Should Authors Hire A PR Company?

Last week, our PR Academy student, Kelly Smith, shared some exciting news about her upcoming fiction book set in San Diego. She had some fantastic questions about publishing and PR that I think are valuable for anyone who has written or is considering writing a book.

Let's dive into her questions and the answers!

Q: When should I start PR?

A: Once you have a pre-order link, it's time to kick off your PR efforts. Typically, when working one-on-one with authors, we follow a four-month promo plan: two months before launch, one month during the launch, and one month post-launch. Consistent promotion is key, but this timeline provides a structured approach, especially if you're collaborating with an agency.

Q: What would that look like?

A: PR for a first-time fiction author can be challenging. Fiction, particularly, is tougher to get covered compared to nonfiction. I recommend focusing 90% of your efforts locally. Reporters love local stories, and this will be your best shot at gaining coverage. Additionally, target genre-specific outlets for reviews and features.

Q: Should I hire a PR firm?

A: Hiring a PR firm is a personal decision and can cost between $5,000 to $10,000 per month. While you might not recoup this investment with your first book, it can be a valuable long-term investment in your author career. For your book, I suggest hiring someone with extensive knowledge of California and its media landscape. However, you don't need a firm to succeed. You can manage outreach yourself, starting with cold outreach once your pre-order link is live. If you're not seeing results, consider a firm if it's within your budget.

Q: Will my publisher help with PR?

A: This is a tricky one! From my experience, smaller publishers often lack clear PR responsibilities. My advice: assume PR is your responsibility unless your publisher explicitly states otherwise. Taking initiative in your PR efforts will ensure your book gets the attention it deserves.

Hope this helps, Kelly! Congratulations on your book, and please share it with the group when it's live so we can support you. For everyone else, if you're working on a book or have questions, feel free to reach out.

Stay tuned for more tips on book PR. I might even write an ebook or hold a class on this soon, so keep an eye on your notifications and emails.