Hannah Hargrave

Hannah Hargrave – Publicist

I am an award winning publicist with a decade of experience managing debut and high-profile book campaigns - both fiction and non-fiction.

Overview

When it comes to book PR, I believe that one size doesn’t fit all. I offer each of my clients a fresh approach, focused attention, individualized service, and creative insight into the many ways that their book can become a best-seller. I provide highly effective, affordable communications strategies that rival the highest priced agencies. Simply put, I deliver more for less.

My speciality is big idea projects, media stunts and newsworthy features. I am fuelled by a drive to secure the best possible results for my clients.

I am an award-winning publicist and event producer with 17 years’ experience managing challenging and high-profile media projects. Recent clients include the BBC, the British Council, Summersdale (Hachette), Wild Things Publishing, Confingo Publishing, Darton, Longman and Todd, SCM Press, Deixis Press, Bench Press and the Space (founded by Arts Council England and the BBC to bring arts organisations, artists and technology together to make great art). Recent authors I haves worked with include Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Katherine Langrish, Dave Haslam, Alison Jean Lester, Jessica Vincent, Nicholas Royle, Toby Litt, Sophie Mackintosh, Jessica Gregson and Rachel Mann.

A graduate of Exeter University and the University of California, I learnt from the best, working as a publicist for Hachette and the BBC. I worked in-house as Publicity Manager for Little, Brown Book Group, as well as for several independent publishing houses. I've had experience working with celebrity authors (including Sharon Osbourne and Goldie Hawn), as well as unknown and debut writers. Later on, working in the BBC press office, I was responsible for corporate communications and events with external stakeholders, from MPs to the leaders of national arts organisations. I also created unique events for BBC Drama, BBC Radio 4 and Strictly Come Dancing.

Digital PR has always been at the heart of my campaigns. I create distinctive and effective digital content for blogs, websites, newsletters, apps and social media.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Health & Wellbeing History Self-Help & Self-Improvement Travel
Fiction
Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
Awards
  • Bookseller Award for Original Non-Fiction Campaign
  • Daily Mail Award for Paperback Original Fiction Campaign

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2016 — Present

I can:

- Devise and execute a promotional strategy for your brand or books.
- Create eye-catching press releases and send them to key media contacts.
- Manage your PR campaign, securing reviews, features and interviews in the national and regional press, radio and television.
- Support you in developing features for the press.
- Plan and assist you in delivering compelling and highly shareable written and visual blog content for use on your website, email newsletters, blog and social media channels. I can also help you to create and manage your online profile.
- Identify and develop brand partnerships for your brand or book.
- Provide author care and talent management.
- Manage author events, publicity tours, press calls and festival visits.

While no professional publicist can ever guarantee coverage in the media, with her knowledge and years of experience she can increase your chances of obtaining publicity in the press, on the airways and across the internet.

PR today is about being inspired, imaginative and having an ability to predict news backed up with fact. It’s about identifying the unique aspects of your book, brand or organisation that will catch the attention of journalists and your target audience.

Wild Things Publishing

Dec, 2014 — Jan, 2016 (about 1 year)

I managed all the publicity and marketing requirements for this independent book publishing company. Writing press releases and publicity strategies, producing marketing materials, and pitching original and eye-catching features ideas, I achieved press coverage across the national print and broadcast press. I was responsible for all social media feeds, creating digital content and devising promotional partnerships and competitions to increase sales and customer engagement. I left to pursue a freelance career.

BBC

Dec, 2012 — Dec, 2014 (about 2 years)

Working as part of the BBC communications, marketing and public affairs departments, I was responsible for external communication and engagement across the north of England. I produced and managed launch events and edited several weekly newsletters in order to communicate BBC policy and promote BBC content to MPs, senior industry figures, columnists and commentators. I advised senior management on the BBC North corporate affairs strategy, producing briefing documents and drafting speeches.

Working within the busy BBC North press office gave me an acute awareness and understanding of reputation and crisis management. I was lucky enough to work with some incredible BBC brands and talent, including Dr Who and Strictly Come Dancing, and across BBC Drama, BBC Radio and on large live events across the country.

Ryland, Peters and Small

Jul, 2012 — Dec, 2012 (5 months)

I managed publicity campaigns for 60 new food, craft, MBS, interiors, humour and gift books, organising authors' press schedules and arranging launch parties. I devised and implemented press strategies across the national media and developed a wide range of contacts across both the broadcast and print media. I became confident at handling media enquiries and pitching ideas to journalists across the national and regional press, as demonstrated by the blanket coverage I achieved each month for my book campaigns. I organised blog tours for individual authors, including a viral video campaign, and edited twitter profiles for the company brand imprints. I also acted as a line manager to the department publicity assistant. In December 2012 I relocated to the north west of England.

Little, Brown Book Group

Jun, 2007 — Jun, 2012 (about 5 years)

I planned and executed publicity campaigns of a consistently high standard for this commercial book publisher. While I enjoyed working with several celebrity clients, including Goldie Hawn, Ewan McGregor and Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, it was the publicity campaigns with lesser known authors and books for which I feel most proud. For example, my social media campaign for the book From Notting Hill with Love…Actually generated a huge response from readers, and as a result it became one of the biggest selling debuts of the year.

I managed author interview schedules, events and promotional book tours across the UK with major retailers. Twice The Bookseller trade magazine highlighted my PR campaigns for generating the most press coverage across all book titles published nationally.

I held the department responsibility for online publicity. I created distinct and effective digital content for blogs, websites, newsletters, apps and social media. I was also involved in sales presentations and editorial pitches with authors and agents, creating publicity strategy for company documents. I left in order to take on the additional responsibility of managing a team at Ryland, Peters and Small, an independent book publisher.

Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd, London

Sep, 2005 — May, 2007 (over 1 year)

As publicity officer for this independent academic publishing company, it was my responsibility to create and implement publicity and marketing campaigns for 40 titles a year. This involved designing and placing adverts and producing marketing materials, including a re-design of the annual book catalogue in colour, which I also edited. I also created, edited and managed a new website, contributing to increased sales for the company. I implemented a national campaign for Hostage in Iraq by Norman Kember, which involved negotiating serial with a national newspaper. I also designed an illustrated advertisement which I placed on the London Underground. I was privileged to work closely on promotional campaigns for the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams. I left to pursue a career in commercial book publishing with Little, Brown Book Group.

Portfolio

Hostage in Iraq

Norman Kember

Lady Of The English

Elizabeth Chadwick

Rush of Blood

Mark Billingham

Rush of Blood Perfect strangers. A perfect holiday. The perfect murder...Three couples meet around the pool on their Florida holiday and become fast friends. But on their last night, their perfect holiday takes a tragic twist: the teenage daughter of another h... read more
Is there a large arse-shaped dent in your sofa? Unwatched workout DVDs gathering dust on your shelves? An eye-wateringly expensive (and rarely used) gym membership burning a hole in your bank account? Does the sight of your wobbly thighs leave you cowering und... read more
The Armstrong and Miller Book is the brilliantly funny new book from Armstrong (and, indeed, Miller). This hilarious compendium of entirely original material is packed with favourites such as the street-talking World War II pilots (starring in their very own c... read more
Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy, hardcover, Fine, as new
Vintage Sharon... fiery and full of passion... great fun and brutally honest and revealing.
Revenge

Sharon Osbourne

* In the mega-bestselling tradition of Jilly Cooper and Jackie Collins - Sharon Osbourne's brilliant debut novel
The fantastic follow up adventure from Long Way Down, where Where Charlie Boorman uses any means necessary to travel across 3 continents, over 20,000 miles through 25 countries. A superb read. (bio)
Long Way Down

Charley Boorman

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman travel down through Africa in a fascinating new biking adventure
HAND Signed By Goldie hawn during a book signing at waterstones London when the book was published. has waterstones 'signed by author' label on front
The Little Book of Wellbeing is a must for men and women of all ages - a simple little guide to a much better life. Nikki Page is the picture of wellbeing. Having faced serious health problems, Nikki underwent her own personal journey to discover how to improv... read more
Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Interiors
CICO BOOKS-The Art of Handmade Living Crafting A Beautiful Home. Willow Crossley believes that everything in the home, however mundane, can be beautiful. This book shows her ideas for turning the most basic objects into original life enhancers. Willow casts he... read more
Seductive Interiors

Sera Hersham-Loftus

Explore the fabled beauty of Sera Hersham-Loftus's renowned interior decorations. The innovator of the seductive boudoir trend, Sera shows us the best of her design style adapted to a wide range of settings, including her own home, which has become one of the ... read more
This stunning and original British travel guide charts lesser known gardens, spectacular meadows, the best kitchen garden food, plus wild places to camp and stay. From traditional cottage gardens and walled-gardens, to newly designed gardens planted for bees a... read more
Wild Swimming Walks Devon and Dartmoor: 28 lake, river and beach days out in south west England
Discover over 150 magical places to swim and explore in Spain. With stunning photography this book reveals the best crystal mountain lakes, secluded lake-side beaches, and turquoise pools hidden deep in waterfall-filled gorges. With recommendations for places ... read more
Cycling journalist Laurence McJannet embarks on an off-roadadventure to bike and wild camp his way along some of Britain’s mostbeautiful off-road trails and ancient trackways, revealing:• 30 of the finest off-road r ides our island has to off er, from the Isle... read more

Hannah has 20 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Nick B.

Nick B.

Sep, 2024

It is a pleasure working with Hannah. Very experienced and knowledgeable.
Mo F.

Mo F.

Jun, 2024

I have found myself fully supported and actually 'in demand'. My advance print orders for this, my fourth novel, are almost equal to the total for the previous three combined, so given ebooks are my usual sell, I expect to retire soon, based on Hannah's ability to listen, adapt and be constantly on the lookout for new angles and people to approach. I will be back.
Jayne C.

Jayne C.

Jun, 2024

Hannah provides an excellent service. She is professional, quick to respond to any queries, and a joy to work with. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a publicist.
Vanessa E.

Vanessa E.

Apr, 2024

Hannah was completely reliable, competent and easy to work with. She executed on our agreed plan exactly as she said she would and managed to get me as a new, unknown author some great coverage. She was very good at managing expectations and keeping me informed of progress. I would recommend her to anyone!
christine P.

christine P.

Feb, 2024

Hannah has been everything her profile claimed - and more. I’ve felt lucky to have had her gunning for me, she’s a star! She has been super professional, super efficient and hard-working, always upbeat and cheerful, knowledgeable about her area, fun, and a general delight to work with. She took me on before I found a publisher, and has worked unstintingly to successfully secure sites for my onl...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Hannah and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Hannah

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Kelli Daniel-Richards

Kelli D.

Former senior publicist at Penguin Random House. 14 years of experience promoting nonfiction titles (mostly self-help, parenting, business)

Lakeland, FL, USA

99% reply rate

View profile
Ben Cameron

Ben C.

UK-based book publicity services for authors and publishers for 20 years. Named one of the most influential book marketers worldwide.

London, United Kingdom

100% reply rate

View profile
Jodie Hockensmith

Jodie H.

I am a freelance publicist with 20 years of experience working with almost every major publishing house and countless bestselling authors.

Kansas City, KS, USA

99% reply rate

View profile