All Things Book Marketing

Visual Storytelling for Authors and Speakers with John DeMato In this episode of the All Things Book Marketing podcast, this episode’s host Marissa Eigenbrood, President of Smith Publicity, welcomes visual storytelling strategist and photographer, John DeMato.They delve into John's background, from his early days in photography to his evolution as a strategist helping professionals enhance their visual presence.  John shares insights on the importance of having a well-rounded visual library, including core assets, visual evidence, and personal touches, highlighting how these elements contribute to an expert's brand credibility and marketability.  The discussion also covers strategies for effectively capturing key moments, the necessity of regular updates to visual content, and practical advice on hiring the right photographer. The episode concludes with anecdotes reflecting John's passion for his work and the meaningful connections he forms with his clients.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:32 John's Impressive Bio and Career Highlights01:49 The Physical Demands of Photography02:53 How Marissa and John Connected04:34 John's Journey into Photography10:02 Building a Visual Storytelling Library17:07 The Importance of Consistent Visual Content22:38 Evaluating Your Brand's Visual Assets23:44 Importance of Event Visuals24:22 Capturing the Full Event Experience28:28 Starting Your Visual Storytelling Journey33:50 Choosing the Right Photographer36:44 The Value of Authentic Imagery39:40 A Photographer's Favorite Moments42:57 Conclusion and Contact InformationJohn DeMato is a New York–based branded lifestyle photographer who specializes in creating strategic, story-driven images for authors, speakers, and thought leaders. A former TV producer, he brings a marketing mindset to every shoot, helping experts show up confidently and consistently across their platforms. Visit John DeMato for more information.Smith Publicity is an international book publicity firm specializing in non-fiction, business, lifestyle and thought-leadership projects. Since 1997, they have helped authors and experts amplify their voices, reach the right audiences, and make a meaningful impact through media placements, strategic campaigns, and expert guidance. For more information visit Smith Publicity. 

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 human touch in the increasingly digital landscape.00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:00 Meet Owen Sammarone : Founder of Unleash the Knowledge04:17 Owen's Journey: From Non-Reader to Book Enthusiast05:13 Building a Community and Personal Brand15:00 The Power of Niching Down18:27 Effective LinkedIn Strategies24:03 The Value of Giving Without Expectation25:11 Personalized Outreach Strategies27:35 The Role of AI in LinkedIn Engagement29:14 Maximizing LinkedIn's Potential34:37 Effective Connection Requests38:33 The Billboard Analogy for LinkedIn Profiles44:24 Looking Ahead to 2026: Staying Human in a Digital WorldOwen Sammarone is the founder and CEO of Unleash The Knowledge, a personal-branding and thought-leadership agency that helps B2B founders, consultants, and executives turn their LinkedIn presence into a powerful, consistent driver of authority. He’s become known in the industry as a go-to “LinkedIn Growth Guy,” offering insights on how to turn content into consistent inbound demand, build authority, and scale influence — whether you’re an author, consultant, or executive looking to expand your impact Smith Publicity is an international book publicity firm specializing in non-fiction, business, lifestyle and thought-leadership projects. Since 1997, they have helped authors and experts amplify their voices, reach the right audiences, and make a meaningful impact through media placements, strategic campaigns, and expert guidance. For more information visit Smith Publicity.  

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 Importance of Visual Presence04:00 Dressing for Your Brand08:01 Common Mistakes in Professional Attire17:13 The Power of Authentic Style19:22 Commanding Attention Through Style23:18 Introduction to Working with Clients23:48 The Importance of Understanding Personal Style25:21 Gathering Client Information and Assets26:22 Creating a Personalized Style Plan27:49 Shopping and Outfit Coordination29:44 The Role of Authenticity in Style31:53 Empowering Clients Through Style36:25 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationAbout Kate BreenKate Breen is the owner of GetDressedGo, Washington, D.C.’s top-ranking private personal styling business. She has built a reputation for helping executives, speakers, and high-performing professionals look and feel their best in every setting. Through focused, productive styling sessions, Kate delivers immediate results for all aspects of her clients’ lives—from high-stakes presentations and keynote stages to charity events and casual weekends.About Smith PublicitySmith Publicity is an international book publicity firm specializing in non-fiction, business, lifestyle and thought-leadership projects. Since 1997, they have helped authors and experts amplify their voices, reach the right audiences, and make a meaningful impact through media placements, strategic campaigns, and expert guidance. For more information visit Smith Publicity.  

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 Future Plans28:18 The Impact of Substack and Newsletter Platforms33:06 Upcoming Events and Final ThoughtsSally Ekus is a Senior Literary Agent at JVNLA where she spearheads The Ekus Group, a boutique culinary division representing a wide range of culinary, health, wellness, and lifestyle talent. On the non-culinary side, Sally represents books about caregiving and parenting, and is expanding into select other non-fiction genres. From concept to contract, she has brokered over 300 book deals with top publishers including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, and numerous indie publishers. Sally hosts an online community called How to be a Cookbook Author and writes the bestselling Substack Newsletter, Not So Secret Agent.For more information about book publicity, visit Smith Publicity.

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 Wind's New Book: Like That, Eleanor29:02 Book Marketing Tips and Strategies38:43 Conclusion and Call to ActionFor more information visit Smith Publicity, connect with Corinne Moulder and Lee Wind.

In this engaging discussion, Kathleen Schmidt, Founder of Kathleen Schmidt Public Relations and a seasoned professional in publishing, shares insights from her journey in the industry. She highlights the power of newsletters, sharing her experience with 'Publishing Confidential,' which boasts a vibrant community of 16,000 subscribers. Kathleen emphasizes authenticity in content, the importance of consistent engagement, and how newsletters can foster connections between authors and readers. Future plans, including potential branded events and a podcast, also hint at exciting developments.

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 Training04:53 Becoming Your Own Producer07:08 Creating and Leveraging Content11:35 Tips for Effective Video Content16:05 Preparing for Media Appearances17:29 Television Interview Preparation18:18 The Power of Storytelling in Podcasts20:39 Essential Equipment for Podcasts23:16 Handling Controversial Questions28:32 Long-Term Media Strategy for Authors31:09 Media Ready Author Course OverviewFor more insights about book publicity and book marketing, visit Smith Publicity and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming podcast episodes.

Janet Shapiro, Vice President at Smith Publicity, and Sophia Moriarty, Senior Publicist, share groundbreaking insights into book promotion. They discuss the importance of collaboration between authors and publicists and innovative strategies for media engagement. Topics include utilizing LinkedIn for direct connections, the power of niche media, and the necessity of patience in cultivating relationships. The duo highlights the importance of email lists and social media in building a lasting personal brand and gaining visibility in the ever-evolving publicity landscape.

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 Importance of Speaking Engagements for Authors04:02 Creative Retail Sales Strategies10:19 Certified Retail Sales and Their Importance13:56 Planning Your Book Marketing Early23:05 Building a Direct-to-Consumer Content Engine27:56 Innovative Book Marketing Strategies28:40 Case Study: John Mark Comer's Dual Book Release29:50 The Power of Animated Book Trailers31:37 Tailoring Marketing Strategies for Authors33:41 Building a Comprehensive Book Ecosystem39:36 Realistic Expectations for Book Sales42:05 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this engaging discussion, Ashley Zink, founder of Higher Ground Consulting, shares her wealth of experience in helping authors transform their books into profitable ventures. She highlights essential marketing strategies, including the importance of early planning and setting clear goals. Ashley emphasizes building an email list and leveraging reader data for deeper engagement. The talk also touches on the value of online courses for creating loyal fans and effective promotional strategies for book launches, offering authors practical advice for long-term success.