Ever wondered what it’s like to be a book publicist? Now’s your chance to find out! A publicist’s job involves much more than sending press releases—it’s about crafting and executing a long-term publicity plan, building relationships, and ensuring that each book gets the attention it deserves. In this post, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day in my life as a publicist and offering insights into how publicity campaigns are managed day-to-day.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as a publicist?
Kourtney: No two days are the same, which is one of the things I love about my job. I usually start my day by checking emails and responding to any media requests that came in overnight. From there, it’s all about balancing ongoing campaigns—sending pitches to journalists, following up with media contacts, coordinating interviews for authors, and updating clients on their campaign progress. There’s a lot of multitasking involved!
Q: What’s the most important part of a long-term publicity plan?
Kourtney: Consistency. A successful publicity campaign doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about building momentum, maintaining relationships, and keeping the book in front of the right audience over time. I work on developing a strategy that spans months, ensuring that our efforts continue to gain traction.
Q: How do you balance multiple campaigns at once?
Kourtney: Time management is key! I start by prioritizing urgent tasks, like media follow-ups or interviews, and then I carve out time for pitching and brainstorming new angles. I also use tools to stay organized, so I can track each campaign’s progress and make sure no details slip through the cracks.
Q: How do you help authors manage their expectations?
Kourtney: I believe in setting clear, realistic expectations from the start. I explain that book publicity takes time and effort, and while not every pitch will result in immediate coverage, each step moves us closer to our goals. Regular updates and transparency are crucial.
Q: What’s your favorite part of being a publicist?
Kourtney: I love seeing the impact of my work. Whether it’s a glowing book review, a feature in a major outlet, or a successful author event, knowing that I’ve helped get an author’s message out to the world is incredibly rewarding. We get to celebrate those big wins together.
Tips for Authors Working with a Publicist:
- Be patient: Publicity is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Stay involved: Your input helps shape the campaign.
- Trust the process: Results take time, but every effort counts.
To read more about what sets Pacific and Court apart, check out our blog post, “Our Services Explained: Why Pacific & Court Stands Out.”
Want to learn more about how a publicist can help promote your book? Contact Pacific & Court for expert guidance and tailored publicity campaigns!