Starting a PR Firm

Interview with PR by the Book Founder Marika Flatt

Marika Flatt founded a PR firm that specializes in working with authors and others in the publishing industry. For those of you who are wondering how to start a PR firm, you can find some good tips in this interview.

Marika started her public relations firm in 2002 in Austin, Texas.

We had the pleasure of hearing about her entrepreneurial journey and how she's built up a strong and loyal base of PR clients.

Tell me about your current business. What are you doing exactly?

At PR by the Book we handle media relations activities for authors, publishers and businesses.

What were you doing before this, and is this your first business?

I was the lead publicist at a local book publicity firm. Yes, this is my first business and probably my last.

Where did you get the startup money?

We are big "savers" and this started as a very inexpensive home-based business.

Who are your main competitors? How do you compete against them?

Our main competitors are other book publicity firms. We offer specialized hands-on service like no other, including daily to weekly updates to clients.

How has your experience in running the business been different from what you expected?

We've grown bigger than what I had originally envisioned.

Is there anything you wish you had done differently?

Not a thing so far!

What have you done that has been very effective in helping to grow the business?

We attend book industry trade shows and develop long-term relationships with publishing houses.

What advice would you give to somebody else who wanted to start a similar business?

Pay attention to your clients and what they need to feel secure in their investment.

Sounds like an interesting business, Marika. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!

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