All Things Book Marketing

In this episode, we talk with media trainer and former news producer Paula Rizzo on the best ways authors can work with media trainers, how to practice and prepare for an interview and some tips on the best practices when working with the media.

In this episode, we talk to literary agent Lynn Johnston about how authors can work with agents, what they can do to get noticed and published and other tips and tricks including the importance of platform, social media and author websites. Lynn talks about trends she is seeing and we can can expect publishers will seek in 2020.

In this episode we talk to Sarah Miniaci, Senior Book Publicist and business development associate at Smith Publicity and gets her take on the various options for authors to publish their book - traditional, hybrid or self and the pros and cons of each.Sarah has vast experience working with authors published through all options and has in-depth relationships with contacts at some of the major traditional publishing houses as well as leading hybrid publishers.From book marketing planning, budget, author promotion and all facets of having a book published, Sarah's offers outstanding insights and tips that all authors should hear!

We talk to Ashley Mabbitt, who has been in foreign rights in publishing for nearly 20 years. We discuss the Frankfurt Book Fair, what questions authors should be asking about foreign rights, what markets are growing fastest and how foreign rights has changed in the last 5 years.

Author Maureen Joyce Connolly, author of "Little Lovely Things," joins the pod to talk about book promotion, author promotion, social media and how to effectively promote a novel. Maureen takes us on her journey to becoming an author, building a brand, engaging with readers and working with a publicist.

Dan Smith and Vice President of Publicity Mike Onorato discuss the similarities and many differences in publicizing and promoting a book in 1999 versus today. From how media are pitched, publicist resources and media landscape to new publishing models and book marketing strategies, their conversation offers fascinating insights into 20 years in the publicity industry.

Do you Really know what a book publicist does? What is behind all of the "pitching" and media contacts and relations skills you hear about? Michela DellaMonica, Smith Publicity Team Manager and star publicist takes you behind the scenes and reveals what really goes on behind the scenes where the publicity magic happens!

Kristi Hughes, one of Smith Publicity's most experienced business book publicists, speaks with Dan Smith about a wide range of topics related to business book marketing. Discussion points include:* Strategies and tactics to secure the most impactful media coverage for business books and authors* How business authors can leverage publicity and use the book as a business card* Why many authors use publicity as the marketing arm of their business and generate new business and build their expert brand* The changing business media landscape and how this affects book marketing for business authors* The power of byline articles, excerpts and expert commentary* The importance of a book publicity campaign being a team effort, and how authors can augment and maximize the results publicists produce* And much more!Get actionable advice and insights from one of the best business book publicists in the industry!

Senior Publicist and Publicity Team Manager Janet Shapiro talks with Dan Smith about some keys to successfully marketing self-help and wellness books. A ten-year veteran with Smith Publicity, Janet is legendary for her media relations skills and extraordinary client service.Book marketing for self-help and wellness books requires a keen understanding of how media view books in these genres, and what producers and editors are looking for from authors. Janet discusses topics including:•The current media landscape and what types of media are typically most impactful for self-help and wellness authors.•How and why many authors in this genre are using their books and media coverage as marketing tools and to build their personal brand•Her relations with top producers at national TV show, and how she cultivates and maintains these relationships.•What it’s like to be with clients for interviews with the Today Show and other top outlets.•Some common mistakes self-help and wellness authors make when it comes to book ma

Marissa Frosch, Certified Book Launch Coach and Head of Marketing for Amphibian Press, is the guest expert for this episode. Marissa offers outstanding advice for authors at all stages of publishing process, including:* Developing email lists and how to effectively communicate with your followers* What book launch coaches can do for you - Platform development, book marketing, social media, newsletters and more* Developing a tagline for your book and how to use it* Infuencers - Who they are, how to reach them, and what they can do for an author*The pros and cons of author conferences and trade shows for authors* Working with an editor: Making the most of working with an editor, and how to choose the right one for you* What every author should understand about SEO and metadataMarissa is the co-founder and Head of Marketing at Amphibian Press. She got her Associate’s Degree in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University in May 2018 and is a Certified Book Launch Coach trained by Tim Grahl. Marissa created a

Smith Publicity President and book marketing thought leader Sandy Smith provides great tips for authors on how to maximize their publicity and media coverage. Topics discussed include:* Leveraging media coverage to spark book sales and secure additional opportunities such as speaking engagements and new business.* Essentials of author websites to engage visitors and convert them into fans* Using social media to spread the word about interviews and stories* Maximizing book discoverability on Amazon by having a persuasive book description, compelling bio and robust Amazon Author Central pageSandy gives authors the insights and advice that can radically enhance the benefits of your book publicity campaign.Host: Dan Smith

Smith Publicity Vice President of Business Development Corinne Moulder and Senior Publicist and Business Development Associate Sarah Miniaci attended the Frankfurt Book Fair. In this episode, they talk about their experience at this massive book industry event and offer insights into important industry trends under discussion at Frankfurt.Corinne and Sarah had over 25 meetings with Smith Publicity clients and various industry vendors, walking over eight miles a day between multiple halls.Topics discussed include:* The rise of self-publishing and hybrid publishing in Germany* The increasing popularity of audio books* The emphasis on diversity and inclusion in publishing* Politics and publishing - How the landscape of politically oriented books is changingThe differences between the Frankfurt Book Fair and shows such as BookExpo in the U.S., and what authors should understand about the different types of fairs as they venture into publishing, book marketing campaigns and book publicity initiatives.

Fact: Being an author is stressful! You put yourself and your book "out there" for people to review, talk about, criticize or praise. Nothing is guaranteed. Book marketing and book publicity can be the most stressful part of all:* What will media think of my book?* What if no one takes interest? * What if I perform poorly in an interview? Add to this the fact that the vast majority of authors have full-time "regular" jobs - it's a recipe for stress and anxiety.Enter Dr. Alan Zimmerman, a world-renowned speaker and trainer and former Smith Publicity client.Dan Smith interviews Dr. Zimmerman as he discusses his 8-dimensional approach to getting more work-life balance. From powerful tools to relax and de-stress to incorporating recreation and spirituality to find true balance in life, Dr. Zimmerman inspires and motivates with a unique, original style that has helped millions of people.A bit about our guest: Dr. Alan Zimmerman was inducted into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for only a small ha

Author platforms are something far too many authors neglect, and yet, it is often one of the most important things an author should focus on! A robust, multi-dimensional and organized platform can make the difference in a book marketing campaign and help authors develop lasting fan bases!Jayme Johnson, founder of Worthy Marketing Group (worthymarketinggroup.com) talks with Smith Publicity's Andrea Kiliany Thatcher to discuss all the elements of building a great author platform including: * exactly what an author platform is* strategies and tactics to build the RIGHT platform* growing email lists* setting the stage to secure speaking opportunities* online email marketing* creating a dynamic and engaging website* and much more!

In this episode we speak with Independent Book Publishing Association CEO Angela Bole about what the association does, how indie publishers and self-publishing authors can get the most out of IBPA, and the future of Book Expo and the industry at large. An interview with great insights for authors exploring book marketing opportunities and book publicity ideas.Find IBPA online at https://www.ibpa-online.org/.As always, for more book marketing and book publicity tips, please visit www.smithpublicity.com, Smith Publicity on Facebook, and @smithpublicity on Twitter and Instagram.Host/Producer: Andrea Kiliany Thatcher

In this episode we discuss how to "build a better author." How can an author prepare for the publishing journey before they embark in order to set themselves and their book up for the best success possible?Tammara Kennelly, president of Friesen Press, discusses some key pieces of the publishing process authors aren't always prepared for, and how they can educate themselves on different pieces of the process.All Things Book Marketing podcast listeners can check out a sample of The Chilton Method, a 17-hour video book marketing course from The Wealthy Barber and Dragons' Den's David Chilton, here: https://www.friesenpress.com/smithAs always, for more book marketing and book publicity tips, please visit www.smithpublicity.com, Smith Publicity on Facebook, and @smithpublicity on Twitter and Instagram.Host/Producer: Andrea Kiliany Thatcher

Noelle Stary from 20Lemons, a full-service marketing company, talks about the foundations of a good book marketing plan, when and how to implement them.Find 20Lemons at http://www.20lemons.com.As always, for more book marketing and book publicity tips, please visit www.smithpublicity.com, Smith Publicity on Facebook, and @smithpublicity on Twitter and Instagram.Host/Producer: Andrea Kiliany Thatcher

TEDx talks are becoming more popular, and more authors want to employ the power TEDx affords for book marketing and expert branding. In this edition of the "All Things Book Marketing" podcast, host Andrea Thatcher talks with Josephine Gross and Elea Herdieckerhoff, founders of www.RedDotStage.com, a dynamic company with an impressive record of helping authors break into TEDx.From the RedDotStage website:"Most people believe landing a TEDx is difficult and time-consuming at best. They want to know what makes a TEDx talk go viral. We help our clients distill their core message (based on their passion, what makes them tick), apply for TEDx events, and craft their speech. Next we come up with a marketing strategy to help them leverage and capitalize on the exposure once their TEDx talk goes live on YouTube." 

We're joined by Bernie Schroeder, the author of Brands and Bullshit, to talk about author branding. We talk about how to build your author brand long before your book hits shelves, why having an "author brand" is important, and how to feel comfortable with yourself as a brand. Schroeder also speaks about how he landed a coveted TedTalk.Find Bernie at:http://www.bernieschroeder.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bernie-schroeder-694a36/As always, for more book marketing and book publicity tips, please visit www.smithpublicity.com, Smith Publicity on Facebook, and @smithpublicity on Twitter and Instagram.Host/Producer: Andrea Kiliany Thatcher

You've signed the publishing contract, you have a publisher! Is your job done? What can you expect from in-house publicity and marketing teams? We talk about the differences between publicity for traditionally published and self-published authors, as well as the pros and cons of the in-house publicity team at a publisher and the publicity team at an independent agency. Mike Onorato on Twitter: www.twitter.com/yankeeclipper09As always, for more book marketing and book publicity tips, please visit www.smithpublicity.com, Smith Publicity on Facebook, and @smithpublicity on Twitter and Instagram.Host/Producer: Andrea Kiliany Thatcher