Publicist Cost Estimator
Estimate publicist fees for authors, executives, celebrities, and brands based on campaign type and scope.
Estimated Monthly Retainer
12-month ongoing retainer: $62,400 total
12
Months
45h
Hours/Month
$116
Effective Rate
Boutique Agency
Small team, specialized expertise
Industry Benchmark
Freelance publicists typically charge $1,500-$5,000/month. Boutique agencies range $3,500-$10,000/month. Top-tier entertainment publicists can command $20,000-$50,000+ monthly for celebrity clients. Book publicists often work on 3-6 month campaigns.
How to Use This Calculator
This calculator estimates publicist costs based on your profile, needs, and the type of representation you require.
Select your client type—celebrity and musician PR commands premium rates, while author and startup PR is more accessible.
Choose between freelance publicists, boutique agencies, and top-tier firms. Each offers different levels of access and reach.
Specify your campaign type and market scope. Launch campaigns and crisis management cost more than ongoing retainers. Results show monthly fees with total campaign cost projections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a publicist cost per month?
Publicists typically charge $1,500-$5,000/month for freelance work, $3,500-$10,000 for boutique agencies, and $15,000-$50,000+ for top-tier entertainment publicists. Rates vary significantly by client profile and scope.
What is the difference between a publicist and a PR agency?
A publicist is an individual who manages your media presence. PR agencies are firms with teams handling multiple clients. Publicists offer personal attention; agencies provide broader resources and coverage capacity.
How much does a book publicist cost?
Book publicists typically charge $3,000-$15,000 for a 3-month campaign, or $15,000-$30,000 for comprehensive 6-month campaigns. Top publicists for major releases can charge $25,000-$50,000+.
Do publicists charge hourly or monthly?
Most publicists charge monthly retainers for ongoing relationships. Hourly rates ($150-$500/hour) are common for project work or consulting. Retainers provide predictable costs and dedicated attention.
What does a publicist actually do?
Publicists secure media coverage, arrange interviews, write press releases, manage press events, handle media inquiries, and protect your public image. They leverage relationships with journalists and outlets.
How much does a celebrity publicist cost?
Celebrity publicists typically charge $10,000-$50,000+ monthly depending on profile and needs. A-list talent may pay $100,000+ annually for top representation. Crisis management commands premium rates.
When should I hire a publicist?
Hire a publicist 2-3 months before a launch, book release, or major announcement. For ongoing visibility, establish a relationship before you need crisis support. Building media presence takes time.
Why Use This Calculator
- Compare pricing across freelance, boutique, and top-tier publicists
- Calculate costs for different client types and industries
- Estimate launch, ongoing, and crisis campaign pricing
- Factor in market scope from local to international
- See hourly rate equivalents for comparison
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"We used these tools to build a realistic crisis communications budget before we actually needed it. Smart planning."
PR Manager, Financial Services