hoka publishing
April 2025 - july 2025
Introduction
Hoka Publishing is an independent children’s publishing house founded by mother-daughter duo Kathryn and Hope Llewellyn in Cowbridge, South Wales. Their mission is to create emotionally intelligent children’s books that help young readers explore big feelings with courage, kindness, and imagination. In Spring 2025, Kathryn and Hope releasedThe Little Girl Who Was Full of Light. I was brought on to deliver a full PR and communications campaign to support the book’s release, increase brand awareness, and establish their presence in local media and independent retail.
Objective
Generate local and national media interest around the launch of Hoka Publishing’s children’s book.
Secure coverage in key South Wales lifestyle, culture, and local press outlets.
Build relationships with independent bookstores and secure stockist partnerships.
Develop consistent and on-brand social media messaging to grow Hoka’s digital presence.
Position Kathryn and Hope as authentic voices in children’s emotional wellbeing and storytelling.
Strategy
Crafted and distributed a targeted press release to local and regional media.
Pitched directly to journalists and editors at The Barry and District News, Penarth Times and on Bro Radio, and other titles with a strong lifestyle or literary focus.
Created tailored email pitches for independent bookshops across South Wales, resulting in multiple new stockist relationships.
Provided copy and creative support for social media, helping the brand align messaging with its values and audience.
Developed promotional content (press captions, IG stories, and event announcements) for Instagram and Facebook.
Provided ongoing strategic advice to help Kathryn and Hope grow their brand with intention.
Impact
Secured stockist placements in prominent South Wales outlets, including BookSpace Cardiff, Griffin Books (Penarth), and The Forage (Cowbridge).
Media coverage confirmed in The Barry and District News, Penarth Times and on Bro Radio.
Book Events Secured a book reading and stall for Kathryn and her book at the pontypridd children’s book festival held by Storyville books.
Strong Instagram engagement, with follower growth and improved post consistency.
Increased brand visibility and positive local reception, especially within the South Wales indie business and parenting communities.
7,705 Facebook Visits |
12.6% Instagram Engagement |
500,000 X Impressions
4.8% Average X Engagement Rate
250,000 People Reached on Facebook
7,705 Facebook Visits | 12.6% Instagram Engagement | 500,000 X Impressions 4.8% Average X Engagement Rate 250,000 People Reached on Facebook
Testimonials
“Daniel is personable, talented, and professional. His work is excellent, and his passion truly shines through. He has created engaging social media content in both English and Welsh, ensuring a strong and consistent online presence. This includes writing articles for our website and crafting visuals that resonate with our audience. Daniel also secured BBC Wales News coverage for the project, significantly raising our profile. Additionally, he has been proactive in engaging with the media, further boosting the project’s visibility and impact.”
