Assistant Publicist
$23,000 to $45,000+
Publicist Trainee, Assistant Press Agent
Helps Publicist with tasks and duties, double-checks information and references sources.
The Assistant Publicist assists Head Publicists sell an act's name, records, and videos. He or she writes press releases and helps assemble press kits. Their work is usually checked and reviewed for accuracy and content by the individual's superior. The Assistant Publicist sits in on meetings with clients, and often throw in ideas for the act's publicity campaign.
Other times, the Assistant Publicist will accompany an act to appearances on radio, television, or in the general public. The Assistant Publicist will also go with the act to photo shoots and interviews.
The Assistant Publicist deals extensively with press party details, extending invitations to the media and other invited guests. He or she might also attend dinners, luncheons, and/or cocktail parties on behalf of a client or the company for which they are working. The Assistant Publicist will also be asked to perform secretarial work, such as drafting press releases, making phone calls, confirming appointments, researching, etc. He or she will also put client portfolios together with newspaper and magazine clippings that feature or mention the client. The Assistant Publicist must be willing to work overtime due to the amount of afterhours functions that must be attended.
We work very hard to provide all this information to you for free. Please do us a quick favor and LIKE us on Facebook. Spread the good energy! We'll love your forever.
Salaries
The Assistant Publicist can expect to earn anything from $23,000 to $45,000 or more per year. Salaries also vary by the type of the firm or company the Assistant Publicist is involved with, along with the geographical location – those working in Los Angeles and New York City can expect to earn the most. Also, Assistant Publicists who work for public relations firms specializing in music acts usually earn more than Assistant Publicists at record companies.
Employment
While there are a few openings, the job market is slim for Assistant Publicists. They can find work at record companies, publicity firms, management companies, radio stations, concert halls, arenas, or record stores.
Advancement
Once one begins as an Assistant Publicist, they will find that advancement prospects are good. With experience, he or she can climb the career ladder and can eventually become a full-fledged publicist with the same company or with a radio station, record label, etc.
Education and Training
A formal education is required for Assistant Publicists who wish to work in the music industry, meaning they need at least a four-year college degree. Useful college majors include communications, English, journalism, advertising, marketing, public relations, music merchandising, or the music business. One should also be able to find workshops, and seminars in various areas of the music business.
Experience, Skills, and Personality
Creativity and the ability to write and communicate effectively are necessary skills the Assistant Publicist must possess. He or she must be able to work under pressure and should have advanced computer skills as well. Many Assistant Publicists find experience through internships, where they can learn different publicity techniques and skills, while making valuable contacts.
Unions and Associations
The Assistant Publicist may belong to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), which is the organization that offers many seminars throughout the year on public relations and publicity subjects.
Suggestions for Getting Started
- Check for internship programs for publicists.
- Check with the companies you would like to work with to see if they have any minority training programs.
- Send copies of review and article clippings to the act's record label's publicity department.
- Begin compiling a portfolio of your work to illustrate your talent and creativity.
