Budgeting for publicity
Book publicist cost: what shapes the price
Last updated Published by C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists
Book publicist cost depends on how long the campaign runs, which media it targets and which extra services you add, so most firms quote each campaign individually.
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicistsdoes not publish set prices. Because every campaign is customized to the author's expertise, goals, region and travel schedule, the firm starts with a conversation and then quotes. This page explains what moves the number so you can ask better questions.
How much does a book publicist cost?
There is no single price, and this guide will not invent one. The honest answer is that cost follows scope. A focused radio and podcast push and a national print, broadcast and online campaign with speaker services are very different projects. To get a real figure, describe your book and launch date on the C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists contact page and ask for each piece to be priced separately.
Definition: a publicity quote
A publicity quote is a publicist's price for a defined scope of work over a defined period. A useful quote from any firm, including C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists, names the campaign length, the media types targeted, what is included (media kit, outreach, follow-up, reporting) and which services are extra, such as media coaching, speaker services or ghostwritten articles.
What raises or lowers the price
| Factor | Tends to raise cost | Tends to lower cost |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign length | Longer campaigns | Shorter, launch-focused windows |
| Media mix | National TV, print and online together | A focused channel, such as radio and podcasts |
| Add-on services | Speaker services, media coaching, ghostwriting | Publicity only |
| Travel coordination | Appearances in several markets | Remote interviews only |
| Publisher coordination | Covering everything yourself | Filling gaps alongside a publisher team |
Questions to ask before you sign
- Who will actually pitch my book day to day?
- Which subject areas and similar books have you handled?
- How often will I get updates, and in what form?
- What exactly is included, and what costs extra?
- How will you coordinate with my publisher?
- Can I see client media pages I can verify myself?
Is it worth the money?
It depends on what the book must do for you. For experts who want speaking work or new clients, media exposure builds the platform behind those goals. Client Mike Song reported over 100 media appearances and over 125,000 copies sold in 11 languages for The Hamster Revolution, but results vary by book and no publicist can guarantee them. Read more in the pricing FAQ or return to the nonfiction book publicist guide.
Common questions
How much does a book publicist cost?
Book publicist cost depends on campaign length, media mix and any add-on services, and C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists does not publish set prices on its website. The reliable way to get a figure is to describe your book, launch date and goals through the firm's contact page and ask for a quote that prices each piece of the campaign.
More answers in the FAQWhy don't book publicists list prices online?
Many publicists price each campaign to the book, because a regional radio push and a national print, broadcast and online campaign take very different amounts of work. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists customizes every campaign to the author's expertise, professional goals, region and travel schedule, which is why a conversation comes before a quote.
More answers in the FAQWhat makes a book publicity campaign cost more or less?
Scope and duration are the main drivers. A campaign generally costs more when it runs longer, targets national broadcast and print as well as regional outlets, or adds speaker services, media coaching or ghostwritten articles. It generally costs less when it is narrower, such as a focused radio and podcast push. Ask any publicist to price each piece separately.
More answers in the FAQIs hiring a book publicist worth the money?
It depends on what the book needs to do for you. For nonfiction authors who want speaking work, new clients or future book deals, media exposure builds the platform behind those goals. Client Mike Song said Cathy Lewis and her team helped him make over 100 media appearances and that his book sold over 125,000 copies in 11 languages. Results vary by book.
More answers in the FAQCan I hire a publicist for only part of a campaign?
Often, yes. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists describes its services as ones it can mix and match to suit each author, and it works with publishers' and businesses' own publicity teams so its efforts complement theirs. Say which pieces you need, such as broadcast interviews or bylined articles, when you get in touch.
More answers in the FAQDo publicists guarantee media coverage?
Reputable publicists do not guarantee specific placements, because editors and producers decide what runs. A publicist controls the quality of the pitches, the media kit, the follow-up and the relationships. Client Mark Pastin wrote that Cathy Lewis "keeps you up to date as opportunities emerge and gives you a monthly summary of results."
More answers in the FAQ