All Things Book Marketing

How do authors and thought leaders go from writing a book to getting booked on stages? Mirjana Novkovic shares what it actually takes to build a speaking career from the ground up. In Smith Publicity's latest All Things Book Marketing episode, Sandy Smith talks with speaking-industry consultant and founder of Speaker Story Bank, Mirjana Novkovic, about how authors and experts can start — or level up — as professional speakers. In this episode, you'll learn:How to define a speaking topic that solves a real problem and establishes instant credibilityWhy articulating your audience's transformation matters more than listing your credentialsHow to keep your branding simple and focused, with your website and especially LinkedIn doing the heavy lifting around one clear signature keynoteThe three essential speaker assets every author needs: a highlights/sizzle reel, a 10-minute content sample, and a polished full 45-minute keynoteThe three paths to landing speaking gigs — self-marketing, speaker bureaus, and management — and how relationship-building and timely, "ripped from the headlines" outreach factor inHow booking timelines have shifted post-COVID, from just weeks to as long as a year0:00 Welcome and Guest Intro03:25 Speaker Foundations and Credibility09:21 Branding, Website, and LinkedIn18:17 Keynote Video Assets and Reels25:22 Three Paths to Gigs26:14 How Speaker Bureaus Work28:10 Stay Top of Mind29:27 Ripped From the Headlines31:37 Booking Timing Trends34:18 Where to Find MirjanaSmith 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.Follow us on socials:Sandy Smith on LinkedInMirjana Novkovic on LinkedInSmith Publicity on LinkedInSmith Publicity on Instagram

What actually makes someone a thought leader? And how do you build one deliberately? In this episode of Smith Publicity's All Things Book Marketing podcast, host Marissa Eigenbrood talks with Peter Winick, Founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Leverage, about his new book, The Thought Leadership Handbook: How the Experts Elevate Their Big Ideas—and How You Can Too, co-authored with both Bill Sherman and Naren Aryal and published with Amplify Publishing Group. In this episode, you'll learn:➥ Why "thought leader" should never be self-declared, and what actually earns that title➥ How Peter and Bill used AI to mine insights from over 600 podcast transcripts to help write the book➥ The four elements of building a platform: content, community, product, and the "you are the X guy" positioning➥ Peter's Impact Equation: simplicity × audience relevance × velocity × audience share, and why one weak link zeroes out the whole thing➥ Why consistency and trust, not constant reinvention, are what keep audiences coming back0:00 Welcome and Guest Intro0:33 Peter's New Book: The Thought Leadership Handbook1:40 Peter Winick's Background and Expertise3:09 What Drew Peter to Thought Leadership6:37 What Really Defines a Thought Leader10:10 How AI Is Shaping Thought Leadership11:22 The Origin Story of the Book (Mining 600+ Podcast Transcripts)15:47 Where AI Helps vs. Where It Hurts Your Voice16:38 The Four Elements of Thought Leadership: Overview17:07 Element 1: The Core Idea18:48 Element 2: The Content Library19:57 Element 3: The Market Offering21:29 Element 4: The Platform ("You Are the X Guy")23:26 Building Trust Through Consistency24:12 The Impact Equation Explained28:00 The Five Thought Leader Avatars: Overview29:38 Avatar 1: The Growth-Minded CEO31:44 Avatar 2: The Impact & Legacy Executive33:05 Avatar 3: The Solopreneur34:02 Avatar 4: The In-House Expert37:15 Avatar 5: The Hall of Fame Thinker38:07 When Should You Actually Write the Book?40:49 Why the Book Is the Beginning, Not the End Game42:20 Pushing Back on the "Seasonal Book" Mentality43:15 Playing the Long Game Beyond Publication Day44:29 The Postpartum of Authorship45:02 Why "Bestseller" Claims Mean Nothing47:26 A Little Fun: Where They Disagree48:00 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find PeterSmith 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.Follow us on socials:Marissa Eigenbrood on LinkedinPeter Winick on LinkedInBill Sherman on LinkedInNaren Aryal on LinkedInSmith Publicity on LinkedInSmith Publicity on Instagram

How Strong Are Your Author Brand Visuals? John DeMato shares why they matter more than 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 Visual Storytelling Library12:19 Core Assets That Convert13:02 Visual Evidence in Action13:58 Book Boudoir and Details17:53 Why Stock Photos Fail20:05 How Often to Refresh Photos22:01 Core Assets Lifespan22:38 Refresh Your Core Assets23:11 Show the Rooms You Work23:56 Capture the Full Event27:21 Build a Living Image Library28:28 Visuals for Every Stage31:07 Budgeting Your Photo Priorities33:50 Hiring the Right Photographer36:30 Avoid Over Retouching39:40 Favorite Client Story42:57 Where to Find JohnSmith 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.