Job Description:
Book publicists work on behalf of authors to publicize new books -- whether printed on paper or sold digitally at sites like Amazon.com -- doing everything from helping craft author bios and websites to organizing book tours, arranging for media interviews and scheduling authors on radio and television shows.
Many book publicists work directly for publishers, usually in major publishing centers like New York City and London, though there are book publicists who work for PR firms or on a freelance basis.
Salary Range:
Book publicist is a specialized job and the salary will differ depending on location. Salaryexpert.com says the average salary for a book publicist in Manhattan is $69,993. The median salary for public relations professionals is $51,280, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with starting salaries and the bottom 10 percent of salaries at $30,140 and the top 10 percent earning more than $97,910.
Special Skills:
- Working on a deadline on multiple projects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Condensing complicated ideas, such as a one-sentence pitch for a book
- Working as a team with authors, editors, marketing and booksellers
- An understanding of the mass media and how newsrooms, reporters and editors work, including online news media
- A knowledge of social media tools such as blogs, Facebook and Twitter
Education and Training:
Many companies require a bachelor's degree. A background in English literature, communications, journalism or public relations would be quite helpful.
Feeling comfortable with public speaking is important, because book publicists spend a lot of time talking to reporters, editors and producers for radio and television. Some might find it helpful to take a class in public speaking.
Getting Started:
If you truly love books and want to get into the field, it's best to be where the action is, which means a major publishing center like New York City or Manhattan.
College students would be advised to get an internship at a publisher, literary agency or public relations firm that handles authors.