Personal and Professional Background
Leah Paulos is the Founder and Director of Publicity at Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School, based in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a degree from Cornell University (1994–1998) and is fluent in French. Leah has accrued over 25 years of experience in the literary publicity and book media landscape.
Before founding Press Shop PR, Leah worked as a magazine editor and writer, including positions at Condé Nast, before transitioning into book publicity in 2006. She launched Press Shop PR in 2012 to focus on independent book publicity campaigns.
Current Role and Key Company Information
At Press Shop PR, Leah Paulos leads the agency as Founder and Principal, driving strategic media outreach and publicity campaigns primarily within the publishing industry. The agency specializes in securing high-profile media coverage for authors and publishers across a diverse book market that includes:
- #1 New York Times bestsellers
- Academic titles
- Indie releases
Press Shop PR is known for:
- Its extensive network of journalist contacts and media outlets
- Deep knowledge of the current, evolving media environment
- Expertise in crafting persuasive, distinctive book pitches
The firm has been twice named one of the country’s top PR firms by the Observer, reflecting its recognized impact and effectiveness. The Observer praised the agency for "punching way above its weight, giving books and authors—many with political orientations—a global spotlight."
Notable Campaigns and Clientele
Leah Paulos and Press Shop PR have managed publicity campaigns for more than 300 authors, including prominent projects such as:
- ON TYRANNY by Timothy Snyder
- MARCH by Representative John Lewis
- WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE by Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Campaigns involving figures such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and other MacArthur Fellowship winners
The firm consistently secures coverage in top-tier media outlets such as CNN, ABC News, NPR (including All Things Considered), and Morning Joe. Clients have praised Leah and her team for their idea generation, persistence, personalized service, and deep media relationships.
Book Publicity School
Launched in 2023 under Leah’s leadership, Book Publicity School is an educational extension aimed at authors who often need to lead their own publicity efforts due to shifts in the publishing model. The School offers:
- Workshops
- Coaching programs
- Practical, tailored strategies and tools for authors to advocate effectively for their own work
This initiative addresses the complexities introduced by the crowded book market and rapidly changing media landscape, empowering authors to break through noise and maximize visibility.
Recent Activities and Partnerships
- 2025 Whiting Foundation Partnership: Leah announced a collaboration with the Whiting Foundation to provide publicity support and training for 10 writers awarded the 2025 Whiting Nonfiction Grant. Each recipient receives $40,000 to complete their work, with Press Shop PR assisting grantees through Book Publicity School in navigating media outreach.
- Leah frequently shares industry insights via podcasts, video interviews, and workshop presentations at notable industry venues such as Columbia School of Journalism and the CUNY Graduate Center.
- Activities and social media posts indicate an ongoing high volume of campaigns and client engagements, with Leah actively engaging audiences on evolving publicity strategies amid challenging media environments.
Professional Reputation and Endorsements
Client testimonials and peer endorsements emphasize Leah’s:
- Strategic expertise and innovative approach
- Attentiveness and generosity in coaching and client support
- Proven track record of securing media placements that substantially impact book sales and author profiles
Clients ranging from debut authors to seasoned publishers endorse her as a reliable, effective advocate who elevates authors' public presence.
Summary of Key Contact Data
| Attribute | Details |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| Name | Leah Paulos |
| Title | Founder and Director of Publicity |
| Company | Press Shop PR / Book Publicity School |
| Location | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Education | Cornell University (1994–1998) |
| Languages | English, French |
| Years Experience | 25+ years in literary publicity and media |
| Company Recognition | Twice named top PR firm by the Observer |
| Notable Campaigns | ON TYRANNY (Timothy Snyder), MARCH (John Lewis), others |
| Contact / Website | Press Shop PR: [pressshoppr.com](https://www.pressshoppr.com) |
Leah Paulos represents a well-established authority in book publicity with a firm renowned for impactful, high-profile, and strategic media campaign execution. Her extensive experience, combined with educational initiatives through Book Publicity School, positions her as a key player in navigating the complexities of modern book media outreach and author-brand building.
