Other Specialists

Publicists

Publicists handle press, media, and public relations for your book launch.

When to hire: Publicists are typically hired 3–6 months before launch. Book them early: the best publicists are booked months out and campaigns need lead time to work.

How this differs from related services

  • vs. Book Marketing Professionals: Publicists focus on press, media, and PR — earned attention. Marketers focus on ads, funnels, and paid reach. Different channels, both valuable. See book marketing professionals →
  • vs. Launch / Promotion Specialists: Publicists work on media relationships. Launch specialists coordinate the whole launch operation, including ARC teams and pre-orders. Sometimes overlapping. See launch / promotion specialists →

Find Publicists

12 listed. Open full directory with filters →

New York, NY· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Independent publicist and founder of CS Publicity, working primarily with authors of popular nonfiction including sports, humor, politics, and current events. Has a strong network among entertainment journalists, sports media, and digital news outlets. Brings energy and creativity to campaigns for books that need to break through crowded cultural conversation.

entertainment and sports media outreachtelevision and podcast bookingpress release writingrapid-response news pitching
SportsHumor / SatirePolitics & Current EventsTrue CrimeNarrative Nonfiction+1 more
publicist

Dana Kaye

Chicago, IL· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Founder of Kaye Publicity, a Chicago-based boutique firm specializing in crime fiction, thrillers, and mystery authors from both traditional and independent publishers. Dana is a respected voice in the crime writing community and has served on panels at Bouchercon and ThrillerFest. Her campaigns integrate traditional media with blogger and online community outreach.

media outreachblogger and online reviewer outreachbook launch strategyauthor branding
Crime FictionMysteryThrillerTrue CrimeSuspense
Nashville, TN· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Julie Schoerke founded JKS Communications, a Nashville-based boutique publicity firm representing authors across literary fiction, nonfiction, and genre fiction. The firm has a strong reputation for regional and national media outreach and has worked with debut and established authors from major publishers. Particularly well-connected in the Southern literary community.

media relationsnational and regional outreachpress release writingauthor event support
Literary FictionHistorical FictionMemoirNarrative NonfictionWomen's Fiction+1 more
Chicago, IL· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Independent publicist serving both traditionally published and self-published authors across fiction and nonfiction genres. Offers boutique-style personal attention with particular strength in social media strategy integration alongside traditional media outreach. Works frequently with first-time authors navigating the publicity landscape.

media outreachsocial media strategyinfluencer outreachpress kit development
Commercial FictionSelf-HelpHealth & WellnessWomen's FictionMemoir
Austin, TX· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Boutique publicist focusing on young adult and middle grade fiction, with a specialty in fantasy and speculative fiction for teen readers. Maintains strong relationships with YA bloggers, BookTok creators, and school and library networks. Works with both traditional houses and indie authors launching series.

BookTok and Bookstagram outreachschool and library mediareview copy campaignsblogger network outreach
Young AdultMiddle GradeFantasyScience FictionSpeculative Fiction+1 more
publicist

Meryl Moss

Westport, CT· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Founder of Meryl Moss Media, a full-service boutique book publicity and marketing firm with over 30 years of experience working with major publishers and bestselling authors. Specializes in commercial fiction, thrillers, and high-profile nonfiction with a robust national media network. Known for integrated campaigns that combine traditional PR with digital outreach.

national media outreachtelevision bookingpodcast pitchingbook tour coordination
ThrillerMysteryCommercial FictionTrue CrimeBusiness+1 more
New York, NY· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Founder of a boutique literary PR firm focusing on narrative nonfiction, science writing, and books at the intersection of culture and ideas. Has worked with debut authors and bestselling writers alike, with deep relationships at national print outlets and public radio. Particularly skilled at positioning complex nonfiction for general-interest audiences.

media relationspress release writingexcerpt placementevent coordination
Narrative NonfictionScienceHistoryEssaysBiography
New York, NY· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Independent publicist and founder of Over the River Public Relations, specializing in literary fiction, poetry, and arts-adjacent nonfiction. Has worked with university presses and small literary publishers to bring serious books to broader audiences through strategic media placement. Known for her careful, relationship-driven approach to pitching.

media relationsuniversity press campaignsreview outreacharts media pitching
Literary FictionPoetryEssaysMemoirNarrative Nonfiction+1 more
publicist

Sarah Miniaci

Toronto, Ontario, Canada· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Toronto-based publicist with cross-border US and Canadian media expertise, specializing in literary fiction, Indigenous literature, and culturally diverse voices. Founder of a boutique PR consultancy that emphasizes authentic storytelling in pitches and media strategy. Has worked with award-winning authors and small indie presses.

media relationspress release writingreview copy distributionauthor event support
Literary FictionMemoirNarrative NonfictionShort Story CollectionPoetry
Cherry Hill, NJ· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

One of the most active book publicity firms in the industry, Smith Publicity works with authors across virtually every genre and publishing model including traditional, hybrid, and self-published. Based in New Jersey with a large staff of publicists, the firm handles everything from media relations to social media management. Particularly accessible to indie and self-published authors seeking professional-level campaigns.

media outreachpress release writingsocial media managementpodcast pitching
Self-HelpBusinessMemoirCommercial FictionMystery+5 more
Los Angeles, CA· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Independent publicist specializing in self-help, business, health, and personal development titles for both traditionally published authors and well-established indie publishers. Brings a background in corporate communications to book campaigns, with strength in securing speaking engagements and podcast placements. Works frequently with thought-leader authors building platforms.

podcast pitchingspeaking engagement outreachmedia relationspress kit development
Self-HelpBusinessHealth & WellnessMemoirNarrative Nonfiction
publicist

Tracey Minkin

Providence, RI· Remote OK
Rate: Varies

Book publicist and former journalist who leverages her editorial background to secure feature coverage and reviews for fiction and nonfiction titles. Operates a boutique firm with a selective client roster and emphasizes earned media over paid placements. Particularly adept at pitching books rooted in travel, food, and cultural exploration.

feature story pitchingreview outreachpress release writingmedia list development
TravelFood & CookingNarrative NonfictionLiterary FictionMemoir

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Profiles are sourced from public directories and community submissions. Always verify credentials and rates directly with each professional before hiring.