Paige Dungan

Paige Dungan – Publicist

I'm the book publicist who turns unknown authors into bestsellers and household names—I have worked with Hachette to HarperCollins.

Overview

I fell into book publishing almost by accident—and never looked back. It started at SUCCESS Magazine, where I helped launch their publishing imprint and got to work on some pretty incredible projects, including supporting the launch of Mel Robbins' "The 5 Second Rule" (you know, the book that became a cultural phenomenon).

That experience taught me something important: great books don't sell themselves. Even the most brilliant authors need someone who knows how to get their story in front of the right people at the right time.

What I Do: I help authors turn their book launches into career-defining moments. I've worked with major publishers like Hachette, HarperCollins, BenBella Books, and Hay House, consistently helping authors hit bestseller lists and land major media coverage.

My Approach: I don't believe in one-size-fits-all publicity. Some authors are natural podcast guests, others shine in print interviews, and some need help finding their voice entirely. I figure out what makes each author unique, then build campaigns that feel authentic to who they are.

Recent Wins:

Multiple Wall Street Journal bestsellers along with New York Times

Features on Good Morning America, TODAY Show, and major podcasts

National media coverage that turns authors into go-to experts in their fields

Long-term platform building that extends way beyond launch week

Why Authors Choose Me: I've been on both sides of publishing—launching books from within a media company and promoting them from the outside. I know what editors want, what readers respond to, and how to position authors as the trusted voices their audiences are looking for.

Whether you're a first-time author hoping to make a splash or an established writer ready to reach the next level, I'm here to help your book find its people.

Ready to turn your book into more than just another title on the shelf?

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Health & Wellbeing Self-Help & Self-Improvement

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2020 — Present
Secured premium book publicity placements on Morning Joe, The Today Show, NPR's Fresh Air, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and leading industry podcasts while orchestrating New York Times bestseller publicity campaigns through strategic media timing and coordinated press execution. Developed comprehensive broadcast publicity expertise spanning television and radio booking, author interview preparation, and media training, complemented by extensive journalist networks across BookTube, literary magazines, trade publications, and digital book reviewers for targeted coverage campaigns. Specialized in coordinating author press tours including radio show circuits and literary festival appearances while executing strategic publicity campaigns that generate sustained book coverage and establish long-term author credibility with reading audiences.

SUCCESS Magazine

Jan, 2016 — Dec, 2019 (almost 4 years)
Built SUCCESS Magazine's book publicity division from zero, establishing comprehensive press strategies and media frameworks that generated a 30% increase in national coverage across The New York Times, Forbes, CNN, and major broadcast networks. Orchestrated high-impact campaigns for nationally recognized thought leaders, leveraging the magazine's editorial credibility to secure premium press placements and establish authors as industry authorities. Created groundbreaking cross-platform publicity strategies that maximized synergy between magazine content and book promotion, delivering sustained media momentum through exclusive interviews, editorial partnerships, and integrated press campaigns.

Self-employed

Jan, 2010 — Jan, 2016 (about 6 years)
Spearheaded publicity campaigns for Hachette, HarperCollins, BenBella Books, and Hay House, consistently achieving bestseller status through strategic media placements on Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, TODAY Show, and top-tier podcasts. Mastered New York Times bestseller mechanics by coordinating precision-timed press campaigns, strategic embargoes, and synchronized media blitzes that transform manuscripts into list-toppers while building sustained momentum. Transformed unknown authors into sought-after thought leaders through innovative positioning strategies that secured ongoing media opportunities and industry recognition extending far beyond publication launch.

Projects

Burning Hope Lead Publishing and Publicity Lead

Oversaw complete self-publishing strategy including formatting, layout design, and Amazon profile optimization to establish professional author presence.

Developed targeted audience growth strategy to build readership base prior to launch.

Created comprehensive press assets including galley letters, press releases, strategic pitch angles, and core messaging framework.

Executed presale and Q1 public relations strategy encompassing press release distribution, media pitching, by-line opportunity securing, social media interviews, and brand partnership development.

Pitched book for holiday gift roundups and "New You" media opportunities to capitalize on seasonal campaign windows.

Coordinated speaking engagement strategy, connecting author with groups and organizations for promotional opportunities tied to book sales
Managed official book launch execution with flexible timeline accommodation.

Executed post-launch communications strategy, including traditional and podcast interviews, review campaigns, influencer partnerships, and performance optimization of underperforming initiatives.

Provided ongoing consulting and strategic pivoting to maximize book visibility and sales performance throughout the campaign.

The Power of Potential Book Publicity Lead for HarperCollins

Implemented the 60/40 strategy with 60% focus on mainstream media and 40% on digital landscape, centering all efforts around Tom D'Eri's story of driving purpose at Rising Tide Car Wash and his journey with his father to showcase how business success comes from investing in the autistic community.

Secured national broadcast coverage targeting network shows, including Good Morning America, Today, CBS This Morning, and across ABC, NBC, FOX, CW, and NBC affiliates in top 10 markets.

Coordinated magazine and print coverage through book roundups in Southern Living, Publisher Weekly, and USA Today.

Booked radio appearances on the leading top 10% of personal development podcasts from SUCCESS magazine, to Entrepreneur, and Fast Company.

Designed, strategized, and executed targeted influencer box campaign mailed to top influencers, media contacts, and friendly relationships, including book copy, press materials, themed items matching book content, and personalized notes.

Developed a comprehensive press kit and managed social media strategy alongside podcast bookings and event coordination.

The week of launch, I had secured 3,000 books in pre-sale, and through the first 90 days, book sales went to 7703 books.

What's In It For Them Book Publicity Campaign

Led national book publicity campaigns encompassing national media outreach, podcast bookings, and event publicity coordination, securing press coverage from CNN to MSNBC and working with partners such as Marie Forleo to Peter Diamandis to help promote the book.

Organized and executed launch events during annual conferences.

Designed and managed the distribution of unique press boxes for media and influencer outreach.

Spearheaded bestseller campaign initiatives to drive sales and rankings and landed the book on the Wall Street Journal list.

Creating press materials for the campaign.

The week of launch, I had secured 7,500 books in pre-sale, and through the first 90 days, book sales went to 12,200.

Portfolio

Press Coverage
Press Coverage
Press Coverage
Press Coverage
Burning Hope

McAfee, Lori

Shanty Grove Publishing

Press Coverage
Press Coverage
The First-Time Manager: HR

Falcone, Paul

HarperCollins Leadership

Press Coverage
Press Coverage
The First-Time Manager: DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Miranda-Wolff, Alida

HarperCollins Leadership

Press Coverage
Farmer's Wife

Rebanks, Helen

Harper Horizon

Press Coverage
Press Coverage
Press Coverage
Press Coverage
Press Coverage
Press Coverage
Press Coverage
Press Coverage

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