Bespoke Communications

A new chapter for me.

After 30 years of writing for work, I’ve started writing fiction.

It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and I’m finally giving it a proper go. My novel, Fresh Legs, is taking shape, and I’m discovering just how different writing fiction is from writing about real people and real things.

I’ve written about the why, the process, the doubts, the excitement and what I’m learning along the way in my latest Substack.

If you’re interested in what happens when you try to write about real things in an unreal way, please take a read👇

https://amberdcomms.substack.com/p/my-fresh-foray-into-fiction-writing

Your expertise gets you in the room. Your presence determines how you lead in it.

This Spring, sharpen the executive presence skills that help leaders communicate with greater clarity, confidence and influence. From leading a team and presenting to a board, to speaking with the media or representing your organisation publicly.

The Executive Presence Program covers:
• Gravitas and credibility
• Communication and storytelling
• Voice and body language
• High-stakes communication
• Boardroom presence
• Thought leadership and personal brand

✨ SPRING SPECIAL
$500 per person + GST for groups of 3–6 leaders, 50% less than the standard launch price.

Plus, every workshop includes an AI Executive Presence Briefing exploring how leaders can use AI effectively while protecting their individual voice, authority and authenticity.

Limited workshop dates available. Offer ends 30 September 2026.

Ready to strengthen how your leaders show up?

📩 Get in touch with Amber Daines via DM or email [email protected] to secure one of the available dates.

Thrilled to be included in Lucy Bingle’s first Little Blue Book of trusted marketing and brand specialists. 💙 Lucy () has brought together 14 people and teams she personally knows, likes and trusts and I’m delighted to be included among them.

In PR and communications, trust matters enormously, so being personally recommended by someone who has seen your work up close is a wonderful compliment.

As Lucy says, a good referral can make all the difference when you need the right person for the job.

Congratulations on Edition One, Lucy and what a fantastic resource for anyone looking for trusted specialists across marketing, communications, brand, digital, photography and more.
📘 Save the Little Blue Book for the next time you need someone brilliant in your corner.

This month's Substack is a bit of a mix in the best way.

✨ Why being middle-aged has become an unexpected career advantage.
✨ My challenge to avoid becoming a "grey AI" writer.
✨ My latest book, podcast and documentary recommendations.

If any of those topics pique your interest, I'd love for you to have a read and let me know what you think.

🔗 Link in bio

I spoke with national tech reporter Eilidh Sproul-Mellis yesterday afternoon about the network outage.

Sharing one of the key points from that interview: the long-term reputational ramifications are still unfolding so watch this space.

Some of our greatest professional strengths don't come from a degree or the boardroom—they're shaped by the experiences we'd never choose.

In my latest Substack, I reflect on:
✨ How a chaotic childhood shaped my approach to crisis communications
🏃 Why I'm quietly training for another half marathon at 50
📚 My July recommendations for books, podcasts and shows worth your time

I'd love to hear from you: What life experience has unexpectedly become one of your greatest professional strengths?

🔗 Read the latest edition via the link in my bio.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of contributing to Let's Talk alongside a panel of industry experts, discussing what every contractor agreement should include to help prevent costly disputes.

From clearly defining the scope of work and payment terms to addressing confidentiality, intellectual property and termination, getting the details right from the outset can save everyone time, money and unnecessary stress.

Head to the link in bio to read the full discussion and insights from the expert panel.

Reflection on the last six years in PR agency land: Eras Tour for PR.

The Covid-19 pandemic hit the world like an atomic bomb in early 2020. For those of us in PR, the last six years have been a strange, unsteady time of change.

I liken it to a Wheel of Fortune that’s been quietly spinning out a big industry evolution year on year. The wheel spins, it dazzles; it looks random but somehow it always lands on the weighted side. The house wins. The brief expands. The team size doesn't. AI enters the chart...

Swipe through the carousel to see our take on the biggest annual PR trends.

The wheel is still spinning. Place your bets accordingly.

If you want to buck the trends and do PR that goes beyond staccato-style ChatGPT soundbites, tell me:

What’s your most loved (or loathed) PR trend for 2026?

Drop it in the comments.

Let’s have the conversation the industry actually needs to be having.

And if you’re ready to think differently about communications in 2026, let’s connect.

Ever asked a PR agency to “just share a few ideas” before signing on?

You might not mean to ask for free work, but that is often what it becomes.

In her latest Substack, Amber Daines talks about where the line sits between a proposal and unpaid strategy, why good PR depends on trust and collaboration, and why even experienced business owners still need people in their corner.

She’s also sharing a limited EOFY PR Reset offer, plus her June picks for what to read, watch and listen to this winter.

Honest, useful and very worth the read.

Read the full article and subscribe at amberdcomms.substack.com

You know your business has something worth talking about.

But knowing how to turn that into media coverage, visibility and credibility? That’s where most people get stuck.

For June only, we’re offering an EOFY PR Reset to help business owners, founders and experts stop guessing and start the new financial year with a clear PR plan.

For $500 + GST, you’ll receive a tailored PR Strategy + Relevant Media Contact List, usually valued at $3,000.

Your strategy will cover your strongest media angles, key messages, positioning, content ideas, recommended media targets and a suggested approach for the next 3–6 months.

Because good PR is not about sending random pitches and hoping something lands.

It’s about knowing what to say, who to say it to, and why the media should care.

Strictly limited spots available. Bookings must be confirmed and paid by 30 June 2026.

Interested? DM us or email [email protected] with “EOFY PR” in the subject line and we’ll send you the details.