About the Book
As greater demands and expectations are placed on those who practice public relations, PR veteran and author Marc Whitt contends that we should advance ourselves to the ultimate level of professional skill and excellence: that of a masterful public relations professional. Achieving the masterful status in our profession should become our North Star - our guiding light, he writes. These individuals are the profession's cream of the cream of the crop.
But those wishing to reach the masterful level must embrace and practice eight core habits, as Whitt details in his second book, When In Doubt, Make Applesauce! Core Habits of the Masterful Public Relations Professional.
About the Author :
Marc C. Whitt is an award-winning public relations professional, bestselling author, and student-focused educator with four decades of experience in higher education and nonprofit communications. A columnist for Strategic Magazine, a curated platform for global communication industry leaders, Whitt is the author of two #1 Amazon bestsellers, 'When In Doubt, Make Applesauce!' and 'PR Lessons Learned Along the Way, ' both named to BookAuthority's "100 Best PR Books of All Time" and recognized with Goody Business Book Awards. His 2025-released book TAKEAWAYS was an immediate Amazon #1 New Release in Marketing and Communications. He is the recipient of the PRSA East Central District Platinum Award for distinguished service and the James C. Bowling Excellence in Public Relations Award, presented by the University of Kentucky Department of Integrated Strategic Communication and UK Journalism Alumni Association, for a distinguished record of achievement in public relations. He was also recognized by the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Communication with its Distinguished Alumni Award and the university's Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching. Whitt serves on several nonprofit boards and is recognized as a Social Impact Author for his contributions to public relations thought leadership and PR education.
Review :
It is my hope, as Marc communicates, that the public relations students and professionals who read this book are encouraged to adopt these habits and embed them in their character. And in doing so, they put them into practice whether they are in the office, at home, or in their communities.- James P. Coll, Ph.D., Chief Communication Officer, The University of Southern Mississippi
From communication tactics, networking strategies, and so much more, I truly could not put this book down. A must-read! - Emily A. Fields, M.S., Marketing and Fan Engagement Coordinator, Tennessee
For budding public relations practitioners and masters alike, Marc Whitt's distillation of the skills, habits, and characteristics of the PR professional reads like a conversation with a friend and colleague. - Dr. Jami M. Hornbuckle, Assistant Vice President for Content Strategy, 3 Enrollment Marketing
This book is a must, for anyone who values taking a broader perspective on communication. In this sense, one would be hard pushed to find a more important book at this time. - Poppy Humphrey, Director of Standards and Accountability, LINK Strategic Partners
Marc Whitt has written a mesmerizing guide filled with strategic, down-to-earth, Southern wisdom that should be a must-read for every public relations professional from novice to senior practitioner. - Jared Meade, MPS, APR, CMPRCA, Founder & Principal, Rayne Strategy Group
When In Doubt, Make Applesauce! is an essential resource for PR practitioners at any level - from those just graduating from college with their shiny new PR degree to seasoned professionals who have been around the PR block a few times.- Amy Preske, Public Relations Manager, Buffalo Trace Distillery/Sazerac Company
In a digital age, when the focus can be too much on the mechanics of content and platform formats, Marc Whitt reminds us that the fundamentals of honest and authentic conversations, relationships, story-telling and brand-building underpin all forms of effective communication. - Sian Rees, Ph.D., Head of School Culture and Communication, Swansea University
The anecdotal stories and proverbs Marc uses to describe his journey perfectly summarize why it matters to be a thoughtful communicator, as well as why having deeply rooted ethics system is essential to being a masterful PR professional. - Wesley Robinson, Press Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
To be agile and take on every situation openly to provide the necessary counsel as a masterful PR specialist, you must have a foundation of integrity and intellectualism, and the right skills in communication, creativity, and leadership that this book teaches beautifully.- Samantha Stark, Executive Vice President, 160over90
Marc Whitt's new book When In Doubt, Make Applesauce! grabs with a sincere and energetic tone from the very first words, declaring to the reader that they hold in their hands the most valuable professionally inspiring pages of their life. - Manuela Toteva, Ph.D., Marketing Project Manager, Studio SAP and Visiting Lecturer, Institute of Media and Communications, Technical University, Ilmenau, Germany
