PR WRITING: Mini Backgrounder

The organization I chose for this assignment was Julia Drake Public Relations. While this organization does not explicitly give a headquarters, their contact information suggests that they are based out of the Los Angeles area.  While the company does not list a date for their opening, they do consider themselves a boutique agency. They assist authors in publicizing their work, by book tours/event, social media, and other methods. The founder Julia Drake, from Germany moved into the literary PR realm because of her love of reading.

Julia Drake Public Relations excels in several areas. They are an all encompassing company that takes on the task of helping authors be successful after they’ve finished their writing. This company has a long list of services that it offers. Ranging from Website design to press campaigns, they help authors in various areas to ensure the authors can sell their products to potential readers.

Some weaknesses I felt this company had, was that their website did not seem to tie them to any specific place. It is possible they would have authors from all over the country and how would they be able to ensure an author the best local accommodation and strategic plans if they are so far from the areas. While we are in the year 2016 and technology and social media are tools that we can use to accomplish many tasks that can transcend geographic limitations, some authors may like an agency with a tangible office and location.

While I am sure this industry has a lot of competition, from what I can tell they compete highly with Rockstar Lit and PR. That company while dealing with a lot of the same clientele also manages a lot of bloggers and has a very blog heavy culture at their agency. The next agency I found that rivals JDPR is JKS Communications is another agency based out of Nashville TN. Their website is very crisp and clean, easy to navigate, and clear. Lastly, Jen Halligan PR Literary Publicity also competes with JDPR and has an extensive client list.

JDPR is relatively active on social media. Using mainly Facebook and Twitter they can promote their authors and shares news with their followers.

https://www.facebook.com/juliadrakepr/

1,842 people like the page

https://twitter.com/juliadrakepr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

3,533 people following

https://www.linkedin.com/company/julia-drake-pr

from what I have found JDPR has not made any local or national headlines. Their news comes in the way of the authors they represent. On February 9, the Historical Novel Society reviewed “Blood of the Oak” by Eliot Pattison whom, they represent. The book was also featured on Publishers Weekly last month.

JDPR does a lot for their clients and since they are a boutique agency they are able to keep their client list to a minimum if they’d like to ensure each client gets the most out of the services they offer.