidence that your campaign is being managed effectively and that every team member is working toward your success.
Define How They Measure Success
Before you sign a contract, you and your potential agency must agree on what a successful campaign looks like. Success is subjective, so it needs to be defined with clear, measurable goals. Is your primary objective to build brand authority, drive traffic to your website, secure speaking engagements, or support lead generation?
A great agency will work with you to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that align directly with your business objectives. These metrics should go beyond vanity numbers like impressions and focus on the outcomes that truly matter to you. This shared definition of success ensures that both you and your agency are aligned and working toward the same tangible results from day one.
Breaking Down PR Agency Costs and ROI
Investing in a PR agency is a big step, and it’s smart to go in with a clear understanding of what it will cost and what you can expect in return. PR pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all; it often depends on the agency’s reputation, the scope of your campaign, and the services you need. Think of it less as a simple expense and more as a strategic investment in your brand and your book’s future.
The goal is to find a partnership that not only fits your budget but also delivers tangible results that align with your goals. Whether you’re looking for a short-term push for your book launch or long-term brand building, there’s a pricing model that can work for you. Let’s walk through the common cost structures and, just as importantly, how to measure whether your investment is paying off. This will help you have productive conversations with potential agencies and make a choice that feels right for you and your career.
Retainer-Based Services
A retainer is a flat monthly fee you pay an agency for their ongoing services. This is a common model for authors who want more than just a single book launch campaign. Think of it as having a PR team on call to manage your brand, pitch you for continuous media opportunities, and handle your public profile over the long haul. Fees can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands per month, depending on the agency’s caliber and the depth of the work. This approach is ideal for building sustained momentum and establishing yourself as a leading voice in your field long after your book hits the shelves.
Project-Based Campaigns
If you have a specific, time-sensitive goal in mind, a project-based campaign might be a better fit. This involves a flat fee for a clearly defined project, like a three-month book launch campaign. The scope, timeline, and deliverables are all agreed upon upfront, so you know exactly what you’re getting for your investment. This is a great option if you’re focused on making a big splash around your book’s release or another key milestone. Many agencies offer different service packages tailored to project-based work, allowing you to choose the level of support that matches your immediate needs.
Potential Additional Fees
When you’re discussing fees with an agency, it’s crucial to ask about potential out-of-pocket expenses. The agency’s retainer or project fee typically covers their time and expertise, but it might not include other costs associated with the campaign. These can include things like travel expenses for media appearances or speaking events, the cost of producing promotional materials, or fees for media training. A good agency will be transparent about these potential additional costs from the start, allowing you to build them into your overall budget and avoid any surprises down the road. Always ask for a clear breakdown of what is and isn’t included in their fee.
How to Plan Your PR Budget
Before you start talking to agencies, take some time to define what you want to achieve and what you’re prepared to invest. When you book a call with a potential partner, be ready to have an open conversation about your goals and your budget. The more transparent you are, the better an agency can tailor a strategy that is both ambitious and realistic. A great PR partner won’t just take your money; they’ll work with you to create a plan that maximizes your investment and sets you up for success based on the resources you have.
Key Metrics to Track
A successful PR campaign is about more than just counting how many times your name appears in the media. To truly understand the impact of your investment, you need to focus on the right key performance indicators (KPIs). Instead of just collecting press clippings, look at metrics that tie directly to your business goals. Are you seeing more referral traffic to your website from articles you were featured in? Has there been an increase in qualified leads or consultation bookings? These are the kinds of metrics that show your PR campaign success and prove it is driving real business growth.
Analyze Your Return on Investment
Analyzing your return on investment is all about connecting your PR efforts to tangible outcomes. By tracking the right KPIs, you can start to see a clear picture of how media placements are impacting your bottom line. Did that podcast interview lead to a spike in book sales? Did that feature in a major online publication result in three new speaking inquiries? These PR metrics give you a structured way to measure the value of your campaign. This data-driven approach helps you and your agency see what’s working, refine your strategy, and ensure your PR investment is delivering the results you want.
Debunking Common Book PR Myths
The world of public relations can feel like a black box, especially for authors. Misconceptions are everywhere, and it’s easy to get your expectations mixed up. Before you invest your time and resources, let’s clear the air and break down some of the most common myths about book PR. Understanding what a PR agency can—and can’t—do is the first step toward a successful partnership and a powerful book launch. It’s all about setting realistic goals and knowing how PR fits into your broader strategy for building your brand and sharing your message with the world.
Myth #1: PR Guarantees Book Sales
Let’s address the biggest myth right away: hiring a PR agency is not a magic button for book sales. While a great PR campaign absolutely drives awareness and builds credibility, its primary role isn’t to directly move units. Think of it as one critical piece of your overall book marketing puzzle. PR gets your name and your book’s message in front of the right audiences through media features, interviews, and articles. This exposure builds trust and authority, which can indirectly lead to sales over time. But PR works best when it’s integrated with other efforts like social media, email marketing, and advertising.
Myth #2: Any PR Agency Will Do
Choosing a PR agency is not a one-size-fits-all decision. An agency that gets fantastic results for a fiction novelist might not have the right connections or strategy for a CEO’s leadership book. It’s essential to find a firm that specializes in your niche. When you’re vetting potential partners, ask about their experience with nonfiction authors, entrepreneurs, or leaders in your specific industry. Look for an agency with a proven track record of landing placements in the business, tech, or wellness media outlets that your target audience actually reads. The right fit means they’ll already speak your language and know exactly who to pitch.
Myth #3: Media Coverage is a Sure Thing
Even with a top-tier agency and a brilliant book, media coverage is never guaranteed. Securing a feature in a major publication depends on many factors outside of anyone’s control, including the current news cycle, an editor’s interest, and your book’s relevance to timely conversations. A good PR agency will be transparent about this from the start. They will work tirelessly to find the right angles and build relationships with journalists, but they can’t force a placement. A successful PR campaign is one that strategically positions you as an expert and consistently gets your story in front of the right people, building momentum that leads to opportunities.
Myth #4: PR is Only for Big Names
Many authors believe they need to be an established name before a PR agency will even talk to them. That’s simply not true. While having an existing platform helps, a compelling story and a well-written book are what truly matter. In fact, PR is one of the most effective ways for emerging authors and experts to build their reputation and become a recognized authority in their field. A strategic campaign can introduce your unique perspective to a wider audience, helping you grow your brand from the ground up. If you have a powerful message to share, don’t wait—the right agency can help you amplify it.
What to Expect When Working With Your PR Agency
Partnering with a public relations agency is an exciting step, but it helps to know what the process looks like from the inside. Think of your PR team as an extension of your own—a group of strategic partners dedicated to sharing your story. The relationship is a collaborative one, built on clear communication and shared goals. From the moment you sign on, your agency will begin laying the groundwork for your campaign. They’ll work with you to define what success looks like, create the materials needed to pitch you effectively, and prepare you to step into the spotlight.
The most successful PR partnerships happen when both sides are aligned and engaged. Your agency brings the media strategy and connections, but you bring the most important element: your unique expertise and story. Understanding the key phases of a campaign will help you know what to expect, what your agency needs from you, and how you can work together to achieve the best possible results for your book and your brand. Let’s walk through the typical journey of working with a nonfiction book PR agency.
Your Pre-Launch Plan
Long before your book is available for purchase, your PR team is hard at work. A successful launch doesn’t just happen; it’s the result of a solid pre-launch plan designed to build anticipation and momentum. This initial phase involves deep discovery sessions where your agency gets to know you, your book, and your long-term goals. Together, you’ll define your target audience, sharpen your key messages, and identify the specific podcasts, publications, and shows that are the best fit for your story. This foundational strategy acts as the roadmap for the entire campaign, ensuring every action is intentional and aligned with your objectives.
The Campaign Timeline and Milestones
Your PR campaign will follow a structured timeline with clear milestones. Your agency won’t just start pitching randomly; they will map out a phased approach that typically begins 3-6 months before your launch date. This timeline will outline key activities, from initial media outreach and galley distribution to securing pre-launch interviews and planning for launch week. To measure progress, your agency will establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are tied to your goals. This gives you a clear and quantifiable way to see the impact of your PR efforts and ensures everyone is on the same page about what you’re working toward.
The Content Creation Process
To effectively pitch you to the media, your agency needs the right tools. A key part of their work is developing a suite of professional promotional materials that tell your story in a compelling way. This typically includes a press release announcing your book, a comprehensive media kit with your bio and headshots, and a Q&A document that anticipates reporters’ questions. They will also craft several unique pitch angles tailored to different types of media outlets. This process is highly collaborative, relying on your insights to ensure every piece of content is authentic, accurate, and captures your unique voice.
How to Prepare for Media Interviews
Securing an interview is only half the battle; you also have to deliver a great performance. This is where media training comes in. Media training is a crucial service that top PR agencies offer to help authors communicate their message with confidence and clarity. Your publicist will work with you to refine your talking points, practice answering tough questions, and learn how to stay on message. Whether you’re preparing for a podcast, a TV segment, or a print interview, this preparation ensures you feel comfortable and ready to make the most of every media opportunity that comes your way.
What Your Agency Needs From You
While your PR agency handles the strategy and outreach, your active participation is essential for success. The media wants to hear from you, the expert. Your agency needs you to be responsive, available for interviews, and willing to share your unique insights. You’ll be expected to provide stories, data, and opinions that your publicist can use to craft compelling pitches. Authors who are most successful with PR are those who see themselves as experts on their topic and are ready to provide engaging content. The more you invest in the process, the more your agency will have to work with, leading to better placements and a stronger campaign overall.
How to Track Your Campaign’s Performance
It’s important to know how to track your campaign’s performance beyond just counting the number of media placements. While securing coverage is a primary goal, the true measure of success lies in the quality of that coverage and its impact on your broader objectives. Your agency should provide regular reports that detail not just where you were featured, but also the reach and relevance of those outlets. Look at metrics that tie back to your business goals, such as an increase in referral traffic to your website, more inquiries for speaking engagements, or a noticeable jump in qualified leads who book a call with you.
Get the Most From Your PR Campaign
Hiring a public relations agency is a fantastic step, but it’s the beginning of the journey, not the destination. The most successful campaigns happen when you, the author, are an active partner in the process. Think of your PR agency as your strategic collaborator; your expertise and your story are the raw materials, and together, you’ll shape them into a compelling public narrative. Your involvement is the key to turning a good campaign into a great one.
To truly maximize your investment, you need to see PR as one powerful component of your overall brand strategy. It works best when it’s supported by your own efforts in content, audience engagement, and long-term vision. When you’re ready to build a comprehensive strategy, our team is here to help you plan your next steps. The following actions will help you work with your agency to create momentum that lasts long after your book launch.
Develop a Winning Content Strategy
It’s a common misconception that a flurry of PR activity will automatically translate into a bestseller. The truth is, while PR is a major driver of awareness, it’s “only one piece of the book marketing puzzle.” To make media placements work harder for you, they need to be part of a broader content strategy. This means creating blog posts, social media updates, and newsletter content that expands on your book’s ideas. This gives journalists more to link to and provides your new audience with a rich ecosystem of your work to explore on the Leverage with Media blog and your own platforms.
Manage Your Media Opportunities
Getting featured in a top-tier publication is a huge win, but don’t stop at just counting the clips. The real measure of success is the impact that coverage has on your goals. Instead of focusing only on placements, it’s better to track key performance indicators like referral traffic from media sites, an increase in qualified leads, or a jump in social media engagement. By measuring your PR campaign’s success with these metrics, you and your agency can get a clear picture of what’s working and refine your strategy to focus on activities that deliver tangible results for your brand.
Plan Your Speaking Engagements
You’ve done your research, shortlisted a few agencies, and you’re feeling good about your options. Now comes the most important conversation—the one you have right before you sign on the dotted line. This is your chance to confirm that an agency is truly the right partner for you. Asking direct, specific questions will help you avoid any future misunderstandings and ensure you’re aligned on goals, process, and what success looks like. Think of it as the final step in your due diligence, setting the foundation for a strong and productive partnership.
Ask About Their Experience and Expertise
Your book establishes your authority, but speaking engagements bring that authority to life. Getting in front of a live audience allows you to connect with people directly, share your message with passion, and build a memorable presence. Authors should be proactive in seeking out speaking opportunities that align with their book’s themes and target audience. Work with your PR team to identify relevant industry conferences, corporate workshops, and virtual summits. These events are powerful platforms for selling books, building your network, and landing future opportunities, as you can see from the results our clients achieve.
Strengthen Your Online Presence
When a producer or journalist is considering you for a feature, their first step will be to search for you online. What will they find? Managing your online presence is crucial, as it ensures that your brand is represented professionally and consistently across platforms. This means having a polished author website, active social media profiles that reflect your expertise, and a clear message. A strong digital footprint acts as your digital portfolio, reinforcing the credibility your PR agency is building for you and making it easy for media contacts to say “yes.”
Engage Directly With Your Audience
A media placement brings new people into your world. Your job is to make them want to stay. Engaging with your audience through social media and direct communication can significantly enhance your book’s visibility and create a loyal community. Take the time to respond to comments, answer questions in your DMs, and run live Q&A sessions. An email newsletter is another fantastic tool for nurturing these new relationships. This direct audience engagement turns passive readers into dedicated fans who will not only buy your next book but also become your most vocal advocates.
Focus on Long-Term Brand Building
A book launch is a moment in time, but your author brand is built to last. It’s essential to view every PR activity as a step toward long-term brand building. Each interview, article, and speaking gig contributes to a sustainable presence that creates ongoing opportunities. This approach shifts the focus from short-term sales to building a career and a platform that will support all your future projects. At Leverage with Media, we believe in creating lasting impact, and we partner with our clients to build brands that thrive for years to come. You can learn more about our philosophy and how we help authors achieve their biggest goals.
Set Timelines and Expectations Upfront
A successful partnership is built on clear communication and mutual understanding. To ensure you’re on the same page from day one, ask, “What does the communication process look like, and who will be my main point of contact?” This helps clarify how often you’ll meet and how updates will be shared. It’s also important to discuss timelines. While PR doesn’t deliver overnight results, the agency should be able to provide a realistic schedule for key milestones. Finding a team whose work style and values match yours is crucial for building the trust needed for a great long-term relationship.
Always Ask for Client References
Case studies and testimonials on a website are a great start, but nothing beats a direct conversation with a past or current client. A confident agency will be happy to connect you with references. When you speak with them, go beyond “Were you happy with their work?” Ask specific questions like, “How did the agency handle challenges?” or “Can you describe their communication style?” This gives you firsthand insight into what it’s really like to work with them. Seeing an agency’s list of happy clients is one thing, but hearing directly from them provides a level of assurance that will help you make your final decision with confidence.
