Ali Steed is a multi-award-winning national journalist and broadcaster, and a published crime author. With more than 20 years’ experience on the receiving end of pitches, she understands exactly what journalists look for – and just as importantly, what makes them switch off. She now uses that insight to help authors find credible PR angles and approach the media with confidence.

In Ali's guest blog, she talks about why PR is so important to get right in your author journey.

Can PR Help Indie Authors Build Real Readers?

Writing the book was only the beginning. Now you need readers, not just one-off buyers, but people who trust you, follow your work, and become fans. Then your books begin to sell themselves.

Most authors are told the answer is advertising, through Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, sometimes both. And they can work, but they’re not the only option, and they’re rarely the best way to build credibility.

That’s where PR can make the difference.

Is PR actually relevant for authors like me?

In most cases, yes. PR isn’t just for traditionally published authors or people with large budgets. Indie authors often have the most to gain from it, because you don’t have a publisher doing this work for you.

If your book is launching or relaunching, has been shortlisted for an award, ties into something happening in the wider world, or connects to an anniversary or cultural conversation, there is usually a PR angle. That applies to fiction as much as non-fiction.

The biggest challenge isn’t having an opportunity; it’s knowing how to spot it.

Will the media take an indie author seriously?

Yes, if you approach them properly. Most authors make the mistake of aiming too high too soon, or pitching in a way that sounds promotional rather than useful. Local media, niche outlets, specialist blogs and podcasts are often the most effective places to start, and they help you build momentum over time.

Journalists make decisions quickly. One weak or badly timed pitch can close doors you didn’t even realise were open, which is why how you approach PR matters as much as whether you do it at all.

Do I need to hire a publicist?

For most authors, no. Publicists can cost thousands of pounds a month, which simply isn’t realistic. More importantly, no one understands your book, your background or your voice better than you do.

What most authors don’t need is someone to take over. They need someone to help them see their book differently, shape the right angles, and avoid the common mistakes that waste time and goodwill.

That’s what the PR Power Hour for Authors is designed to do.

It’s a one-to-one session with Ali Steed, a multi-award-winning national journalist and crime fiction author who has worked on both sides of the media. The focus is practical and specific: identifying real PR opportunities for your book and helping you approach them with clarity and confidence.

The PR Power Hour for Authors is available until the end of January at a reduced price and since it is tax deductible in most countries, you can even get the taxman to pay for it. More importantly, it’s designed to give you tools you can use again, rather than a one-off burst of publicity that looks impressive but doesn’t lead to consistent sales.

If you know your book deserves more visibility, but you’re not sure how to make that happen, this is a great place to start.

– Ali Steed, Moneta Media