Let’s talk about tangible results. You want to see your book on bestseller lists and your calendar filled with high-value speaking engagements. These aren’t just dreams; they are business objectives that a smart public relations strategy can help you achieve. Every feature in a major publication, every podcast interview, and every TV appearance acts as a powerful third-party endorsement of your work. It signals to the market that you are a credible, in-demand voice. A great author pr agency for speakers understands this connection intimately. They don’t chase vanity metrics; they secure strategic media wins designed to drive book sales, generate inbound speaking leads, and give you the leverage to command higher fees.
Key Takeaways
- PR is a brand-building partnership: The right agency does more than land interviews; they help you define your core message and strategically build your reputation as the go-to expert in your field.
- Turn media attention into tangible opportunities: Each media feature acts as a third-party endorsement that builds your credibility, leading directly to more speaking invitations, higher fees, and increased book sales.
- The right agency fit is non-negotiable: Focus on firms that specialize in working with authors and speakers. Scrutinize their track record and choose a team whose strategic approach and communication style align with your specific goals.
Why Authors and Speakers Need a PR Agency
You’ve poured countless hours into your book. You’ve honed your message and perfected your keynote. That work is a massive accomplishment, but it’s only the first step. The next, and often most challenging, part is getting your story in front of the right people. This is where a public relations agency becomes your most valuable partner. Think of a PR agency as the bridge between your expertise and the audience who needs to hear it. They don’t just send out press releases; they build a strategic narrative around you and your work, making sure every media opportunity aligns with your core message and brand.
A great PR strategy does more than just secure a few interviews. It positions you as the go-to expert in your field, builds lasting credibility, and creates a powerful brand that extends far beyond a single book launch or speaking tour. It’s about playing the long game. We’ve seen firsthand how targeted media placements can transform a career, opening doors to opportunities you might not have imagined. Our team at Leverage with Media specializes in crafting these narratives for authors and speakers, ensuring your message resonates and your influence grows. It’s about creating momentum that builds on itself, turning your hard work into a legacy.
What is a PR agency for authors?
At its core, a PR agency for authors is a team of specialists dedicated to getting you and your ideas featured in the media. They work with non-fiction authors, consultants, and professional speakers to land placements in influential online and print publications, on podcasts, and on TV. Their job is to take your unique message and frame it in a way that captures the attention of journalists and producers.
This isn’t just about publicity for the sake of it. Each media feature serves as a third-party endorsement of your expertise. When a respected outlet features your work, it tells the world you’re a credible authority. A good agency understands your long-term goals and secures media placements that build your brand and support your professional growth.
How PR helps you land speaking gigs
Consistent media attention is one of the most effective ways to fill your speaking calendar. When event planners are searching for experts, they look for proof of authority. Seeing you featured on a major news site, quoted in a trade publication, or appearing on a popular podcast instantly validates your credibility. It shows them you have a compelling message that audiences want to hear. This is how PR helps you attract more inbound inquiries from event organizers.
Instead of constantly pitching yourself, you’ll find that the right people start coming to you. This increased demand not only leads to more speaking opportunities but also gives you the leverage to command higher fees. A strong portfolio of media hits demonstrates your value and market appeal. We’ve seen many of our clients use their media success to become highly sought-after speakers in their industries.
Key Services a PR Agency Offers
A great PR agency does more than just send out press releases. They offer a comprehensive suite of services that work together to build your public profile and create new opportunities. When you partner with the right team, they become an extension of your brand, strategically managing your reputation and getting your message in front of the right people. Here are the core services you should expect from a PR agency that specializes in working with authors and speakers.
Securing media features and placements
This is the bread and butter of public relations. A PR agency’s primary job is to get your name, story, and expertise featured in the media. This includes everything from online articles and print magazines to podcasts, radio interviews, and TV segments. Their team uses their industry connections and pitching expertise to land you in outlets that your target audience reads, listens to, and watches. These successful media placements not only introduce you to a wider audience but also provide third-party validation, which is invaluable for building trust and authority in your field.
Building and positioning your brand
Getting media attention is one thing; making sure it’s the right kind of attention is another. A skilled PR agency works with you to define and sharpen your personal brand. They help you craft a compelling narrative and position you as the go-to expert in your niche. Every interview and feature is a chance to reinforce your message and showcase your unique perspective. The goal is to build a reputation that makes you memorable and credible. A strategic agency will help you enhance your brand’s credibility so that you’re not just another voice, but a leading authority people seek out.
Finding speaking opportunities
For many authors, media exposure is the direct path to landing more speaking gigs. When event planners and conference organizers see you featured in reputable publications or on television, your credibility instantly rises. A PR agency understands this connection and actively uses your media wins to attract speaking invitations. They can help you reach a wider network of event planners, which often leads to more inquiries, better opportunities, and higher speaking fees. This strategic approach helps you achieve the next level of success by turning your media presence into a tangible source of income and influence.
Creating your book promotion strategy
If you’re an author, a PR agency is an essential partner for your book launch and beyond. They develop a comprehensive plan to generate buzz and drive sales. This isn’t just a one-time push; it’s a sustained effort that includes securing book reviews, arranging author interviews, and placing excerpts in key publications. A well-executed PR campaign builds momentum that can last for months, keeping your book relevant long after its release date. The right agency will create a strategic book promotion plan that aligns with your long-term goals, whether that’s hitting a bestseller list or establishing your book as a foundational text in your industry.
How a PR Agency Builds Your Profile
Working with a public relations agency is about more than just getting your name in the news. It’s a strategic partnership designed to build a powerful and authentic public profile. A great agency acts as an architect for your personal brand, carefully constructing your reputation piece by piece. They don’t just react to opportunities; they create them. By combining media outreach, brand positioning, and strategic content, they help you become a recognized authority in your field.
This process is a cycle of momentum. A feature in a major publication establishes your credibility, which helps you land a speaking gig. That speaking engagement grows your online audience, which in turn makes you more attractive to other media outlets. An agency manages this entire ecosystem, ensuring each success builds upon the last. They connect the dots between your book, your message, and your audience, transforming your expertise into a platform that commands attention and opens doors to new possibilities. The goal is to create a profile so strong that opportunities start coming to you.
Using an agency’s media connections
One of the most immediate benefits of hiring a PR agency is gaining access to their network. A reputable firm has spent years building relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and podcasters. These aren’t just names in a database; they’re trusted contacts who know the agency delivers quality sources. When an agency pitches you, it carries more weight than a cold email because they know exactly who to talk to and how to frame your story. This inside access is what helps their clients get featured in respected print and online media. You can see the results of these connections in the high-profile media placements they secure for their clients.
Establishing yourself as a thought leader
Being an expert is one thing; being recognized as a thought leader is another. A PR agency helps you bridge that gap. They work with you to refine your core message and identify the unique ideas that set you apart. An agency will help you develop op-eds, expert commentary, and insightful articles that position you as the go-to authority in your niche. This isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about contributing to the conversation in a meaningful way. By consistently sharing your perspective on relevant platforms, you build a reputation that goes beyond your book or business, establishing you as a trusted voice in your industry.
Growing your online presence
Every media feature, podcast interview, and byline contributes to your digital footprint. A PR agency understands how to leverage these placements to grow your online presence. Each article that links back to your website improves your search engine ranking, making it easier for people to find you. Each mention on social media introduces you to a new audience. A strategic PR firm ensures that your media wins are shared across your social channels and highlighted on your website, creating powerful social proof that builds trust with your audience and attracts new followers. This consistent visibility is key to building a lasting platform.
Landing high-profile speaking gigs
For many authors and experts, speaking is a major goal. High-profile media placements are often the fastest way to get there. When event organizers see you featured on a major TV show or quoted in a leading industry publication, your credibility is instantly validated. An agency understands this connection and uses your media wins to proactively pitch you for speaking engagements. As we know from our work with entrepreneurs, getting booked on major news sites can directly lead to more speaking opportunities. They can help you build a speaker kit, identify the right conferences, and craft pitches that highlight why you’re the perfect choice for their stage.
How to Choose the Right 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 has the right skills but also understands your vision and is genuinely invested in your success. It’s a decision that goes beyond a simple list of services; it’s about building a relationship that will help shape your public identity.
When you’re ready to find an agency, you need a clear framework for making your choice. Focus on a few key areas: their specific experience, their history of success, their alignment with your personal goals, and how well your communication styles mesh. Getting this choice right from the start sets the foundation for a powerful and effective partnership that can truly amplify your message and your career.
Check their industry expertise
You wouldn’t hire a plumber to fix your car, and the same logic applies to PR. You need an agency that lives and breathes your world. For authors and speakers, this means finding a team with deep connections in publishing and media. As NY Book Editors puts it, “Choose a publicist who knows about books: Don’t pick a general publicist; find one with experience in the book world.” An agency with industry-specific expertise will have a roster of relevant contacts and a playbook of strategies that are proven to work for people just like you. They’ll know which podcasts are looking for authors, which journalists cover your niche, and how to pitch your story in a way that resonates.
Review their track record
Past performance is one of the best indicators of future results. Before you sign a contract, take a close look at the agency’s history. Who have they worked with, and what did they achieve for them? Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics. According to Channel V Media, you should “Look at their past work: Ask to see examples (case studies) from clients who paid a similar amount and are in your industry or a similar one.” A reputable agency will be proud to share its successes. Look for a portfolio of recent press placements and client testimonials that show they can deliver on their promises and generate meaningful media attention for their clients.
Ensure they align with your goals
A great PR agency does more than just secure media placements; they act as a strategic partner in your growth. Your goals are unique, whether you want to hit a bestseller list, land a keynote at a major conference, or build a brand that attracts high-ticket clients. It’s critical that the agency you choose understands and is equipped to support that vision. As Channel V Media advises, “Think less about the exact price and more about whether their experience and work will help your business grow.” Use your initial consultation to discuss your specific objectives and see if they offer a strategy that feels tailored to you, not just a one-size-fits-all package.
Find a communication style that works for you
You’ll be working very closely with your PR team, so a personality and communication match is essential. This partnership requires trust, transparency, and a good rapport. You need to feel comfortable sharing your ideas and confident that they understand your voice. NY Book Editors suggests you “Get to know them: Make sure your personalities work well together, as you’ll be working closely.” Ask about their communication process. How often will you meet? How will they report progress? Getting to know the people on the team will help you decide if it’s a relationship you can see yourself in for the long haul.
What Does a PR Agency Cost?
Let’s talk about the investment. Understanding PR pricing is key to finding a partner that aligns with your budget and, more importantly, your goals. While there isn’t a single price tag for public relations, the costs are typically structured in a few standard ways. Knowing how agencies charge will help you evaluate proposals and make a confident decision for your brand. It’s about finding the right fit not just in strategy, but in financial commitment, ensuring you can build a sustainable partnership that grows with your career as an author and speaker.
When you’re looking to build your platform, secure speaking gigs, and sell more books, PR is not just an expense—it’s a strategic investment in your personal brand’s future. The right agency becomes an extension of your team, dedicated to getting your story in front of the right audiences. The cost reflects the expertise, connections, and dedicated effort required to achieve this. Think of it this way: you’re paying for access to years of cultivated media relationships and a deep understanding of what makes a story compelling. This isn’t just about sending out press releases; it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates and placing it where it will have the most impact. Before you even look at specific numbers, it’s helpful to understand the different ways agencies structure their fees and what factors influence the final price.
Common pricing models
Most PR agencies work on a monthly retainer model. This means you pay a fixed fee each month for a predetermined scope of work, which is ideal for building your brand over time. This approach ensures you have a dedicated team consistently working to secure media placements and grow your profile. Alternatively, some agencies offer project-based pricing for a specific, one-time goal, like a book launch or a major announcement. This can be a great way to start, but it often lacks the ongoing support of a retainer. Finally, you might see hourly rates, which are typically reserved for quick strategy sessions or additional tasks outside an existing agreement.
What influences PR agency fees?
Several factors determine an agency’s fees, so pricing can vary significantly. An agency with a long history of success and deep media connections will naturally command a higher rate, but their experience often leads to faster, more impactful results. The scope of work is another major factor; a national campaign with a wide range of deliverables will cost more than a targeted, local effort. Your industry also plays a role. Complex or highly regulated fields like finance or tech require specialized expertise, which can influence the price. The specific PR services you need will ultimately shape the final proposal.
How to budget for a long-term PR strategy
Think of PR as a marathon, not a sprint. It’s an investment in building the trust and credibility that fuels a long-term speaking career. For authors, it’s wise to start planning for publicity costs as soon as you begin writing your book. This gives you time to prepare and integrate PR into your overall launch strategy. Instead of viewing it as just a cost, consider the return on your investment. The proven results of a strong PR strategy include not just media features, but also increased book sales, more speaking invitations, and the authority that establishes you as a go-to expert in your field.
How to Measure Your PR Success
Investing in PR without a way to measure its impact is like shouting into the wind—you’re making noise, but you don’t know who’s hearing it or what they’re doing about it. Measuring your success isn’t just about getting a report card; it’s about understanding what’s working so you can refine your approach and double down on the right strategies. It’s the only way to truly know if your investment is paying off in tangible ways, whether that’s more book sales, bigger speaking stages, or a stronger brand that commands authority. A great PR agency won’t just send you a list of placements. They will work with you to define what success looks like from the very beginning and provide clear reporting on how your campaigns are performing against those goals. This process transforms PR from a hopeful expense into a strategic investment. It moves beyond vanity metrics, like simple follower counts, and focuses on the results that actually move your career forward, like securing a keynote at your industry’s top conference or seeing a sustained lift in book sales after a media tour. It’s about connecting the dots between a great media feature and a tangible business outcome.
Defining your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Before your first press release goes out, you need to know what you’re aiming for. Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs, are the specific, measurable goals you and your agency agree to track. Think of them as the signposts on your road to success. As the Public Relations Society of America notes, defining these metrics is what illustrates the success of your communications. For an author or speaker, your KPIs might include a target number of media placements in top-tier outlets, a percentage increase in website traffic from referral links, or a specific number of qualified leads for speaking gigs each month. Setting these benchmarks upfront ensures everyone is on the same page and focused on achieving the results that matter most to you.
Tracking media mentions and sentiment
Once your story is out in the world, you need to know where it’s landing and how it’s being received. It’s one thing to count the number of times your name is mentioned, but it’s far more valuable to understand the context. Are the mentions positive? Are they in publications that your ideal audience actually reads? A good PR strategy focuses on the quality of coverage, not just the quantity. You can use various tools to track media mentions and analyze sentiment, which tells you whether the conversation around your brand is positive, neutral, or negative. The goal is to see an increase in positive coverage in outlets that build your credibility and authority.
Measuring the impact of your speaking gigs
For many experts, a key reason to hire a PR agency is to land more and better speaking opportunities. Your PR efforts should directly feed this pipeline. You can measure this by tracking the number of inbound speaking inquiries you receive after a podcast interview or a feature article is published. Make it a habit to ask new contacts how they heard about you. You can also monitor your website analytics for spikes in traffic following a media appearance, especially to your speaker page. This is a strong indicator that your PR is hitting the mark. Over time, you should see not only more inquiries but also invitations to speak at more prestigious events with larger audiences.
Connecting PR to book sales and platform growth
While it can be tricky to draw a straight line from one TV appearance to a specific number of book sales, you can absolutely track the correlation. Did your Amazon sales rank jump the week your interview went live? That’s a clear win. As industry experts point out, hiring a publicist is an investment that can lead to more book sales and future benefits. Beyond sales, a huge part of your PR’s value is in platform growth. Track the increase in your social media followers, email subscribers, and overall online engagement. These are the people who will buy your next book, attend your next webinar, and champion your work for years to come.
Top PR Agencies for Authors and Speakers
Finding the right PR agency can feel like a monumental task. You’re not just hiring a service; you’re choosing a partner to help shape your public identity. The best PR agencies for authors and speakers don’t just send out press releases and hope for the best. They become an extension of your team, working strategically to build your brand, secure meaningful media placements, and open doors to high-profile speaking opportunities that align with your message.
Your ideal agency depends entirely on your unique goals. Are you a non-fiction author aiming to establish yourself as a thought leader? A CEO looking to build a personal brand alongside your company? Or a speaker who needs to fill your calendar with paid gigs? Each agency brings something different to the table, from boutique, high-touch service to large-scale, full-service campaigns. To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve compiled a list of top PR agencies known for their excellent work with authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs. Use this as your guide to identify the teams that resonate with your vision and have the expertise to bring it to life. Consider their client roster, their recent press wins, and most importantly, whether their approach feels right for you.
Leverage with Media PR
Leverage with Media PR is a boutique agency that focuses on helping nonfiction thought leaders, celebrities, and entrepreneurial authors build their credibility through targeted press. Their approach is highly personalized, ensuring that your brand story is told in a way that resonates with your ideal audience. Instead of a one-size-fits-all strategy, they craft campaigns designed to help you achieve your next level of success, whether that’s landing major media features or securing influential speaking engagements. They have a strong track record of placing clients in top-tier outlets, making them an excellent choice for experts who are ready to become the go-to voice in their industry and want a dedicated team to help them get there.
Smith Publicity
As a leading book marketing and publicity firm, Smith Publicity has a long-standing reputation for executing effective, tailored campaigns. They work with both individual authors and publishers, giving them a broad perspective on the literary landscape. Their specialty lies in creating customized publicity plans that align with an author’s specific goals, from launching a bestseller to building a long-term platform. If you’re looking for a seasoned team with deep roots in the publishing world and a proven process for generating book-focused media attention, Smith Publicity offers the experience and industry knowledge to help your work find its audience. Their comprehensive approach makes them a solid partner for authors at any stage of their career.
JKS Communications
JKS Communications operates as a full-service public relations agency with a sharp focus on the literary world. They offer a comprehensive suite of services that includes book publicity, author branding, and media relations, making them a one-stop shop for authors who want to build a cohesive public presence. Their team works to not only promote your book but also to shape your identity as an author and thought leader. By handling everything from media outreach to brand strategy, JKS Communications helps you gain the visibility and recognition needed to stand out. This is a great option for authors who want an integrated strategy that covers all aspects of their public-facing brand.
Pascale Communications
If your goal is to connect deeply with a specific audience, Pascale Communications is an agency that excels at strategic public relations. They focus on helping authors build their brand through carefully planned media outreach designed to reach the right people. Their process is less about broad-stroke promotion and more about making targeted connections that matter. The team works to understand your unique message and identify the media platforms where your ideal readers and event organizers are already spending their time. For authors who have a clear vision of who they want to influence, Pascale Communications provides the strategic framework and media relationships to make that connection happen effectively.
Greenleaf Book Group
Greenleaf Book Group offers a unique, hybrid model that combines publishing and distribution with expert PR services. This integrated approach can be incredibly valuable for authors who want a seamless experience from manuscript to market. Because they handle multiple stages of the publishing journey, their PR team has a deep understanding of a book’s entire lifecycle. They focus on helping authors gain significant media exposure and build a powerful brand platform to support their work long-term. For authors looking for an all-in-one partner, Greenleaf Book Group provides a streamlined solution that aligns publishing, distribution, and promotion under one roof, ensuring every piece of the strategy works together.
Fortier Public Relations
Specializing in the business and nonfiction space, Fortier Public Relations is dedicated to helping authors, CEOs, and thought leaders achieve their professional goals. Their deep focus on this niche means they have a nuanced understanding of the business media landscape and what it takes to position an expert for success. They develop strategic PR services designed to build authority, generate leads, and create opportunities for their clients. If you are a business leader or nonfiction author whose primary goal is to use PR to drive professional growth and establish industry leadership, Fortier PR’s specialized expertise makes them a strong contender. They know how to translate thought leadership into tangible business results.
Annie Jennings PR
Annie Jennings PR is known for its powerful, results-driven approach to getting authors, experts, and speakers noticed in the media. Their campaigns are centered on securing high-impact media exposure that builds brand recognition and credibility. The agency has a reputation for landing clients in major national media outlets, including top-tier TV shows, radio interviews, and prestigious print and online publications. Annie Jennings PR works with a wide range of professionals, helping them leverage media placements to grow their platforms and achieve their business objectives. If your main priority is to secure significant media attention and you want an agency with a strong track record of delivering prominent features, they are a well-known name in the industry.
