FAQ
Book publicity press kit questions, answered plainly.
Last updated November 2026
Here are 42 answers about book publicity press kits, book publicists, cost, timing, and working with C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists. Each answer starts with the direct answer, then the supporting fact. Where the firm has not published a detail, such as prices, we say so and tell you how to confirm it.
What is the most important thing to know about a book publicity press kit?
That it is a starting tool. A press kit helps the media say yes quickly, but coverage comes from distribution, follow-up, and timely pitches after it goes out.
What a book publicity press kit is
What is a book publicity press kit?
A book publicity press kit is a ready-made reference package about an author and a book that journalists, producers, editors, and bloggers use when deciding whether to cover them. At C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists, the media kit gives the press background material, reviews, story ideas, interview topics, and by-lined article ideas in one place.
Is a press kit the same as a media kit?
Yes, in book publicity the two terms are used for the same thing. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists calls it a media kit in its service description and a press kit on its download page. Either way, it is the document that tells the media who the author is, what the book offers, and what stories they can tell.
Who actually reads an author press kit?
Television and radio producers, journalists, print and online magazine and newspaper editors, and bloggers read it. Those are the audiences C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists names when it describes the media kits it creates. Each one is scanning for a story angle that fits their audience and an expert they can book with confidence.
Why does a book need a press kit at all?
A press kit saves busy media people time. Instead of researching an author from scratch, a producer or editor gets the background, angles, and interview topics instantly. That makes it easier to say yes to an interview, a review, or a feature, which is the whole point of a book publicity campaign.
Should a press kit be a PDF or an online page?
Both formats work, and many authors use both. The press kits shown in this portfolio are downloadable PDFs hosted by C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists. Many authors also keep an online press room on their own website; several of the client media pages linked on our Media Hits page work that way.
Where can I see real book press kit examples?
You can download eight real client press kits as PDFs on our Press Kits page. They come from the press kits page of C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists and cover titles such as The Entrepreneur Equation by Carol Roth and The Resiliency Advantage by Al Siebert.
What goes inside a press kit for authors
What should be included in a press kit for authors?
Include the material media people need to say yes quickly: author background, book details, reviews, story ideas, interview topics, and article ideas. Those are the elements C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists lists for its media kits. Many kits also add a photo, a cover image, and contact details for the publicist.
Should I include sample interview questions in my press kit?
Yes, interview topics are one of the most useful parts of a press kit. Radio and podcast hosts often prepare quickly, and ready topics help them plan a segment around your expertise. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists includes interview topics in the media kits it creates for clients.
What are story ideas in a book press kit?
Story ideas are short, specific angles a journalist could turn into an article or segment, built from the book's subject and the author's expertise. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists also writes timely pitches that tie an author to breaking news, often the same day, so the story ideas keep evolving after the kit goes out.
Do I need reviews before I make a press kit?
No, but add them as they arrive. Reviews are part of the media kits C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists creates, and they give editors outside proof that a book is worth covering. A kit can launch with author background and story ideas, then be updated as reviews and early coverage come in.
Why do press kits mention by-lined articles?
By-lined articles let an author publish under their own name in newspapers, magazines, and trade journals, which builds authority beyond interviews. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists lists by-lined articles and op-eds among the placements it pursues, and its writing services can create ghostwritten op-eds based on the author's book and expertise.
How long should an author press kit be?
Long enough to answer a producer's questions and short enough to scan in minutes. There is no single required length. The fastest way to calibrate is to download two or three of the real client press kits on our Press Kits page and compare how each one is organized.
How a book publicist uses the press kit
How does a book publicist use a press kit?
The press kit is the starting tool of the campaign. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists distributes books and media kits to the media contacts that matter, then manages an intensive follow-up process to secure interviews, features, mentions, reviews, op-eds, and by-lined article placements.
Is sending the press kit enough to get coverage?
Usually not. Follow-up is where most bookings happen. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists describes its follow-up process as intensive, including telephone follow-up on press material that was mailed, plus a continual stream of fresh pitches matched to what each media contact covers.
What does it mean to tie an author to breaking news?
It means pitching the author as an expert source on a story that is unfolding right now. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists aligns pitches with breaking news as it happens, often the same day, because being the first publicist to respond to a hot-button event can land an on-the-spot interview or appearance.
Which kinds of media does a campaign target?
Print, radio, television, and internet media. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists says its multi-pronged campaigns bridge classic and new media, and its team helps authors appear on podcasts, radio, and television and become contributors at sites such as Thrive Global, Forbes.com, Chief Executive, and PsychologyToday.com.
Can a publicist line up media where I am traveling?
Yes. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists evaluates and pursues opportunities to maximize author travel to major media markets and coordinates appearances with an author's personal travel schedule. Its FAQ gives the example of arranging a local television appearance or a book signing during a family visit.
Will I hear about results during the campaign?
One client, author Mark Pastin, says Cathy Lewis keeps authors up to date as opportunities emerge and gives a monthly summary of results. To confirm how reporting would work for your own campaign, ask C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists directly through its contact page.
Book publicist cost and timing
How much does a book publicist cost?
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists does not publish prices on its website, because each campaign is customized from services it mixes and matches. Cost generally depends on campaign length, the media mix, and add-ons such as media coaching or writing. Ask the firm for a quote that matches your launch date and goals.
Does the press kit cost extra?
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists lists media kit creation as part of its book and author publicity service rather than as a separate product. It does not publish a separate press kit price. Confirm what is included for your campaign by contacting the firm before you sign on.
When should I hire a book publicist before my launch?
As early as you can. Authors and publishers with a book launching soon are the firm's highest-priority clients, and a press kit, review copies, and a pitch plan all take time to prepare. Contacting C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists well ahead of publication gives the campaign room to work.
Is it too late to get publicity after my book is out?
Not necessarily. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists pitches authors as expert sources on breaking news, which can work at any stage of a book's life. The firm's blog also argues that publication is a starting line, not a finish line, especially for executives building a speaking platform.
How long does a book publicity campaign last?
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists does not publish a fixed campaign length, since every campaign is customized. One client, Jim Camp, describes dozens of radio interviews, major-market television, and major print coverage delivered in a few short months. Ask the firm what timeline fits your launch.
Is hiring a book publicist worth the money?
It depends on your goals. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists aims for book sales plus future opportunities in publishing, new client acquisition, and speaking. Client Mike Song credits the firm's team with helping him make over 100 media appearances for a book that sold over 125,000 copies in 11 languages, though results vary by book.
Who these press kits and campaigns are for
Which authors does C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists prioritize?
Authors and publishers with a book launching soon. A launch window is when a press kit, review copies, and a fresh stream of pitches can do the most work, so the firm puts those campaigns first. If your publication date is approaching, start the conversation through the firm's contact page.
What kinds of books does the firm publicize?
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists has an established track record in business, careers, work/life, parenting, health, diet/nutrition, food/cookbooks, self-help, human potential, and new age/spirituality. Its client list also includes current events, economics, and politics titles such as Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins.
Does the firm work with publishers, or only authors?
Both. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists describes itself as a firm that builds collaborative relationships with authors and publishers. It also works closely with publishers' and businesses' publicity teams so that its efforts complement theirs instead of duplicating them.
What if I am nervous about radio or TV interviews?
You have options. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists says that if radio and television give an author the jitters, it can steer the campaign toward other media. It can also bring in media coaching from professionals it works with to help authors look and feel confident on air and before live audiences.
Compared to the alternatives
Why hire a book publicist instead of relying on my publisher?
Because a publicist works only on publicity, and works for you. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists notes that large publishers often lack the time, budget, and staff to build a tailored campaign for every author, and unless a book is top tier, the press release may go to reviewers with little follow-up.
My small press has a publicity person. Do I still need a publicist?
Possibly. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists says small presses often work hard and have fewer titles, but also fewer resources than big publishers, and rarely have budget for a targeted campaign per author. The firm can work alongside a press's team so the two efforts complement each other.
Can I make my own press kit instead of hiring a publicist?
You can, and the guide on this site shows what to include. The difference a publicist adds is distribution, follow-up, and relationships. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists says it has well-developed first-name relationships with hundreds of editors, reporters, columnists, and producers who receive and act on its kits.
Is a small book publicity firm better than a big agency?
It depends on what you value. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists is a small firm that emphasizes personal, highly collaborative relationships and campaigns customized to each author. A larger agency may suit authors who want a big team across many services. Compare who would actually handle your campaign day to day.
What is the difference between book publicity and book marketing?
Publicity earns coverage, such as interviews, reviews, and features, while marketing generally covers paid and owned promotion. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists centers on publicity and adds internet marketing, which helps authors develop content for websites, blogs, and social networks so exposure continues after the media campaign ends.
Where can I read reviews of C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists?
The firm publishes client testimonials on its references page, from authors including Mike Song, Mark Pastin, Prasad Kaipa, and Jim Camp. Those are statements the firm collected and chose to publish. You can also judge the work directly by downloading press kits and visiting the client media pages on this site.
Getting started and practical details
How do I start a book publicity campaign with C.S. Lewis & Co.?
Reach out through the firm's contact page. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists says it begins with a conversation about your expertise, strengths, media experience, and professional goals, then customizes a media kit and strategic campaign around them.
Where is C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists located?
The firm lists two offices: 2 Oriole Drive, Woodstock, New York 12498, and 31-F Stratford Lane West, Boynton Beach, Florida 33436. Book publicity is pitched to national and regional media, so authors do not need to live near either office to work with the firm.
Who runs C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists?
Cathy Lewis is president. She worked as an in-house publicist at publishing houses for seven years before launching the firm in 1994. David C. Lewis is vice president and helps authors focus their messaging through podcasts, radio, television, and contributor roles at sites such as Forbes.com and PsychologyToday.com.
Have the firm's authors reached bestseller lists?
Yes, according to the firm. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists says Cathy Lewis's campaigns have landed authors on the bestseller lists of the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. No publicist can promise a list placement, so treat this as track record rather than a guarantee.
What should I prepare before contacting a publicist?
Have your publication date, a short description of the book, a note on your expertise, any past media experience, and your professional goals ready. Those match the topics C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists says it covers in its first conversation with an author.
Can a book publicist guarantee media coverage?
No honest publicist can guarantee specific coverage, because editors and producers make the final call. What a firm like C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists controls is the quality of the press kit, the fit of each pitch, and the persistence of follow-up. Ask any publicist how they report results before you hire them.
Book launching soon? Get a press kit that gets used.
Authors and publishers with an upcoming launch are first in line at C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists. Start with a conversation about your expertise, your goals, and your publication date.