Kris Barnes

Kris Barnes – Publicist

Book marketing, PR and promotion consultant. I help authors and publishers get reviewers and promote their books online and in the media

Overview

Kris is a specialist boutique book marketing consultant and publicist, working with many authors, both self-published and published, and publishers in the UK, Europe, North America and Asia.

Using a mixture of digital PR, social media, social PR, blogging and email marketing I devise and implement marketing strategies tailored to our author’s books in order to help them create, enhance and improve their online presence.

I help them connect and engage directly with existing and potential readers; build up a large community across various digital and social platforms; effectively promote and market themselves and their books; source reviews, features and interviews; and ultimately help them sell more books.

Here's what some of my clients say – Testimonials:

Tariq Chaudhry, author of historical fiction novel ‘The Queen of Sparta‘:
I have worked with Kris Barnes for six months. He publicized my novel, the Queen of Sparta and I have been very pleased with his outputs. He is a conscientious professional who delivers results. He is also very friendly and supportive with an exceptionally positive attitude. It has been a pleasure to work with Kris
.
Brookyln Brayl, writer/performer/poet – ‘Dirty Beautiful Words’:
I highly recommend Kris. He has been crucial in the promotion and marketing of my first book, Dirty Beautiful Words. Before signing with him, the book was lost in the digital maze of Amazon. Once we started working together, the book was reviewed, mentioned, critiqued and recommended on national and international platforms as well as other media outlets (radio/print).
I even landed my first magazine cover, something that would not have been possible without Kris and his dedication to the project.
He knows what he’s doing and does it well, but more importantly, he enjoys and believes in helping talented writers and artists get the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

Jean Shorney, Crime Author of ‘Progeny of a Killer‘ and ‘Stalking Aidan‘
Kris Barnes has worked with me in promoting my novels for the past few weeks. Have to say that through Kris’ endeavours, my novel ‘Progeny of a Killer ‘ has been in the Amazon Terrorism thrillers bestsellers six times in Top 100 Paid in Kindle.
I have used other publicists in the past. In the wake of the press release, I have had to send books to reviewers. None of which replied. Kris sends complimentary copies to be reviewed. He knows the contacts. I’m just the writer. I would certainly recommend him if you want that book to get noticed.
Matthew Smith, Founder and Director at Urbane Publications
“Having been fortunate enough to work with Kris I would have no hesitation in recommending him to every publisher and author that requires PR advice and support. Knowledgeable, innovative, client focused, and commercially aware, Kris gives every project individual attention and a tailored solution. The digital and social media space is incredibly difficult to engage with effectively, but I’ve never been less than impressed with the way Kris has built his approach around positive collaboration, partnerships and community engagement.”

Harry Freedman – Author of ‘The Talmud: A Biography’ (Bloomsbury)
“Kris has a great understanding of social media and is a highly effective book publicist. He gets reviews in places where most publicists fear to tread. Highly recommended!”

Andy Coffey – Author of the ‘Sacred Wind Trilogy’
“I had the pleasure of working with Kris recently as part of the promotion for my creative project, Sacred Wind. His enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication really helped to gain exposure for the book, and his sense of humour ensured that he really bought into the whole concept! Kris also has an innate ability to think ‘outside of the box’, allowing him to rapidly decide the most appropriate tactics for individual promotions, plus his strong communication skills ensure that he engages both contacts and customers effectively.
I, therefore, have no hesitation in recommending Kris to both aspiring and established authors who are seeking greater exposure for their books.”

Peter Anderson – Author of ‘The Unspeakable’
“I am delighted and impressed by how smart (in the American sense), energetic and efficient you are... In the “perfect storm” that has hit publishing, writers couldn’t ask for a better online promotional platform than the one you provide. “
“Kris Barnes is a highly active and committed publicist, working indefatigably to promote new fiction at a time of serious difficulty for authors seeking ways of drawing attention to their work in a hugely flooded market. Kris is not only a definite professional, he is also a kind and caring person. You won’t go wrong in choosing to entrust your novel to him.”

Hemmie Martin – Crime Author ‘In The Light of Madness’
“Kris explores arenas I didn’t think of to promote my books. He is extremely knowledgable and friendly to work with. I also think that having Kris to liaise with Waterstones about book signings makes me look more professional; also he’s not shy as I am!
I’m so glad I found him, and plan to use him for my future releases.”

Susan Noon – Author of ‘Creaking Doors – Four Chilling Tales‘
“Kris has helped me to launch my first book on Amazon Kindle. He has been an enormous help in guiding me through the most effective ways of reaching a wider audience through social media. I’ve been very impressed with his friendly and attentive approach, with regular updates and advice. I would have no hesitation in using his services again.”

Elizabeth Housden – Romance Author, Housden Publishing
“Kris has been a huge help to me in starting to get my books to sell. He has great ideas at a reasonable cost. I will continue to use him.”

Kate Hardie – Author of ‘Can I Eat It? Gluten-free Family Cookbook’
“Kris offered a great service suitable for my budget and help gain book publicity worldwide.”

C.J. Underwood – Author of ‘An Army Of Judiths’
“Kris is a highly effective PR director, who has helped me enormously in setting up the publicity for my novel. I am indebted to him for to his skill and expertise in the field of book promotion.”

Sarah Hill – Children’s author and creator of the series ‘Whimsy Wood’ at Abela Publishing
“Kris Barnes did a phenomenal job on the social media pages for my ‘Whimsy Wood’ series of children’s books.
The number of followers on twitter and ‘likes’ on Facebook, dramatically increased over a short period of time. Kris is also really easy to work with. I was really pleased that Abela Publishing, that publish my children’s books, engaged Kris”

Dom Conlon – Author of ‘Tiny The Giant’, ‘Jetpack Journeys’
“Kris has been a huge help in shaping the early life of Inkology.co.uk into a platform where children can read stories and poems. His lateral thinking has been quick to react to the need to grow the audience and form partnerships.”

Brandon Christopher – Author of ‘The Job Pirate’
“Kris Barnes has really helped to bring my novel into many new avenues I never thought of, including social networks, blogs, literary sites, and more. He consistently comes up with new ideas, and I’m very fortunate to have worked with him.”

Robert Fabbri – Author of The Vespasian Series (Atlantic Books)
“In just four months since Kris was employed by my publishers they have increased my weekly sales by almost 500% to well over a thousand books per week.”
Services
Non-Fiction
Architecture Biographies & Memoirs Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Health & Wellbeing Music Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sports & Outdoors
Fiction
Historical Fiction

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2011 — Present

I am an experienced book marketing professional and I have been working with authors and publishers for years. I specialise in helping authors and publishers with their marketing communications, PR, email marketing, SEO and social media marketing.

I have worked with publishers such as Abela, Pine Tribe and Urbane Publications and authors such as Robert Fabbri and the actors Steven Berkoff and Michael Obiora. I have worked on many books from all genres, both fiction and non-fiction. I have obtained coverage and curated content for my authors in national and international media including TV, radio, newspapers and major websites and blogs – e.g. BBC TV and Radio, Channel 5, The Guardian, Telegraph, Huffington Post, Forbes & many more.

I've helped many authors increase their reviews, Amazon ranking (sometimes in the top 10 of their category) and sales.

In 2013 I was nominated for the Manchester Young Talent Awards ‘Digital, Media and PR Professional of the Year’.

Projects

Harry Freedman - The Talmud

I work with Harry on his book about the Jewish scripture 'The Talmud'. He was featured in lots of prominent publications and review sites, such as Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews; and I also secured him a regular column in the The Times of Israel. Harry sold thousands of his book within 2 months.

Robert Fabbri - Social Media Campaign

I helped Robert increase his social media outreach, engagement and following. As a result his sales went up by 500% to over 1,000 books per week.

Portfolio

The Talmud's 37 volumes, the foundation of the Jewish legal system, record esoteric discussions among ancient Jewish scholars and sages on subjects as varied as faith, sex, prayer and humour. This 'biography' focuses on the later influence of the Talmud when i... read more
Eden Burning

Deirdre Quiery

Tom listened to Mrs McLaughlin's brogues briskly clump across the marble floor towards the exit at the back of the Church. When the wooden door thumped closed, he looked around the Church to make sure that he was alone, then heaved himself to his feet, opened ... read more
Influence kills...Influence is the greatest force on earth. Influence equals power, the power to affect people and events. The most powerful people alive have the greatest influence. And they can use it for good or bad. Marcus Kline is the world's leading auth... read more
Meet Anthony Knivet: gentleman, baker, lover, linguist, explorer, Englishman. And an indispensable advisor to celebrated generals and Portuguese governors alike...not to mention the kings of several Brazilian tribes.Roebuck - Tales of an Admirable Adventurer i... read more
Being Someone

Adrian Harvey

Love, deception and murder dominate as Prague becomes the center of international intrigue and shadowy organizations battle for power over a nation's future.Sometimes the only choice is an escape to perdition. Prague 2015. Herbert Biely, aged hero of the Pragu... read more
Leaves

John Simmons

Leaves
“Close of Play is a wonderful English drama, combining moments that are touching with others that are laugh-out-loud funny.” John Challis, ‘Boycie’ from Only Fools & Horses and The Green Green Grass“I loved this. As with Outside Edge, it’s not just the cricket... read more
At the age of 45, wife and mother Jackie Buxton was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lurching between the crippling fear that the cancer had spread, and the great comfort of knowing she was one of the lucky ones who could be treated, she did what she always does ... read more
London, 1986. A newspaper editor is horrifically murdered, his death quickly followed by a series of more brutal, and often bizarre, slayings. The police are baffled, the only clear link between the murders being a single blood red rose left at the scene of ev... read more
Rome, AD 41: Caligula has been assassinated and the Praetorian Guard have proclaimed Claudius Emperor - but his position is precarious. His three freedmen, Narcissus, Pallas and Callistus, must find a way to manufacture a quick victory for Claudius - but how? ... read more

Kris has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Fred P.

Fred P.

Apr, 2019

Kris Barnes was very lackadaisical in replying to my requests. I requested that he find a publisher of the printed book in addition to the USA publisher, and he took no action. He did post announcements on bookroomreview, anewlookonbooks, and Goodreads. I have no evidence that a person who did not know the name of my book and ask for it specifically on bookroomreview or anewlookonbooks wou...
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