All Things Book Marketing

How Strong Are Your Author Brand Visuals? John DeMato shares why they matter more tham ever in today’s crowded, attention economy.Words alone aren’t enough to make your expertise stand out. In Smith Publicity's latest All Things Book Marketing episode, Marissa Eigenbrood talks with visual storytelling strategist and photographer John DeMato about how compelling imagery can elevate an author or speaker brand. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why visual storytelling is essential in an era overflowing with content and AI-generated noise.How to build a “Visual Storytelling Library,” including core assets, visual evidence, and personal details that bring your brand to life.How authentic photography helps you connect instantly with your audience and establish credibility.Why updating your visual assets regularly keeps your brand fresh, dynamic, and aligned with your message.0:00 Welcome and Guest Intro02:50 How We Connected04:08 John’s Origin Story05:27 From TV to Photography07:03 Serving Speakers and Authors11:11 Vis

Crafting Genuine Connections and Building Thought Leadership on LinkedIn with Owen Sammarone In this episode of the All Things Book Marketing podcast by Smith Publicity, this episode’s host Marissa Eigenbrood, Smith Publicity’s President, interviews Owen Sammarone, founder of Unleash the Knowledge—a personal branding and ghostwriting agency. Owen shares his journey from a non-reader to an influential content creator with a 200,000-follower community. The discussion centers on how founders, executives, and authors can leverage LinkedIn to build their brands, emphasizing the importance of authentic, value-driven content and genuine human connections. Owen also offers practical tips on avoiding automated 'pitch slapping,' using AI judiciously, and nurturing relationships through personalized engagement. As they reflect on their longstanding professional relationship, Marissa and Owen explore actionable strategies to enhance online presence and drive business growth, stressing the significance of maintaining a hu

Dressing the Part With Kate Breen: The Power of Personal Style in Thought LeadershipIn this episode of 'All Things Book Marketing with Smith Publicity,' CEO Sandy Smith interviews Kate Breen, the owner of Get Dressed Go, a top personal styling service in Washington, DC.Kate shares her experience styling executives, speakers, and professionals whose work demands an exceptional visual presence on stage and on camera.Discussing the importance of thoughtful clothing choices, Kate highlights common wardrobe mistakes and provides actionable advice on how to dress authentically and powerfully for professional events.Kate's process for working with clients involves deep dives into personal history, brand goals, and practical styling sessions that ensure clients look and feel their best.This episode offers valuable insights for authors, thought leaders, and speakers seeking to elevate their brand through their visual presence.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:30 Meeting Kate Breen: First Impressions02:36 The

In this episode, host and Smith Publicity Vice President Corinne Moulder chats with Sally Ekus, a senior literary agent at JVNLA, about the evolution and specialization of the culinary publishing market. Sally shares her journey growing up in the world of cookbook publishing, her expertise in representing culinary authors, and the shifts in the industry toward niche, hyper-targeted cookbooks. They also discuss the importance of leveraging backlists for ongoing success, the impact of platforms like Substack on the publishing industry, and the future trends in culinary and nonfiction publishing. The episode provides valuable insights for authors, publicists, and anyone interested in the culinary literary space. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:14 Sally Ekus' Background and Career Journey01:57 The Evolution of Culinary Publishing04:37 The Shift Towards Niche and Specialized Cookbooks07:18 Successful Examples of Hyper-Targeted Cookbooks13:14 The Importance of Backlist Promotion23:16 Sally Ekus' Role and Fut

In this episode of 'All Things Book Marketing,' host Smith Publicity's Corinne Moulder talks with Lee Wind, Chief Content Officer for the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Lee discusses his award-winning program 'We Are Stronger Than Censorship,' which counteracts book challenges by donating books to promote freedom to read. He shares insights on creating impactful book marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of allyship and his experiences as an author focusing on queer history and social justice.Lee also introduces his upcoming picture book, Like That, Eleanor: The Amazing Power of Being an Ally. For more information, visit wearestrongerthancensorship.org and leewind.org.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:19 Lee Wind's Background and Achievements01:52 We Are Stronger Than Censorship: The Motivation03:22 Challenges and Strategies in Book Banning05:32 Program Partnerships and Community Involvement07:23 Impact and Future Goals of the Program20:38 The Importance of Allyship21:51 Lee W

Building Influence and Community: The Future (and Power) of Author Newsletters In this episode of 'All Things Book Marketing,' the host Corinne Moulder, Smith Publicity's Vice President of Business Development, interviews Kathleen Schmidt, founder of Kathleen Schmidt Public Relations.They discuss Kathleen's extensive experience in book publishing as a publicist, literary agent, acquisitions editor, and ghostwriter. Kathleen shares the inspiration behind her popular newsletter 'Publishing Confidential,'  on Substack. She offers advice on creating engaging content, building a newsletter audience, and the evolving role of digital platforms in the publishing industry. Kathleen also touches on future plans, including branded events and a potential podcast.The conversation provides valuable insights for authors, experts, and publicists looking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of book publicity.00:00 Introduction and Guest Hype01:35 Kathleen's Journey to Publishing Confidential03:32 Growing a Newsletter Audie

Authors: Crafting Your Media Presence, Interview Tips and AdviceIn this episode of 'All Things Book Marketing,' host Corinne Moulder, Smith Publicity's Vice President of Business Development, welcomes back Emmy award-winning television producer, bestselling author, and media training expert Paula Rizzo.Paula shares her journey from TV production to becoming a media trainer, emphasizing the importance of preparation, content creation, and confidence for authors and experts. She discusses common misconceptions about media training, the value of storytelling, the essentials of video creation, and effective strategies to handle interviews.Listeners will gain insights on becoming media-ready, leveraging their book as an extension of their brand, and preparing for media appearances. Paula also introduces her course, 'Media Ready Author,' aimed at helping authors successfully navigate the media landscape.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:22 Paula Rizzo's Background and Journey02:18 The Importance of Media Train

In this episode of the All Things Book Marketing podcast, Sandy Smith from Smith Publicity converses with collegues and industry powerhouses Janet Shapiro, Vice President of Publicity, and Senior Publicist, Sophia Moriarty.They delve into innovative strategies for gaining attention in the book promotion world, emphasizing the crucial role of authors in collaboration with their publicists.Key topics include the shift towards direct media connections with experts, the importance of maintaining active engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, the evolving landscape of publicity, and the power of niche media for book sales and personal branding.The discussion highlights the value of patience and consistent effort in building long-term media relationships and leveraging social media for effective book marketing.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:13 New Strategies in Publicity02:04 Collaborative Approach with Authors03:08 Direct Media Connections06:07 Effective Use of LinkedIn09:36 Building Long-Term Media Re

In this segment of Smith Publicity's 'All Things Book Marketing,' CEO Sandy Smith invites Garrett Perkins, CRO of Givington’s, to discuss effective strategies for authors to maximize their book marketing efforts. With over 10 years of experience in the publishing and e-commerce industries, Garrett shares insights on leveraging books to build credibility, generate bulk book sales, and increase speaking fees.He explains the importance of partnering with certified retailers like Givington’s to ensure book sales are tracked properly for royalties and future publishing opportunities. Additionally, Garrett emphasizes the significance of starting marketing efforts early, building a direct-to-consumer content engine, and creating ancillary products like workbooks and animated book trailers.Authors are encouraged to think beyond the book and utilize various digital tools to engage their audience and enhance their brand.00:00 Introduction to Smith Publicity00:18 Meet Garrett Perkins: CRO of Givington’s02:42 The Importa

In this episode of the Smith Publicity All Things Book Marketing Podcast, Sandy Smith, CEO of Smith Publicity interviews Ashley Zink, founder of Higher Ground Consulting, about her expertise in helping authors turn their books into profitable ventures. They delve into the crucial steps for successful book marketing, including early planning, identifying clear goals, capturing reader data, and using lead magnets. Ashley also emphasizes the importance of building an email list, leveraging an author's network, and integrating revenue-generating opportunities like online courses. This comprehensive discussion offers invaluable advice for authors aiming to maximize their book's success and long-term impact. For more insights, authors and aspiring writers can explore Ashley Zink’s services on LinkedIn or through Higher Ground Consulting’s website. Listening to the full podcast episode can provide additional nuances and practical tips for taking your book marketing strategy to the next level.For more insights about

In the latest episode of the All Things Book Marketing Podcast, host Marissa Eigenbrood of Smith Publicity leads a discussion with LinkedIn strategist Rachel Robertson. The conversation focuses on the evolution of LinkedIn strategies, especially for nonfiction authors. Rachel shares her journey into LinkedIn consultancy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and storytelling. The duo explores tips for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, generating engaging content, and staying consistent. They also touch on trends and updates expected, highlighting the increasing role of video, the importance of dwell time, and the challenges posed by AI-generated content. 

Marissa Eigenbrood, president of Smith Publicity, hosts this episode of All Things Book Marketing Podcast and speaks with Allison Jones, founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing. They discuss Allison's publishing journey and her approach to blending traditional and innovative methods in the industry.The conversation highlights the significance of continuous writing for business authors, the intersection of personal branding with book marketing, and the nuanced use of AI in publishing.Allison shares insights on creating impactful content and discusses her 10-day business book proposal challenge. They also delve into future trends, especially the evolving role of AI, and emphasize the importance of human touch in creating relatable and authentic author content. 

In this episode of "Smith Publicity's All Things Book Marketing," host Sandy Smith, CEO of Smith Publicity, welcomes Annie Oswald, the former Vice President of Publishing at Franklin Covey, now a motivational speaker and publishing consultant.Annie and Sandy discuss insights on the power of international rights and their significance for authors and publishing professionals. Throughout the conversation, Annie discusses:the critical role of international rights in expanding an author's reach and credibility,the various elements that authors need to consider when exploring foreign rights for their work, including market-specific strategies,the importance of reputable foreign rights agents, and the nuances of translation.the growing demand for English-language books in India, the rising interest in Spanish-language books in the U.S., and the powerful impact of audio books.She emphasizes the importance of thorough research, building a strong social media presence, and the potential opportunities that foreign righ

Nurturing Creativity and Marketing Mindsets for AuthorsIn this episode of the All Things Book Marketing Podcast, host Corinne Moulder, Vice President of Smith Publicity, discusses book marketing strategies and author coaching with expert Jennifer Graybeal, a Certified Creativity Coach. Jennifer shares insights from her 10 years of experience in coaching, workshops, and editing, having helped over a thousand authors.  The conversation covers: the value of industry conferences such as NINC and AuthorNation,exciting new trends in book marketing and social media to build visibility,the importance of effective marketing strategies versus tactics, andguidance on nurturing creativity, emphasizing self-care, community support, and understanding individual needs.  About our Guest: Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In ten years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand au

In this episode of All Things Book Marketing, Marissa Eigenbrood, President of Smith Publicity, welcomes Kevin Anderson, CEO of Kevin Anderson & Associates, for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of ghostwriting and book publishing.Kevin shares how his unexpected entry into ghostwriting shaped his career and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration process between ghostwriters and authors. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to book writing, where the marketing strategy is considered from the very beginning to maximize impact.Kevin also delves into the rise of hybrid publishing, offering authors more control over their publishing goals, and highlights how books serve as investments in thought leadership, elevating an author’s credibility beyond book sales.With advice on choosing the right ghostwriter and navigating the publishing journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights for nonfiction authors, publishing professionals, and anyone looking to underst

In this episode of All Things Book Marketing, Marissa Eigenbrood, President of Smith Publicity, chats with ghostwriter and business strategist Emily Crookston about how to maximize a book’s impact as a powerful marketing tool.Emily offers authors insightful strategies to seamlessly integrate their business goals into the book-writing process, starting well before the final manuscript is complete.With her unique perspective, Emily emphasizes that a book isn’t just a standalone project—it’s a crucial element in building a brand, generating leads, and supporting overall business objectives.Listeners will gain valuable advice on the importance of marketing during the writing phase, not just after publication.Emily explains how engaging potential readers early through tactics like LinkedIn polls for title feedback can build buzz and ensure that the book resonates with its target audience.Marissa and Emily also discuss the importance of maintaining post-publication momentum, ensuring long-term return on investment

In the latest episode of the Smith Publicity podcast, Sandy Smith, CEO of Smith Publicity, sits down with publishing veteran and expert Debra Englander. Debra's vast experience in working with business and non-fiction authors discusses:Navigating working with publishers,Importance of building an author brand/platformWhat publishers are looking for in decising which authors to sign on--platform vs good content–what is more impactfulSetting realistic goals for your bookWorking with a business book publicistLeveraging pre-order book sales strategiesWhether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned nonfiction or business book author, this episode is packed with invaluable tips to help you succeed in today’s competitive market, and make the most of working with a business book publicists. Don’t miss out on Debra’s expertise on how to turn your book into a long-term asset and enhance your author brand.

Olivia McCoy and Karen McNally Upson discussed the benefits of print on demand technology for authors, dispelling stigmas associated with self-publishing. Karen offers essential insights into the  importance of aligning distribution strategies with reader behavior to maximize book sales.Key PointsThe benefits of print on demand for authors, highlighting how it reduces the need for authors to carry books and prevents excess inventory costs. Traditional publishing houses are increasingly adopting this approach.The impact of timing - production delays and distribution challenges in the book industry.The importance of publishers focusing on acquiring and producing great books while leaving distribution to specialized companies like Ingram. The efficiency and global reach of Ingram's print on demand service (Ingramspark) are highlighted..How different genres have varying reader preferences for book formats, such as ebooks or physical copies, and importance of aligning distribution strategies with reader behavior t

Most promotional efforts will center around publication month, but that doesn't mean your job is done when the first of the next month rolls around! Brand expert Deb Gabor joins us to discuss what it takes to grow and manage a successful brand and key things she's done post-publication with her book.“Leading Expert" doesn't come close to describing Deb Gabor's passion for brands. More accurate? Brand Guru. Brand Impresario. Brand Evangelist. She's written the book on branding (three times!) with bestsellers Branding is Sex, Irrational Loyalty, and Person-ality. She's the founder and CEO of Sol Marketing, a strategy-led marketing firm obsessed with solving major business and branding problems for clients in every industry. Companies throughout the world use Deb’s Brand Values Pyramid, Ideal Customer Archetype, and “Brand Swagger Questions” to align their teams and articulate their brands to audiences.Deb also lends her brand authority with frequent contributions and commentary to major news outlets such as Ent

You've gotten through writing, editing, design, production, distribution, and publication. Your book is now published and available and... now what? Written Word Media's Emma Boyer joins us in this episode of All Things Book Marketing to discuss timing, strategy, and recommendations for post-publication promotions.  Emma Boyer is the VP of Digital Operations at Written Word Media, a book promotion company that uses specialized and proprietary data-driven marketing techniques to empower authors and publishers to reach their audiences, and has been working in various capacities in the book publishing industry — from PR to marketing to consulting — for over 15 years. She holds an MA from Carnegie Mellon University and is very interested in the potential at the intersection of the tech and publishing worlds and is passionate about helping authors find audiences and audiences find books. Learn more at www.writtenwordmedia.com.Discover more about Smith Publicity at www.smithpublicity.com and follow us on Facebook,