How much does a music publicist cost?

depends what you are looking for.

tour? album release?

both ..

I believe the industry standard is ''How much you have to spend?''

national or local? there are so many factors that come into it.

might be best to contact some and see. can give you the email addresses for some pretty awesome publicists if you like.

How much should one spend to give it a fair plug?

couple of grand.

Cool Svelt - I sent you a message any contacts would be appreciated.

Try Steve Stavrakis at Shiny. He's a good guy and well priced.

cough splutter

Try Raph Brous. Headband costs extra!

Steve asked me to contact him — once I did I got a sense he didn't really listen to the music, I'm sure he's a busy guy, oh well.

Just a couple of grand for national album release publicity + a tour sveltestacks? I thought it cost more....

Some thread info here and here.

I'd recommend Lance Rock, Teclo, Oh Traveller or Shiny.

I second the Lance Rock recommendation.

Mmm.

Ask unky Phil to give you a copy of that music guide he keeps going on about.

Some go by an hourly rate, while others accept a monthly retainer or an all-round project figure. I run Rock Solid PR & Fanbase Relations and I generally go by an hourly rate. Publicists also need to be able to account for their time, so if they don't send reports or at least keep track of how much time they're spending on your project, then there is a risk of them over-charging you. Research them carefully. Don't commit to anything until you feel they understand you and your project, and would spend quality time on you.