When to Outsource Book Publicity: A Guide for Overwhelmed Publishers
- Chandler Rawson
- Reading Time: 7 Minutes
SHARE
Struggling to manage multiple book campaigns and author demands? With the fast-paced digital landscape and growing publicity needs, in-house teams can quickly become overwhelmed. From press outreach to social media strategies, ensuring your authors receive the attention they deserve may seem impossible. Learn the signs that you need external support.
With the constant influx of new titles and authors, the ever-evolving digital and media landscape, and increasing demands on publicity staff, managing everything from social media strategies to press outreach requires more time and attention than most publishers have to spare.
For those working in-house, successfully balancing multiple book campaigns and author needs is often challenging. That’s where outside support can make all the difference.
Signs You Need Support
One of the clearest signs that you need help is when an author requires more attention and aid than you can provide. The demands of multiple authors can quickly become overwhelming, leaving you and your team spread too thin to give the author the support that they desire. Often, it is the authors with little to no prior knowledge of the digital space that require the most support: yet it is the digital space that is the most difficult to learn. The present digital landscape is constantly growing and changing, requiring much effort to stay informed, let alone on-trend.
The digital knowledge gap many authors possess can lead to frustration and missed opportunities, especially at a time when building an online platform is a necessary companion to any traditional media campaign. Managing it all internally may, at times, seem impossible for an overworked publicist.
Even for seasoned publicists, the sheer volume of work during peak times can be staggering. Summer and fall, when most “big” releases hit, are notorious for overwhelming in-house teams. Authors deserve focused attention, but when the workload becomes too heavy, giving each campaign the care it requires becomes daunting.
This juggling act extends further when unexpected changes happen—maternity leaves, transitions, or simply being short-staffed can all create gaps that disrupt publicity efforts. The reality of these situations is clear: while everyone wants to give each author and book the attention it deserves, there are limits to what a stretched team can do.
Navigating these challenges requires not only strategic planning but also having the right resources in place when unforeseen situations arise. So how do you ensure your authors and titles receive the support they need?
Identifying Where Support Is Needed
Once the need for additional help becomes apparent, the next step is understanding exactly where assistance is required. Whether it’s writing compelling press materials or organizing virtual book tours, these tasks often consume more time than anticipated. Many publishers struggle to meet these demands in-house, which is where outside expertise can offer valuable relief.
Consider, for instance, managing social media presence. From creating content to maintaining audience engagement, it requires a continued, dedicated effort. The reality is, while you focus on other elements of a campaign, these digital details can slip through the cracks.
Beyond identifying the tasks that need support, it is important to hone in on the duration and type of support your team requires. Does a single title need extra attention? Are there multiple campaigns that require ongoing support across seasons? Do you want this support visible or invisible?
In some cases, publishers prefer more behind-the-scenes support, allowing a third party to handle publicity efforts without a visible footprint. Whether it’s a “ghost” publicist managing social media or discreetly running entire campaigns, external help provides flexibility, ensuring everything runs smoothly for all involved.
Equipping Authors with PR Skills
For publishers looking to give their authors more independence, platforms like PR by the Book’s Author to Influencer Accelerator offer a unique solution. This membership-based community provides authors with the tools and strategies they need to understand the nuances of book publicity and grow their own influence. This can be a valuable option for houses that want to equip authors with the skills to manage their brand while ensuring they have access to credible resources.
Outsource as a Power Source
The publishing landscape is more competitive than ever, and each book’s journey from the press to readers’ hands is increasingly complex. Yet, with the right support, those challenges can be navigated successfully. With over 20 years of experience, PR by the Book offers not just services but a partnership, designed to alleviate the pressures of book publicity while maximizing each campaign’s impact.
For publishers, having a reliable team in your corner makes all the difference. It allows you to focus on what you do best—publishing great books—while ensuring your authors get the attention they need to thrive in an increasingly crowded market. As the demands of book publicity evolve, having the right support is more crucial than ever, and that’s where PR by the Book comes in, providing the extra expertise and resources to help authors and publishers succeed.
Interested in discussing a collaboration? Schedule your FREE Discovery Call today!
Looking for more Book Publicity tips? Check out:
WANT MORE?
Chandler Rawson
When to Outsource Book Publicity: A Guide for Overwhelmed Publishers
When to Outsource Book Publicity: A Guide for Overwhelmed Publishers
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Texas Book Festival 2024
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Texas Book Festival 2024 SHARE
Tips for Promoting Your Book on Meta
Tips for Promoting Your Book on Meta SHARE Discover