Book publicist cost
How much does a book publicist cost?
Last updated . Published by C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists.
A book publicist's cost depends on the campaign you need, and C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists quotes each campaign individually rather than publishing a price list.
Because every C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists campaign is customized to the author's goals, subject, and schedule, the price follows the plan. This page explains what changes the scope of a campaign, what is included, and what to ask any publicist before you sign.
Why don't book publicists publish prices?
Publicity campaigns are built to order. One author wants national television; another wants trade journals and podcasts; a third wants local media in three cities they are already visiting. A flat price would either overcharge the smaller campaign or underserve the larger one. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists mixes and matches its services to suit each author, so a conversation about your goals comes before a quote.
We have not supplied a dollar range on this page because the firm does not publish one. Be cautious of any page that quotes a specific publicist's price without the publicist's own confirmation.
What raises or lowers the scope of a campaign?
| Criterion | Smaller scope | Larger scope |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign length | Focused launch window | Launch plus ongoing post-launch work |
| Media types | One or two, such as print and podcasts | Print, radio, television, and online |
| Geography | Remote interviews | Appearances coordinated around travel and major markets |
| Writing | Pitches and media kit only | Ghostwritten op-eds, bylined articles, newsletters |
| Support services | Publicity only | Media coaching, speaker services, internet marketing |
What a campaign fee typically pays for
In a C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists book and author publicity campaign, the work includes a custom media kit, distribution of books and kits, intensive follow-up, daily pitching tied to breaking news, a customized list of top media contacts, and coordination with your travel schedule. Clients describe regular updates and a monthly summary of results.
How to judge value, not just price
Compare what you would get, not only what you would pay: the publicist's experience in your subject, existing media relationships, how much of the work is customized, and how results are reported. Client Mike Song reports over 100 media appearances and over 125,000 copies sold in 11 languages for his book; results vary by book, author, and news cycle.
Seven questions to ask before you hire a book publicist
- Exactly which services are included, and which are add-ons?
- How long does the campaign run, and when does it start relative to my launch date?
- Which media types will you pitch: print, radio, television, podcasts, online?
- Who will work on my campaign day to day?
- How often will we talk, and how will results be reported?
- Can you show real coverage from past campaigns in my subject?
- How will you coordinate with my publisher's publicity team?
Who should spend less, or nothing
If your launch goals are modest, or your publisher already has a strong plan for your title, you may only need a few targeted services, or none. You can run much of the book launch publicity checklist yourself. The publisher vs. book publicist comparisoncan help you decide. When you are ready for a quote, contact C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists with your title, subject, and launch date.
Back to the full book launch publicity checklistCommon questions
- How much does a book publicist cost?
- C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists does not publish set prices, because each campaign is customized. Cost generally depends on campaign length, the media you want to reach, and add-on services such as media coaching, writing, or speaker support. Contact the firm with your launch date and goals to get a quote for your specific campaign.
- Why don't book publicists list their prices?
- Many publicity campaigns are built to order, so the scope varies from book to book. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists mixes and matches its services to suit each author's needs, which means the price follows the plan. Whoever you talk to, ask exactly what is included, how long the campaign runs, and how results are reported.
- What affects the cost of a book publicity campaign?
- The main factors are how long the campaign runs, how many media types it covers (print, radio, television, podcasts, and online), whether it includes travel coordination, and whether you add support services such as media coaching, ghostwritten op-eds, or speaker services. Confirm each item in writing with the firm before you sign.
- Is hiring a book publicist worth it?
- It depends on your goals. Publicity can build name recognition, book sales, and opportunities such as speaking and new clients. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists client Mike Song says the team helped him make over 100 media appearances and that his book sold over 125,000 copies in 11 languages. Results vary by book and author.
- How are publicity results reported?
- Client Mark Pastin says Cathy Lewis keeps authors up to date as opportunities emerge and gives a monthly summary of results. Ask about the reporting schedule and format in your first conversation with any publicist, so you know what you will see during the campaign and how coverage will be shared with you.
- Can I do my own book launch publicity?
- Yes, and a checklist helps. The trade-off is time and relationships: a book publicist spends every working day on publicity and already has first-name relationships with editors, reporters, columnists, and producers. Authors running their own launch should budget real time for follow-up, which is where many interviews and reviews are secured.