What if the key to unlocking your brand’s full potential lies not just in having a presence but mastering the art of public relations? PR isn't simply about being seen—it's about shaping perceptions, building trust, and telling stories that resonate deeply. In today’s ever-shifting media landscape, understanding PR’s nuances can make or break your message.
Consider Dan Martell, an angel investor and SaaS founder, who credits Free PR for revealing hands-on tactics to gain massive media exposure without the costly agency route. Meanwhile, Michael McFall, Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, found You Need PR invaluable for startups seeking practical, budget-conscious guidance. And Francis Ingham, CEO of ICCO, praises The Global PR Revolution for its ethical insights and global perspective—vital in an interconnected world.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific experience level, industry, or goals might consider creating a personalized PR book that builds on these insights and accelerates your learning journey.
Dan Martell, angel investor and SaaS founder, encountered this book while seeking hands-on methods to boost media exposure without costly agencies. "Adrian and Cameron will show you the secrets of getting massive exposure for your business. This book is packed with actionable insights from two guys that actually know how to do it," he says, reflecting the practical edge the book offers. His experience scaling startups aligns perfectly with the book’s focus on empowering entrepreneurs to own their PR efforts. Alongside him, Kevin O'Leary, a Shark Tank investor, emphasizes how the book grounds PR as the core driver of customer acquisition, reinforcing why you should consider this as your go-to manual for media mastery.
“Adrian and Cameron will show you the secrets of getting massive exposure for your business. This book is packed with actionable insights from two guys that actually know how to do it.” (from Amazon)
Cameron Herold is “the COO Whisperer.” He is founder of the COO Alliance and the Second in Command podcast. By age thirty-five, Cameron had helped build his first two $100 million companies. By forty-two, he had engineered 1-800-GOT-JUNK?’s spectacular growth from $2 million to $106 million in revenue in just six years. An in-demand speaker, best-selling author, mentor, and coach, he has shown hundreds of clients globally how to double both their revenue and profit in three years or less. He is the top-rated lecturer at EO/MIT’s Entrepreneurial Masters Program and a powerful speaker at entrepreneur and leadership events online and in-person globally.
After years building multimillion-dollar companies and leading high-growth teams, Cameron Herold teamed up with Adrian Salamunovic to cut through the PR noise and show you how to command media attention without outsourcing. This book breaks down the mechanics of media relations, teaching you to build an in-house PR team, conduct effective interviews, and land free coverage by leveraging your unique company story. You'll find specific tactics like pitching strategies and interview frameworks that empower you to take control of your brand’s narrative. If you want to stop paying inflated fees for PR agencies and learn how to harness the press yourself, this book provides a clear map—though it’s best suited for entrepreneurs and marketers ready to roll up their sleeves.
Michael McFall, Co-CEO and Cofounder of Biggby Coffee, brings a seasoned perspective to PR strategy and endorses this book as essential reading for startup entrepreneurs. He discovered the book while navigating growth challenges in a competitive market and found Jenna Guarneri's approach refreshingly practical. "Jenna Guarneri has written a must-read for all entrepreneurs needing PR for their startup. Read this..." Michael credits the book with clarifying how to build brand presence and handle media relations effectively, making it a valuable resource for anyone aiming to boost their startup's visibility.
“Jenna Guarneri has written a must-read for all entrepreneurs needing PR for their startup. Read this book—and learn from one of the best.” (from Amazon)
Jenna Guarneri is the chief executive officer of JMG Public Relations, an award-winning PR firm based in New York City. Jenna counsels innovators who are changing the world with their B2B and B2C venture-backed startup companies. She is known for delivering quality work while fostering meaningful relationships with her clients, team, and media contacts. Jenna is an authority with a proven track record on reputation management, media relations, and brand communication. Jenna launched JMG Public Relations in 2015 to offer a unique blend of creative thinking, strategizing, and implementing public relations campaigns. Jenna and the JMG team are committed to fostering relationships that provide quality work to help clients reach a multi-platform audience while building and establishing their brands. Jenna is at the cusp of the ever-changing media world and delivers a fresh approach with high-impact results.
When Jenna Guarneri realized how crucial brand awareness is for startup survival, she wrote this guide to empower entrepreneurs with practical PR tools. You learn to humanize your brand, craft compelling press materials, and navigate media interactions effectively, all tailored for early-stage companies with limited budgets. For example, the book breaks down how to build a loyal following through authentic storytelling and offers stepwise guidance on launching PR campaigns. If you're leading a startup or small business eager to increase visibility and control your narrative, this book offers clear, actionable insights without jargon or fluff.
This personalized AI book about public relations is created after you share your PR background, experience level, and specific goals. Using AI, it crafts a tailored exploration of the PR topics that matter most to you, focusing on your interests and helping you build practical skills. Unlike one-size-fits-all guides, this book offers a custom pathway through complex PR concepts, making your learning more effective and relevant to your unique needs.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2025·50-300 pages·PR, Public Relations, Media Relations, Reputation Management, Crisis Communication
This personalized PR Mastery Blueprint explores the multifaceted world of public relations through a lens uniquely focused on your background and goals. It examines essential PR concepts such as media engagement, reputation management, and crisis communication, tailored specifically to your experience level and interests. The book delves into practical applications, revealing how to craft compelling narratives and build trust with diverse audiences. By synthesizing broad industry knowledge into a tailored pathway, it guides you through mastering the nuances of public relations that matter most to you. This approach enhances your ability to shape perceptions effectively, making your learning experience both relevant and deeply engaging.
Eric Weiner, New York Times bestselling author, highlights how Maxim Behar navigates the complexities of today’s PR world, especially amidst social media’s dual role in connecting and dividing people. He notes, "The world is changing. Social media is bringing people together and tearing them apart. It’s hard to know what to believe and who to trust, especially when it comes to the letters ‘PR.’ Enter Maxim Behar..." This perspective underscores how the book helped Weiner find clarity in a noisy landscape, making it essential for those seeking to understand PR’s evolving nature. Alongside him, Francis Ingham, head of PRCA and ICCO, praises Behar’s ethical focus and comprehensive insights, reinforcing why this work resonates with PR professionals aiming to balance power with responsibility.
“The world is changing. Social media is bringing people together and tearing them apart. It’s hard to know what to believe and who to trust, especially when it comes to the letters ‘PR.’ Enter Maxim Behar. He cuts through the noise and locks in on the signal. He helps us navigate the changes afoot and reminds us that some things—dignity, integrity—remain constant. Best of all, he delivers his message with a light touch that makes The Global PR Revolution a pleasure to read.” (from Amazon)
Maxim Behar is a renowned public relations expert with extensive experience in the field. He has served as the president of the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) and is recognized for his innovative approaches to PR. Behar has worked with numerous global brands and has been a thought leader in the industry, sharing insights on the evolving landscape of public relations. His expertise is reflected in his writing, where he combines practical advice with a deep understanding of the media and communication strategies.
2019·312 pages·Public Relations, PR, Social Media, Media Relations, Content Creation
Drawing from decades of leadership in global public relations, Maxim Behar explores how the PR landscape has transformed in the digital age. You gain insights into modern social media dynamics, learn to craft content that aligns with client needs, and grasp emerging skills like measuring impact and embracing transparency. His inclusion of perspectives from over seventy PR leaders worldwide provides a broad understanding of international media trends and future industry directions. If you’re involved in PR or communications, this book offers a grounded look at evolving strategies while emphasizing ethical professionalism and adaptability.
Daniel Diermeier, a professor at the Kellogg School of Management and author of Reputation Rules, emphasizes the growing importance of reputation protection for CEOs and boards. He highlights this book as a vital resource, noting its wealth of case examples and practical concepts that guide leaders in navigating crises effectively. His endorsement reflects the book’s relevance in today’s fast-paced media environment and its value in shaping thoughtful corporate reputation strategies.
“The need to protect a company's reputation has become an ever more pressing concern for CEOs and corporate boards. This book, by a leader in the field, provides a comprehensive guide for leaders to get it right. Filled with case examples and useful concepts it belongs on every executive's desk.” (from Amazon)
Andrew Griffin is a recognized expert in crisis management and reputation strategies, with extensive experience working with international brands. His insights into public relations and corporate social responsibility have made him a sought-after consultant and speaker in the field.
When Andrew Griffin analyzed high-profile crises faced by global brands like Nestlé and McDonald's, he uncovered how rapidly changing public expectations demand a proactive reputation strategy. In this book, you learn how to identify potential issues before they escalate and manage both internal and external crises with minimal disruption. Griffin draws on detailed case studies to show how companies can align corporate social responsibility with reputation management, offering practical frameworks that go beyond theory. If you work in communications, leadership, or brand management, this book equips you with a grounded understanding of crisis dynamics and how to safeguard your organization's public image effectively.
Jason MacKenzie, a PR Chartered Marketer and Managing Director at Liquid, brings a wealth of experience as a former President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. He discovered this book amid ongoing debates about the role of ethics in PR, a field often polarized between dismissing ethics and over-intellectualizing it. He describes it as a pragmatic antidote that grounds the conversation in real-world professionalism and social responsibility. Jason's endorsement highlights how the book reshaped his thinking by framing ethical behavior not as an abstract ideal but as the foundation of PR practice, urging you to read, learn, and apply its principles with conviction.
“Too often, the PR industry finds itself jammed between those who see ethics as irrelevant and those who view it as a branch of moral philosophy. Many of our colleagues hear 'ethics' and turn off altogether. 'Ethics in Public Relations' provides a pragmatic antidote to this malaise. Rooted in reality and pointing to professionalism, it reminds us of our societal responsibility. It's readable, digestible and provocative. Whether you consider yourself to be a student, a scholar or neither, I contend that you ought to be both. As such, this book challenges you head on. 'Do unto others as you would have them do to you' isn't a platitude, it's our raison d'être. Read, learn, implement and enjoy!” (from Amazon)
After more than two decades immersed in public relations, Patricia J Parsons draws on her extensive academic and professional experience to tackle the complex ethical landscape PR professionals face today. This book guides you through the evolving challenges posed by social media, technology, and shifting societal expectations, with a fresh chapter on ethical dilemmas in online engagement. You’ll gain practical frameworks to navigate conflicts of interest, transparency issues, and reputation management, making it particularly useful for PR practitioners and students committed to integrity. Parsons doesn’t just present theory; she equips you with real-world tools to uphold credibility in a field where trust is paramount.
This personalized AI book about rapid PR tactics is created based on your background, skill level, and specific challenges in public relations. You share your goals and the areas where you want to improve, and the book focuses on delivering clear, actionable steps that match your unique situation. Using AI to tailor the content ensures you get a focused guide, avoiding generic advice and helping you implement effective strategies more quickly.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2025·50-300 pages·PR, Public Relations, Media Outreach, Message Crafting, Crisis Communication
This tailored book explores rapid implementation tactics designed to address your unique public relations challenges. It carefully examines the core principles of effective PR while focusing on actionable steps that match your background and specific goals. By synthesizing key concepts with your individual needs, it reveals personalized pathways to accelerate your media exposure and reputation management. The book covers everything from crafting compelling messages to managing crises, ensuring you gain confidence and clarity in executing PR tactics that resonate with your audience. This personalized approach helps you cut through generic advice and concentrate on what truly matters for your success in the dynamic PR landscape.
Liz H. Kelly, founder and CEO of Goody PR and an award-winning author, brings two decades of public relations and marketing experience to this book. She has booked thousands of interviews on major outlets like the TODAY Show, CNN, and NPR. Driven by her mission to "Magnify Good," Kelly shares insider knowledge designed to help small businesses and authors craft their Wow Story and expand their media presence effectively.
Liz H. Kelly is the Founder/CEO of Goody PR and Goody Business Book Awards, Award-Winning Author of “8-Second PR: New Public Relations Crash Course” (2nd Edition, 2022), and a Podcast Host, whose Mission is to “Magnify Good.” With 20 years of public relations and marketing experience, Kelly's booked thousands of media interviews for clients, including on the TODAY Show, PBS, CNN, BBC World News, NPR, and in TIME, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, along with hundreds of local TV, radio and podcast interviews. Her Goody PR agency primarily helps small businesses, authors and experts define their Wow Story, raise brand awareness and ultimately increase sales. Kelly is a Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business alumni from Baltimore, Maryland, teaches digital marketing at UCLA Extension, loves living near the beach and mountains in Santa Monica, California, and is an autism advocate.
2022·310 pages·Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Media Interviews, Brand Awareness
The methods Liz H. Kelly developed while booking thousands of media interviews for clients form the backbone of this PR guide. You learn how to craft compelling pitches, develop a Wow Story that commands attention, and secure interviews across traditional and digital media platforms like CNN, NPR, and podcasts. Kelly breaks down strategies to maximize brand exposure, including creating digital press kits and measuring publicity value, offering concrete tools like templates and updated PR superpowers. If you're a small business owner, author, or marketing professional eager to raise your profile and increase sales through earned media, this book offers a clear, practical roadmap without fluff or jargon.
Don W. Stacks, PhD, Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Public Relations Program at the University of Miami, brings unparalleled expertise to this volume. His extensive academic and consulting career, highlighted by prestigious awards from the Public Relations Society of America, informs a thorough exploration of research’s critical role in public relations. This book reflects his commitment to elevating standards-based practice, offering you a clear path to mastering PR research and measurement.
Don W. Stacks, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Public Relations/Corporate Communication in the School of Communication at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. He served as Director of the Public Relations Program from 1995 to 2009 and Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Creative Support from 2009 to 2013. Dr. Stacks has written more than 300 scholarly articles and papers and has authored or coauthored 10 books on communication topics. He is the recipient of honors including the Outstanding Educator Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA); the Jackson, Jackson, and Wagner Behavioral Science Prize from the PRSA Foundation; and the Distinguished Research Fellow and Distinguished Teaching Fellow awards from the Eastern Communication Association. Dr. Stacks has been an active communication consultant since the 1970s. His areas of expertise include organizational systems assessment, sociological/psychological organizational analysis, media relations, internal organizational communications, and leadership; he is also a trained listening specialist. Dr. Stacks serves on the editorial boards of numerous communication and public relations journals, is editor of Communications Research Reports (vols. 31–33), and directs the annual International Public Relations Research Conference. He is a trustee of the Institute for Public Relations and the Arthur W. Page Society and serves on the boards of the International Public Relations Association and the Commission on Public Relations Measurement and Evaluation.
2016·404 pages·Public Relations, PR, Research Methods, Measurement, Campaign Evaluation
Drawing from decades of academic and consulting experience, Don W. Stacks crafted this text to demystify the role of research in public relations. You’ll find detailed guidance on both qualitative and quantitative methods, including how to set baselines, benchmarks, and key performance indicators to evaluate PR efforts effectively. The book breaks down complex concepts like content analysis software and Big Data advantages, making them accessible for application in campaign planning and evaluation. If your goal is to master the metrics behind public relations or enhance your ability to present research clearly to stakeholders, this book offers concrete tools and practice problems to sharpen those skills.
Tom Kelleher, professor and associate dean at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, brings a wealth of experience from roles at NASA and Ketchum. His expertise in university relations, science communication, and agency public relations informs this book’s authoritative perspective. Driven by shifts in digital media, Kelleher crafted this work to guide you through the evolving landscape of public relations, blending classic principles with modern challenges to prepare you for today’s communications environment.
Tom Kelleher is Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research in the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. Kelleher has worked in university relations at the University of Florida; science communication at NASA in Huntsville, Alabama; and agency public relations at Ketchum in Atlanta.
When Tom Kelleher compiled this edition, his extensive experience from NASA to Ketchum shaped a nuanced view of public relations that goes beyond basics. You’ll learn how PR now hinges on engagement, transparency, and trust, especially amid social media’s rise, with chapters detailing how to navigate digital conversations and influence diverse audiences. This book suits students and professionals eager to grasp both foundational principles and the evolving tactics that define modern public relations practice. Specific sections on integrating cultural shifts and technical innovations provide concrete frameworks you can apply in real-world communications.
Marc Whitt brings nearly 35 years of experience as Director of Media & Strategic Relations at the University of Kentucky to this book. His deep understanding of higher education and nonprofit communications informs practical guidance shaped by a career marked with over 40 honors, including CASE Silver Medal Awards and the James C. Bowling Excellence in Public Relations Award. Whitt’s dual role as a part-time instructor further grounds his insights in current academic and professional practices, making this work especially relevant for communicators navigating complex institutional landscapes.
Marc Whitt is Director of Media & Strategic Relations at the University of Kentucky's Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications. He also serves as a part-time instructor in UK's Department of Integrated Strategic Communication and is a former PR and marketing columnist for the national trade magazine, University Business. During his nearly 35 years in higher education, Marc's work has achieved measurable results garnering over 40 honors including back-to-back CASE Silver Medal Awards for Total Institutional Relations Program. In 2015, he received the James C. Bowling Excellence in Public Relations Award. Presented by the UK Journalism Alumni Association and UK Department of Integrated Strategic Communication, the award is given to the 'outstanding public relations practitioner with ties to Kentucky.' That same year, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Communication. Recently Onalytica, a firm that identifies social influencers, named him among the 'Top 100 Public Relations Influencers on Twitter;' he was ranked 21st. Additionally, CASE Kentucky presented him with its Beth K. Fields Service Award for Leadership in Advancement.
2020·276 pages·PR, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Crisis Management, Nonprofit Communications
Marc C. Whitt, with nearly 35 years in higher education public relations, offers a wealth of practical insights drawn from his extensive career at the University of Kentucky. This book distills his experience managing institutional reputation and strategic communications, focusing on the unique challenges faced by higher ed and nonprofit PR professionals. You’ll find concrete advice on building sustainable relationships, crafting authentic narratives, and maintaining professionalism under pressure. Chapters such as those on crisis communication and values-driven leadership provide actionable frameworks rather than generic platitudes, making it particularly useful for communicators aiming to deepen their strategic impact in mission-driven organizations.
Amy Rosenberg is a seasoned public relations professional with extensive experience across media outlets and modern PR strategies. Her deep understanding of SEO, content marketing, and social media informs this guide, which aims to empower you to navigate the complexities of public relations effectively and build a stronger career or marketing skill set.
Amy Rosenberg is a seasoned public relations professional with extensive experience in the industry. She has worked with various media outlets and has a deep understanding of modern PR strategies. Her insights into SEO, content marketing, and social media have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant. With a passion for teaching others, Amy aims to empower individuals to navigate the complexities of public relations effectively.
Amy Rosenberg’s extensive experience in public relations shines through this guide, revealing methods that go beyond traditional press releases. She explores how SEO can be intertwined with PR efforts, transforming blog posts into powerful tools that boost visibility and media coverage. The book also dives into social media’s evolving role, teaching you how to connect with reporters and influencers in meaningful ways. Whether you’re launching a PR career or expanding your marketing skill set, Rosenberg’s insights offer concrete strategies grounded in real industry dynamics, especially useful chapters on operating like a newsroom and leveraging content for broader PR impact.
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These ten books collectively spotlight the multifaceted nature of public relations—from startup-focused tactics, ethical frameworks, to crisis management and global trends. If you're launching a new venture, You Need PR offers a grounded path. Facing turbulent reputational waters? Crisis, Issues and Reputation Management equips you with practical tools. For those eager to harness digital channels, A Modern Guide to Public Relations brings SEO and social media into focus.
Pairing books like Free PR and 8-Second PR can boost your media outreach rapidly, while Primer of Public Relations Research sharpens the analytical skills essential for measuring success. Alternatively, you can create a personalized PR book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation.
Whatever your PR challenge, these books offer trusted guidance that can help you accelerate your learning journey, refine your strategies, and ultimately, shape narratives that resonate.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with You Need PR if you're new or leading a startup—it breaks down PR basics with practical steps. For seasoned pros, The Global PR Revolution offers ethical and global insights that deepen your understanding.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to PR?
Not at all. Several titles like You Need PR and 8-Second PR are approachable for beginners, while others provide depth as your skills grow.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational guides such as You Need PR or Public Relations, then explore specialized topics like crisis management or ethics as you gain confidence.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can start with one that matches your immediate goals. For example, choose Free PR for hands-on media tactics or Ethics in Public Relations for integrity-focused practice.
Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?
Free PR and 8-Second PR are packed with concrete strategies and templates designed for immediate application in media outreach and pitching.
How can I apply general PR principles from these books to my unique situation?
Great question! While these books offer solid frameworks, personalized PR content can tailor strategies to your industry, experience, and goals. Consider creating a personalized PR book to bridge expert knowledge with your specific needs.
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