This is great. I really appreciate Andrea sharing her perspective.
Kate would you be willing to tell us ballpark how much it costs to hire an outside marketing team or publicist? It’s something I have thought about before (have seen other authors recommend) but I literally have no idea what to expect.
In my experience, because the media industry has been so consolidated, you get more bang for your buck paying for outside marketing help than an outside publicist (who pitches your book to media outlets). I've heard from colleagues that an indie publicist can be a $25,000 investment. You could hire book marketing help for $8 - $10,000. (Like Kathleen says, it really depends on scope of work!)
To be very ballpark, 20-30k. Think AT LEAST $4-5k per month and for a minimum contract of 5 months, extend after that. Kathleen is totally right, though. If you email any outside marketing team/publicist with what you're looking for and request to chat, they will respond with the price up front.
It really depends on the scope of work you need. None of us can tell you our fees up front because we need to assess your needs vs the time we will spend working on your book. We all charge different prices.
Such valuable intel! This kind of information didn't exist for authors when I published my first book (13 years ago); everything felt like a shot in the dark. I'm so grateful for the ways agents, platforms (yah, Substack) and interviews like this are making this information available to new and even seasoned authors, now. Thank you!
I just went to Andrea's website to see if I can hire her immediately and the "email" field on her contact form is not clickable and there doesn't seem to be another way to get in touch...
Is it possible to get a direct email address? GREAT post!
This is essential info because almost all publishers (Big 5 or otherwise) expect authors to do their own marketing nowadays. So unless you're a tentpole author like Stephen King, or command a huge advance, publishers will put very little money and energy into promoting your book. Sucks, but that seems to be the current state of the industry. But what's interesting to me is how this dynamic affects one's CHOICE of publisher. In other words, if you're going to be doing the same amount of work, why WOULD you seek a "Big 5" deal?
Excellent post. I am planning to work with an SEO consultant who understands my work, for the very reason Andrea states here: It’s something I can control. This service will not come cheap; kudos to Andrea for offering an SEO workshop for writers who can’t ahire a pro or don’t mind the DIY route. Writers I know are paying a few thousand to 10 thousand for old-school marketing assistance aimed at media placement. Most say the PR person hasn’t garnered any exposure they could not have lined up for themselves.
This is great. I really appreciate Andrea sharing her perspective.
Kate would you be willing to tell us ballpark how much it costs to hire an outside marketing team or publicist? It’s something I have thought about before (have seen other authors recommend) but I literally have no idea what to expect.
Honestly, I do not know! Anyone willing to share?
In my experience, because the media industry has been so consolidated, you get more bang for your buck paying for outside marketing help than an outside publicist (who pitches your book to media outlets). I've heard from colleagues that an indie publicist can be a $25,000 investment. You could hire book marketing help for $8 - $10,000. (Like Kathleen says, it really depends on scope of work!)
To be very ballpark, 20-30k. Think AT LEAST $4-5k per month and for a minimum contract of 5 months, extend after that. Kathleen is totally right, though. If you email any outside marketing team/publicist with what you're looking for and request to chat, they will respond with the price up front.
Thanks so much, that is very helpful!
It really depends on the scope of work you need. None of us can tell you our fees up front because we need to assess your needs vs the time we will spend working on your book. We all charge different prices.
That makes sense. Thanks for responding :)
Such valuable intel! This kind of information didn't exist for authors when I published my first book (13 years ago); everything felt like a shot in the dark. I'm so grateful for the ways agents, platforms (yah, Substack) and interviews like this are making this information available to new and even seasoned authors, now. Thank you!
I just went to Andrea's website to see if I can hire her immediately and the "email" field on her contact form is not clickable and there doesn't seem to be another way to get in touch...
Is it possible to get a direct email address? GREAT post!
Hi Jennifer, so sorry you had trouble with the form! We're available at info@thefutureofagency.com. We'd love to chat!
Oh perfect 👍🏻thanks so much!!
This is essential info because almost all publishers (Big 5 or otherwise) expect authors to do their own marketing nowadays. So unless you're a tentpole author like Stephen King, or command a huge advance, publishers will put very little money and energy into promoting your book. Sucks, but that seems to be the current state of the industry. But what's interesting to me is how this dynamic affects one's CHOICE of publisher. In other words, if you're going to be doing the same amount of work, why WOULD you seek a "Big 5" deal?
Bookmarking this. Great advice.
Fantastic summary of all things Marketing!
Wonderful information.
Great info!
Great advice! Thank you!
Excellent information here! Marketing help is something I’ve been needing in my life 🙏🏻
Excellent post. I am planning to work with an SEO consultant who understands my work, for the very reason Andrea states here: It’s something I can control. This service will not come cheap; kudos to Andrea for offering an SEO workshop for writers who can’t ahire a pro or don’t mind the DIY route. Writers I know are paying a few thousand to 10 thousand for old-school marketing assistance aimed at media placement. Most say the PR person hasn’t garnered any exposure they could not have lined up for themselves.
Terrific post! Excellent details here.