Crossdot Digital

5 Books for the PR Pro Within You

Imagine yourself sitting down with a book, ignoring the screens and pings of notifications, as you begin to read. So provocatively rebellious.   

These days finding a form of self-education in tandem with self-care is a gold mine.   

And as anyone in digital marketing knows, a successful PR career means learning continually and furthering one’s education.  

Whether you’ve been out of school for two years, ten years, or are entirely self-taught, you know the importance of staying up on industry trends and listening to those whose experience is well proven.  

So here is a shortlist of excellent books focusing on public relations. From tales about the profession to works for the improvement of technical skills.  

Add these to your Kindle wish list to further your knowledge and expertise:  

1. “Contagious: Why Things Catch On” by Jonah Berger  

A New York Times bestseller, Jonah Berger, explains why certain products and ideas go viral.  

Author and marketing professor Berger writes that advertising isn’t everything contrary to popular belief. The secret science behind word-of-mouth and the social transmission of ideas is what counts. This book lays out a set of actionable ways to inform any PR pro, hoping their vision will lift off.  

2. “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley  

As the title states, Handley believes in your inner writer, even if you don’t. Whether it’s posting on your socials, hitting “publish” on your latest blog post, or formulating a media pitch, Handley guides you through creating “ridiculously good content.” Offering lessons and rules that apply to all digital platforms.  

3. “Spin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age” by Gini Dietrich 

While running one of the most famous PR blogs globally, Gini Dietrich has collected many cutting-edge tips and tricks for effective and ethical communications.  

Reading her work, you’ll learn to share your story with power, humanize your company, create fresh content, and so much more.  

4. “The Little Book of Big PR: 100+ Quick Tips to Get Your Business Noticed” by Jennefer Witter  

Written for small businesses and entrepreneurs who may not be yet fluent in the art of PR, this book has much to offer, from how to craft the perfect pitch to tips for dealing with the press—a must-read for beginners and pros alike.   

5. “The Business of Persuasion” by Harold Burson  

The memoir of the 96-year-old founder of Burson-Marsteller, “The Business of Persuasion,” is a fount of knowledge.  

Readers will learn honest truths about public relations through personal and professional examples.   

May you find these books helpful and informative. As well as a way to carve out some peaceful space in the hectic lives we lead as marketers, the digitally daring, and the PR pirates! 

Hadley Lowe | Marketing Assistant | Cross Dot Digital Creative + PR Agency | We are a quirky assortment of seasoned pros, up-and-comers, introverts, extroverts, cool kids, and nerds who love to use art, science, technology, and words to influence consumers into becoming raving fans. Reach out: hadley@crossdotcreati.wpengine.com