“Writing the book is only half the job. Getting it into readers’ hands is the other half.” 

Writing a book is hard work. But what surprises most new authors is how difficult book marketing can be. According to publishing industry data, many self-published books barely sell more than a few hundred copies. That’s where a smart marketing plan comes in. And sometimes, it includes hiring a book publicist in New york.

Let’s break down what published authors are actually saying about publicists, and how to figure out if one is right for you.

1. Why Marketing Matters Just As Much As Writing

Once you finish your book, the next step is to help people find it. This is where book marketing

 starts. You’ll need to:

• Build a strong online presence
  
  

• Reach out to the media
  
  

• Organize book events or blog tours
  
  

• Get reviews from key sources
  
  

This takes time and effort. And honestly, most writers prefer to be writing, not doing PR.

2. What Does a Book Publicist Actually Do?

A book publicist promotes your book. They work behind the scenes to get media coverage, arrange interviews, and pitch your story to outlets that matter. Some things they handle include:

• Press releases
  
  

• Scheduling media appearances
  
  

• Pitching to podcasts and magazines
  
  

• Reaching out to bloggers and influencers
  
  

• Managing your brand and message
  
  

Basically, they help get your book seen and heard by people who might not find it on their own.

3. What Successful Authors Say About Book Marketing Services

Many well-known authors agree: promoting a book is harder than writing it. Those who hire publicists do it to gain reach and visibility faster. Here’s what some of them have shared:

• “A good publicist helped me land features in national magazines.”
  
  

• “My book sales doubled once I had someone pitching it professionally.”
  
  

• “I didn’t know how much time I was losing trying to do it all myself.”
  
  

These authors didn’t just want help, they needed someone with experience in book marketing services in new York to guide their strategy.

4. Can You Promote a Book Without a Publicist? Yes—But It’s Tough

If you don’t have the budget for a publicist, you can still handle things yourself. Here’s what you’ll need to be ready to do:

• Learn media outreach
  
  

• Pitch journalists and influencers
  
  

• Run your social media
  
  

• Plan your book launch
  
  

• Send ARCs to reviewers
  
  

This isn’t impossible. Many indie authors start this way. But those who’ve used both methods say hiring a book publicist in new york helped them move faster, and smarter.

5. When Is the Right Time to Hire a Publicist?

Not every book needs a publicist from the start. But there are signs it might be time:

• You’ve written a book with wide appeal
  
  

• You’re launching a second or third book
  
  

• You’re short on time
  
  

• You want to break into national media
  
  

• You’re aiming for bestseller lists
  
  

Hiring a book publicist in new York can be a smart step when you want results you can’t get on your own.

6. What Does a New York Book Publicist Cost?

Prices vary a lot. Some charge $1,500 for a short-term campaign. Others work on monthly retainers of $2,000–$5,000. That’s not cheap. So before you invest, ask questions like:

• What kind of results have they gotten?
  
  

• What media outlets have they worked with?
  
  

• Can they tailor a campaign to your book?
  
  

A smart choice here can save money in the long run, especially if they bring in real media coverage.

7. Is It Worth It? The Real ROI Authors Talk About

Return on investment (ROI) matters. Authors who had good experiences with publicists say:

• Their book reached a wider audience
  
  

• They built stronger author platforms
  
  

• Their reviews came in faster
  
  

• They made more speaking and workshop offers
  
  

So the value of a book publicist isn’t just in sales. It’s also about long-term visibility and credibility.

Final Thoughts: It’s Your Book—And Your Call

At the end of the day, the decision is yours. Many successful authors say hiring a book publicist made the publishing process less stressful and more effective. If you’re ready to grow your author career, hiring one could be the next smart step in your book marketing plan.

FAQs

1. Do all authors need a book publicist?

No. Some authors manage their own promotion. But those looking for a wider reach or who lack time may benefit from hiring a publicist.

2. How soon should I hire a book publicist?

Most experts suggest hiring one 3–6 months before your book launch to build momentum.

3. Can a book publicist guarantee media coverage?

No. A good publicist will pitch your book to media outlets, but there are no guarantees. Still, their experience increases your chances.

4. What’s the difference between a book marketer and a publicist?

A book marketer handles broad strategy like email campaigns and ads. A book publicist focuses on media coverage and brand visibility.

5. What kind of books do publicists work with?

All types right from fiction and memoirs to business and self-help books. The key is having a clear audience and strong message.