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What does a Publicist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A publicist is a person who helps to generate positive publicity for a person, organization, or product. A publicist may work with the media to arrange interviews, write press releases, or coordinate special events.

Publicist job duties include:

  • Developing and executing publicity campaigns
  • Writing and distributing press releases
  • Arranging interviews, press conferences, and other media events
  • Coordinating with advertising and marketing departments
  • Researching media coverage opportunities
  • Creating and maintaining relationships with members of the media
  • Monitoring news stories for client mentions
  • Generating positive media coverage for clients
  • Responding to negative media coverage
  • Writing reports on the effectiveness of publicity campaigns

Publicist Job Requirements

A publicist is responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for their client. This can be accomplished through various means such as press releases, media relations, and event planning. A successful publicist must have excellent communication and writing skills. They must also be able to think creatively to come up with new and innovative ways to promote their client. In most cases, a publicist will need at least a bachelor's degree in communications or a related field. Some publicists may also choose to get certified through organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Publicist Skills

  • Writing
  • Research
  • Communication
  • Marketing
  • Organizational
  • Time Management
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Interpersonal
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making

Related: Top Publicist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Publicist

A publicist is a professional who helps to generate and manage publicity for a person, organization, or product. In order to become a publicist, one must have excellent communication and writing skills, be well-organized, and be able to think creatively.

There are many ways to break into the field of public relations. Many publicists start out working in an entry-level position in a PR firm. This can be a great way to learn the ropes and get experience in the industry. Another option is to work as a freelance publicist. This can be a more flexible option, but it may be more difficult to find clients.

Once you have some experience under your belt, you can start your own PR firm or specialize in a certain area of public relations, such as event planning or media relations. No matter what path you take, remember that success in this field depends on your ability to build relationships, think outside the box, and always be ready to pitch your next big idea.

Related: Publicist Resume Example

Related: Publicist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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