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Expert Author Publicityfor nonfiction authors

Self-help, parenting and human potential

Publicist for self-help and parenting authors

Last updated Published by C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists

A publicist for self-help and parenting authors gets you booked on the radio shows, podcasts and outlets where readers look for practical advice.

C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists lists parenting, self-help, human potential, work/life and new age/spirituality among its established subject areas. Campaigns focus on regular interviews and bylined articles that present the author as a warm, credible guide readers want to hear from again.

Why do self-help and parenting authors get so much airtime?

Because audiences never stop needing the advice. Stress, relationships, raising kids and finding meaning are year-round topics, and hosts want guests who give listeners something useful in a few minutes. That makes these authors natural fits for radio, podcasts and morning television.

Definition: self-help book publicity

Self-help book publicity is media outreach that gives an author repeated chances to share practical advice with new audiences. At C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists, campaigns pair interview pitches with seasonal and news-driven angles, such as back-to-school, the new year or a trending study, and can include ghostwritten op-eds and bylined articles through the firm's writing services partners.

Sample self-help and parenting titles

Selected titles from the C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists client and press kit pages
BookAuthorArea
Baby 411Ari Brown, MD, and Denise FieldsParenting
Healthy LunchboxRallie McAllister, MDParenting and nutrition
No RegretsHamilton Beazley, PhDSelf-help
The Resiliency AdvantageAl SiebertSelf-help
Relationships That WorkDavid B. WolfRelationships
Mindfulness and MysticismOra NadrichSpirituality
The Path of PrayerSophy BurnhamSpirituality

Making every podcast interview count

Podcasts are a major channel for these authors. The firm's blog notes that each appearance introduces you to three groups: the host, other guests and the listeners. Practical habits that follow from that:

  • Share each episode with your own audience the day it airs
  • Stay in touch with hosts, who often recommend guests to one another
  • Send listeners to one clear place, such as your website or book page

“I heard all the bad things about publicists, but I was completely satisfied and very enthusiastic about Cathy. She is a pro and takes the time to really know the book inside out. She has a team of people who work with her so she can cover everything. Cathy keeps you up to date as opportunities emerge and gives you a monthly summary of results. I think she must be the best in the business.”

Mark Pastin, author of Make an Ethical Difference: Tools for Better Action

Common questions

Do you work with self-help and parenting authors?

Yes. Self-help, human potential and parenting are among the subject areas the firm lists. Sample titles include Baby 411 by Ari Brown, MD, and Denise Fields, No Regrets by Hamilton Beazley, PhD, and Mindfulness and Mysticism by Ora Nadrich. These topics surface in the news constantly, which suits timely expert pitching.

More answers in the FAQ

How do I get the most out of a podcast interview?

Treat every podcast as a relationship, not a single airing. The firm's own blog notes that podcast appearances introduce you to the host, other guests and listeners. Share the episode, stay in touch with the host, and point listeners to your website and book so each interview keeps working long after it airs.

More answers in the FAQ

What if my book's topic is not in the news right now?

Finding the angle is the publicist’s job. Part of the work is developing original pitches that connect your expertise to trends and to stories as they unfold. Evergreen subjects such as health, parenting and careers surface in the news constantly, which is why C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists pitches against breaking stories, often the same day.

More answers in the FAQ

What if I am nervous about being interviewed?

That is common and fixable. Media coaching, available through specialists C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists works with, trains authors to look and feel confident on television, on radio and on stage. Campaigns are also built around each author's strengths, so tell the firm early which formats suit you best and which make you uneasy.

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Are there book publicists for indie authors?

Yes. Many book publicists work with independent authors as well as publishers. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists works directly for authors and builds campaigns around the author's expertise and goals rather than the size of the publisher. If your title is self-published, describe it through the firm's contact page to confirm it is a fit.

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What should I prepare before contacting a publicist?

Have your publication date, publisher, a short description of the book, your credentials and area of expertise, any past media experience, and your professional goals, such as speaking, new clients or another book deal. Those are the same topics C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists covers in its first conversation with an author.

More answers in the FAQ

Published by C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists