Author Alert: Identifying Red Flags When Hiring Book Publicists

Understanding book publicity warning signs is crucial for authors of all genres looking to maximize their success in the publishing industry. Coriolis Company’s guide to spotting red flags equips authors to be vigilant, informed, and proactive, navigating the minefields of book publicity confidently.

As experts and creatives in this field, we understand the importance of effective book publicity in propelling your book to its full potential. However, not all book publicity campaigns are created equal, and being aware of risky signs is crucial in ensuring your book receives the attention it deserves while also protecting you from any possible scams.

When searching for a reputable book publicist or publicity and marketing agency to assist with your book promotion campaign, authors should be mindful of the following warning signs:

1. Unrealistic Promises:

Be cautious if a publicist or agency promises you lots of positive book reviews, tons of TV interviews, instant bestseller status, or other extraordinary outcomes without presenting a well-thought-out plan. Look for professionals who focus on achievable goals and outline a strategic approach tailored to your book, rather than making promises that sound too good to be true. Publicity, unlike marketing, relies on the media’s goodwill, and so exact results can never be guaranteed.

2. Hidden Costs:

Thoroughly examine contracts for any hidden fees or unexpected expenses. A reputable book publicist or publicity company will present a clear breakdown of their services and associated fees. Avoid those who are hesitant to discuss what exactly they will do to get you results, as it may lead to surprises down the line. If an agency or freelancer charges a low flat fee, their work probably consists of a media blast that will inevitably fail to produce any meaningful results. Likewise, paying by the hour doesn’t usually benefit authors, as it doesn’t motivate the book publicist or PR agency to work quickly and efficiently, and that could leave you with a higher-than-expected final bill.

3. One-Size-Fits-All Approach:

Effective book publicity requires a tailored strategy that aligns with the subject, genre, target audience, author’s experience and identity, and other unique aspects of your book. Be wary of publicists who offer generic, one-size-fits-all solutions and who cannot show you proof that they’ve successfully worked on book publicity campaigns for books similar to yours. A credible professional will take the time to understand your book’s nuances and develop a customized approach to maximize its visibility and appeal.

4. Unrealistic Timelines:

Putting together a successful book campaign with enough reviews, interviews, features, and mentions takes time. Be skeptical of book publicists or PR agencies promising instant success or setting unrealistic timelines. A reputable professional will provide realistic timelines for achieving your goals, emphasizing the importance of steady progress over time rather than quick but potentially unsustainable results.

5. Poor Communication:

Assess their responsiveness and clarity in communication. A lack of timely replies or unclear information could indicate a lack of professionalism. Choose a publicist or agency that values clear and consistent conversations. It is the sign of an efficient and competent expert, and a quality you will grow to appreciate during the publicity campaign. Not to mention, something that you will be proud of when you see the pitches they send on your behalf.

6. Lack of Transparency:

Beware of any book publicity agency or freelance book publicist who will not commit to giving you regular updates on their progress and the results. Not knowing what you are paying for can be unnerving. At Coriolis, we update our clients weekly on all progress in the form of a report and phone or video call because we understand how frustrating it is to be told to ‘just wait’. Transparency is crucial and builds trust.

Authors embarking on the journey of book publicity must remain vigilant to safeguard their work, their reputation, their time, and yes, their money. By heeding these warning signs, you should have no problems doing that.

The best book publicity companies make realistic promises, don’t hide fees, create tailored campaigns, work with reasonable timelines, communicate with you regularly, and are overall transparent about their progress. We are proud to say Coriolis Company is one such agency, and if you agree that those values are important, we hope to work with you soon.