Things people tend to ask me
It’s hard to sum everything up in a few pages and I’m sure you’ll still have questions. Here are some things I get asked the most, but if yours isn’t on the list, just drop me an email.
Do you only cover the UK market?
Yes. Because that’s where I’m based and that’s where I have contacts. That said, metadata is metadata, so if you get it right in one place, it tends to work in others, meaning I might be able to help you with that. But my current client list is UK-based.
What extra costs should I expect?
The sort of things you might have to cover on top of what you pay me include: registering an ISBN number, cover design, book layout, distribution, printing, packing and sending out advance review copies (ARCs) to reviewers and influencers. Advertising (digital and print). Competition entry fees. The cost of creating ‘swag’ to promote your book (bookmarks, tote bags and the like). Travel to and from book signings. If there’s likely to be a cost to something, I’ll let you know and we can decide between us if it’s worth doing.
Do you work with self-published authors?
Yes. I work with self-published, hybrid-published and small-press fiction authors. That said, your book needs to be professionally edited, properly designed and ready to compete with traditionally published titles.
How early should I contact you?
Three to six months before publication is ideal for a full launch campaign. This gives us time to sharpen the positioning, prepare materials, approach reviewers and media, and build a sensible schedule.
If publication is closer, I may still be able to help through a focused launch plan or late-launch rescue session. Two weeks is enough time to make better decisions, but not enough time to run a conventional PR campaign.
Can you help with a book that has already been published?
Yes, provided there is a credible reason to bring it back to readers. This might be a new edition, a series launch, a price promotion, an anniversary, fresh media relevance or a retailer page that needs serious improvement.
PR cannot simply recreate publication day several months later, so I’ll be honest about whether a relaunch is worth pursuing.
Do you guarantee reviews, media coverage or sales?
No. Coverage, reviews and sales depend on decisions made by journalists, reviewers, booksellers, retailers and readers.
I can improve your positioning, materials, targeting and campaign execution. I will never promise a bestseller, guaranteed press coverage or a particular number of sales.
What types of books do you work with?
My main focus is commercially published fiction for adult readers, including contemporary fiction, romance, crime, thrillers, speculative fiction and LGBTQ+ fiction.
I do not currently offer specialist publicity for academic books, textbooks or highly technical nonfiction. If your project falls outside my usual areas, I’ll tell you before recommending a service.
Does my manuscript need to be finished?
For launch planning, metadata or publicity support, the manuscript should be complete and professionally edited. Your cover, publication route, pricing and release date should also be confirmed or close to confirmation.
I just don’t recommend spending money on publicity while the book itself is still changing substantially.
Can you help with Amazon and KDP metadata?
Yes. Metadata support can include categories, keywords, subtitle use, book description, author biography, comparison titles and retailer-facing copy.
I can also review how consistently the book is presented across Amazon, Goodreads, your website and other relevant retailer or discovery pages.
Will you manage my social media?
I can help develop campaign ideas, messaging, content themes and a practical posting plan. I do not usually take over an author’s social accounts or produce an endless stream of generic posts.
Readers respond better to an identifiable author than to a publicity company pretending to be one.
Do you run Amazon, Meta or BookBub advertising?
Paid advertising may form part of a wider recommendation, but I am not an advertising-only agency. I will not advise you to pour money into ads before the book’s positioning, retailer page and audience fit have been checked.
Where specialist campaign management is needed, this will be agreed separately or referred to a trusted provider.
What happens before I commit to a larger package?
You can begin with a fixed-price review, metadata service or consultation. If I recommend more extensive support, you will receive a written scope explaining the work, schedule, fee, responsibilities and any likely direct costs.
There is no obligation to move into a larger campaign.
How much involvement will I need to have?
That depends on the service, but every campaign requires some author involvement. You may need to approve copy, supply information, take part in interviews, sign books, post material or respond to opportunities promptly.
Publicity works badly when the author disappears for six weeks and re-emerges on publication morning.
Can I pay in instalments?
Larger packages can usually be split into staged payments, with the schedule agreed before work begins. Smaller fixed-price services need to be paid in full when booked.