Raleigh entrepreneur Valerie Fields, who is the founder of public relations agency PR
PROS, LLC in downtown Raleigh – and also a faculty member in the School of Journalism and Media
at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – recently published a college textbook titled ‘Public
Relations Writing: Essential Tools for Effective Storytelling.’ The 416-page book is available online and
on college campuses across the country in time for the spring 2025 academic semester – and locally at
the UNC Student Stores on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill.
Fields said, “I am so proud to publish this textbook, to shape the public relations industry, and to
influence current and future PR professionals through my words and work. To complete this journey
that culminates with seeing the book in stores and on various websites feels amazing.”
The textbook publisher Sage website states: “‘Public Relations Writing: Essential Tools for
Effective Storytelling’ is a step-by-step “how-to” guide that helps students develop and hone the skills
they need to become strong writers and versatile storytellers within the Public Relations field. Author
Valerie Fields uses a practical approach, providing students with tips and checklists for producing high-
quality content. Sample templates, writing exercises, and case studies in each chapter give students
the opportunity to analyze and craft strategic messages for specific audiences. With a focus on
storytelling, social media, and socially-conscious content, this text helps students understand the power
of words within the larger context of our ever-changing media landscape.” Fields has taught at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill since 2007, regularly teaching courses in public relations
writing, crisis communication, and strategic writing.
Fields is the founder and chief executive of PR PROS, LLC, an award-winning public relations
and content creation agency in Raleigh. In 2018, she received the Michael L. Herman “Excellence in
Mentoring” award from the North Carolina Public Relations Society of America and in 2019 became a
certified crisis communication specialist by the national Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
industry group. In 2023, Fields was honored with the Power 100 Award as one of the top 100 most
influential business leaders in North Carolina, presented by Black Business Ink.
Fields said: “This weekend, my husband Shelton and I went to the UNC campus bookstore to
take pictures of me beside my textbook. To my surprise, my wonderful husband purchased a printed
copy of my book for $150 just to support me, even though he already has a free, autographed copy of
the very same book at our home. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude, and I hope that everyone who
is pursuing a positive goal or a big dream experiences that same level of love, support and
encouragement in their life – I am truly blessed.” For information about the textbook, visit Sage
Publications online.v
