Hi Dainis,
I'll reply to your PM here. Due carpal tunnel pain I can't type private answers. I truly wish I could help everyone that asks me. But I need to save my hands for my blog and forum, where I can help the masses. So I'll post here instead so others can read what I have to say.
"affiliate program launch consultants" in your PM you said you read a post where I mentioned that? Don't really know anyone that specializes in this. I know some great OPMs (outsourced affiliate program managers) that will set-up, launch and manage programs. They charge 3,000 - 5,000 a month. None do launches only.
I've mentioned companies that used to do affiliate recruiting - maybe that's what you were referring to. They aren't around any more and I never got good feedback. I specialize in recruiting and launches but you have to qualify to be a 5 Star program and 99.9% of the companies that come to me, don't.
As far as directories go - there are only about a dozen that are worth submitting to and you don't need software for that. Directories these days won't get you many affiliates at all, but you do want to be listed in the top 12 or so.
This is
Google's list of affiliate directories based on popularity. (PR)
So just submit by hand to the top 12 or so.
Exceptions: 5 Star is listed as #4 and I don't take submissions. A
ffiliatePrograms.com is a paid directory, so you need to pay to be listed.
Hope this helps and best of luck!