Publicists, also known as press agents, are hired to attract the press to write stories about their clients (who in this case are celebrities). In most cases, publicists write stories to make significant announcements about new business developments, or any other initiatives that their client is involved in.
This kind of job requires someone with excellent writing skills, creativity, and skills in building relationships. You might also have to do some extensive research about which publication houses might be interested in your stories. Overall, it is your job to connect them to the media.
If you feel like this is your calling, then look no further. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about being a celebrity publicist. We will tell you about the skills you will need and how you can get hired for this job.
Roles And Responsibilities Of A Celebrity Publicist
- Create, plan and execute publicity plans for your client
- Write press releases and other announcements that your client might wish to make
- Build relationships with journalists and always call them whenever your client needs them
- You are responsible for selecting which stories are supposed to run in the press
Expected Salary Of A Celebrity Publicist
Your salary will depend mainly on your level of expertise, education level, certificates you have acquired, and other factors. Your city of residence and the kind of celebrity you are working will also be a factor in determining your salary. With that being said, you will earn about $45,000, which is about $22 per hour, on average. The top 10% of individuals earn up to $65,000, which is about $32 per hour. However, the lowest 10% earn less than $30,000, which is $14 per hour.
Eligibility To Become A Celebrity Publicist
It would be best if you had a certain level of experience to get started. First, you need to have excellent writing skills. You might need an undergraduate degree, but this is not absolutely necessary if you have proven writing skills. If you are considering getting a degree, get one in the areas of advertising, journalism, or communication. If possible, also consider internships at local universities within your city to get started.
Landing an intern job is one great way to get your foot in the door. It will enable you to get experience and possibly help you land a jobs as a celebrity publicist in the future.
Skills Needed To Excel As A Celebrity Publicist
In addition to your education and experience, there are several skills you will need to succeed as a celebrity publicist.Â
Attitude
Attitude is everything if you want to succeed in your job. You have to ensure that you entice journalists and make sure that whatever you are selling sounds interesting to the readers. If you can’t sell your stories, then this might not be the right job for you.
Interpersonal Skills
You will also need to have excellent interpersonal skills to succeed in this job. This is because you will be interacting with many people every day. As such, you should be comfortable talking to a variety of different people.
Excellent Writing Skills
You need to have impeccable writing skills in order to produce professional releases and other materials. You might start small as you practice your grammar and other writing skills essentials. However, when working as a celebrity publicist, your work needs to be flawless.
Calm Personality
The truth is, this job will test you; sometimes there will be a lot of pressure. As such, you must remain composed and not lose your mind in stressful situations. You also must never be starstruck whenever you see celebrity clients.
Networking Skills
You will need a well-written portfolio that showcases your press materials. This is something that you can easily share while networking. This will help you easily land a job. You must be a people person and be ready to introduce yourself to future clients. In addition, you should make an effort to consistently attend networking opportunities.
Bottom Line
Becoming a celebrity publicist is a well-paying job. However, before you start looking for a job, make sure you are well prepared and ready for whatever it will throw your way. The truth is, this kind of job is not for the faint-hearted. You must develop a thick skin to succeed in this industry.
