The Team of Experts, Behind the Experts
Meet Our Award Winning Team
A no-fluff, straight-talking team that cares deeply about doing great work with honesty and integrity.
We’re an award-winning PR agency specialising in high-impact campaigns for non-fiction authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, consultants and other experts with powerful ideas to share.
Every campaign is led by two senior publicists, bringing backgrounds in leading London publishers, top PR agencies and global organisations, supported by our close-knit in-house team. We combine big-picture thinking with hands-on delivery to secure meaningful, targeted coverage that builds credibility and gets people talking.
Rhian Pearson
Associate Director
With 30 years in PR, including 15+ at a top London agency for brands like Mercedes and Cadbury, Rhian combines sharp editorial instincts with a passion for storytelling. She builds strong media relationships, champions fresh voices, and thrives on uncovering standout stories. A nature-loving bookworm, she finds balance in hill walks with her Labrador or a good novel.

Ella Davidson
Founder & Director
Ella is a top book publicist with 20+ years’ experience and a passion for non-fiction. She founded The Book Publicist after leading PR at a London publisher and working at ITV, where she honed her news instinct. Known for her energy and insight, Ella champions thought leaders and big ideas. At home, she’s growing a wildflower meadow.

Emma Preece
Associate Director
Emma is a seasoned publicist and editor with a sharp eye for what makes a book connect. With 7+ years at The Book Publicist, she’s landed standout coverage across lifestyle, business, HR and broadcast media. Known for her calm efficiency and creativity, Emma loves historical fiction, countryside runs, old houses and time with her husband and son.

Matt Davidson
Director
Matt is Company Director and co-leads The Book Publicist with his wife, Ella. With a background in marketing across finance, travel and sport, he brings strategic focus to the agency’s growth. He’s worked with everyone from World Cup winners to change-makers, and champions a positive, creative culture. A proud Northerner, Matt loves football, family life and a good laugh.

Amy Purnell
Senior Campaigns Manager
Amy blends creativity with strategic insight to deliver standout book publicity. With a background in education, space and tech PR, she secures high-impact coverage, from serials to exclusives. Known for strong author and media relationships, she gets results. Outside work, Amy enjoys baking, horse riding with Bear, countryside walks with Ralph, and the occasional wild adventure.

Tom Opper
Senior Campaigns Manager
Tom brings nearly a decade of PR experience, specialising in thought leadership and expert-led campaigns. Since joining The Book Publicist, he’s secured standout national coverage, including a Daily Mail front page. Passionate about amplifying authors’ voices, Tom delivers top-tier results. Outside work, he’s a keen reader, sports fan, and traveller with a love of new adventures.

Jess Jones
Senior Campaigns Manager & Head of Publisher Campaigns
Jess loves The Book Publicist so much she’s worked here twice. With a background in data journalism and press office experience at a top publisher, she now leads our Media Relations team. Jess drives global coverage through strong international contacts. Outside work, she volunteers with Guide Dogs and enjoys Civil War re-enactments, wild swims, and watery adventures.

Natalie Connors
Senior Campaigns Manager
Natalie began her PR career at The Book Publicist, returning after time at the British Heart Foundation with renewed passion for non-fiction. With 8+ years’ experience, she combines sharp copywriting with insight into the author journey—she writes too! Known for securing standout coverage, Natalie brings energy and curiosity to every campaign. She’s a marathon finisher who loves travel and cold-water swims.

Durga Bradley
Campaigns Director
Durga has promoted non-fiction books for nearly 15 years and was the first member of The Book Publicist team, helping shape the agency’s growth. She has run campaigns on business, leadership, wellbeing, memoir and education, securing high-impact coverage in national media, specialist titles and top podcasts. Outside work, she enjoys painting and design in her studio.
