Hi, I’m Dawn. Pleased to meet you.

For the last decade, I’ve been working as a freelance journalist writing for publications such as Mslexia, Living, Scottish Field, The People’s Friend, My Weekly, MADE, Platinum and the Daily Record. I specialise in literary journalism and contribute to the Scots Magazine regularly as their Book Correspondent, reviewing books and interviewing authors on a monthly basis.

Like many journalists, my background is in PR. Since graduating with a Degree in Corporate Communications in 2000, I’ve worked within a number of organisations including a leading charity, an award winning media agency and a government body. After going freelance in 2012, I developed a specialism for working with creatives such as photographers, musicians, jewellery makers and artists, but my real passion lies in the literature sector. Today, my clients include best selling authors and much loved literary festivals.

I’m also a creative writer myself, writing gothic fiction for adults and teenagers.

Wearing these three different hats has given me a very unique skill set. I know what makes a good story - but I also relate to the reluctance that authors feel when it comes to promoting themselves.

That’s why six years ago, I began teaching publicity and marketing skills to both new and established writers. Through my Business of Being an Author and Be Your Own Publicist courses, I helped these writers gain the skills that they required to build their own brand and promote their work.

In January 2024, I decided to take things one step further and began offering one-to-one consultancy sessions to writers too. I also offer copywriting services for authors, helping them to build their own platform through promotional tools such as newsletters and run bespoke courses, arming creatives with all the tools they need to publicise their work.

You can find out more about Book Smart’s services on this website or by dropping me an email at: dawn@booksmartpr.co.uk