About

Karen Bultiauw 2026 Photographer: Claire Cousin

Hello, I’m Karen!

I’m a fiction marketer and publicist with a dash of sales strategist and author coach thrown in. Whether you’re indie or trad published (or even at the very start of your author journey), I’m here to help you grow your readership and your career – on your own terms.

In a previous life I was a secondary teacher (yep – teaching English and music!), a bookseller and events manager before working in-house in publishing covering children’s, YA and commercial fiction.

I created The Author Glow-up to help you create a solid foundation that sets you up for the rest of your career, whether you’re just starting out, publishing your debut or want to start the next chapter in your author journey.

If you’re looking for someone with industry knowledge and experience to be 100% on your team, you’re in the right place!

I’m a Ghibli lover, writer, and chocolate connoisseur. I live in Cardiff with my hobbit viking husband and our many plant babies.

Working with Karen will give you someone who knows the publishing industry through and through and who will support and guide you with wisdom and kindness through the minefield of book promotion.

This is a really great opportunity for new and established authors.

Janet Thomas
Co-founder, Firefly Press

Karen guides you through the ins and outs of marketing yourself in such a friendly and accessible way. There are no stupid questions – well, there probably are, but Karen never makes you feel anything but empowered and ready to take control of your writing career.

Cannot recommend her enough.

Hazel Hitchins
Author

This consultation is something I recommend without hesitation.

I learned so much on how to upgrade my presence online, and the call notes and templates sent to me afterwards were extremely useful.

Judith Barrow
Author

Karen’s masterclass on marketing and publicity for traditionally published authors was an insightful look at the difference between the two with practical tips on how we as author’s can make this work for us throughout the publishing journey – including before you get that elusive deal.

Her warm and friendly teaching style made for engaging delivery of a crucial, yet much overlooked part of modern publishing.

Kirsty Stanley
Blogger & Writer

Karen always took all the stress out of my event appearances and managed to solve any problems with no fuss and always with a smile on her face!

I felt like I was in the safest hands and the way she combines efficiency, knowledge and kindness is great.

Manon Steffan Ros
Author & Playwright

Why work with me?

10 years of publishing experience

I’ve been in the book industry for 10+ years, from bookselling, vlogging, event and festival managing and chairing to working in sales, marketing and publicity both in-house and freelance.

Fully focussed on your goals and success

I’m here to help you succeed and achieve your author goals. And yes, sometimes that requires sharing constructive criticism but I always make sure I have a roadmap ready for you to move forward.

Integrity and sustainability

If I don’t think I’m the right person to help you or you’re not at the stage to market/publicise yet, I will tell you or refer you. I want your author career to be sustainable long term and enjoyable!

Let's chat!

Get your Timeline

What's the time?!

It’s easy to feel lost in the publishing industry. You’re not sure what’s ‘normal’, what’s supposed to happen next and if you’re supposed to just sit around until publication day rolls around.

Grab your free copy of my publishing timeline – the perfect roadmap into the industry so you know where you’re going!