All Things Book Marketing

In this discussion, Rachel Robertson, a LinkedIn strategist and consultant, and Marissa Eigenbrood delve into effective LinkedIn strategies for nonfiction authors. Rachel shares her journey and underscores the significance of authenticity and storytelling in building connections. They provide actionable tips for optimizing profiles and maintaining consistent engagement through innovative content, including video and newsletters. The conversation also addresses the challenges of AI-generated content while highlighting the increasing potential for meaningful interactions on the platform.

In this engaging conversation, Allison Jones, a publishing veteran and founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing, shares her insights on blending traditional and innovative publishing methods. She emphasizes the importance of continuous writing for business authors and the intersection of personal branding with book marketing. Allison discusses the nuances of AI in publishing, highlighting the need for a human touch in creating authentic author content. She also introduces her 10-day business book proposal challenge, encouraging aspiring writers to refine their ideas for impactful proposals.

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 rights can unlock, such as speaking engagements and global training programs.Listeners will gain practical tips on navigating the international book market, safeguarding their rights, and boosting their global presence. Annie’s extensive knowledge and passion for the publishing industry make this episode a must-listen for authors and publishing professionals looking to expand their horizons and achieve greater success.Tune in to discover how to turn your book into a global phenomenon!ABOUT OUR GUEST: Annie Oswald recently retired (May 2024) from FranklinCovey where she served as the Vice President of Publishing. She retired to pursue her passions as a motivational speaker and publishing consultant. Her role at FranklinCovey included everything frombook proposal writing and presenting to major publishing houses, rights management, and sales and marketing. Currently, she is working with Sean Covey on The 7 Habits of Teens Graphic Novel. Annie graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Communication. Annie has accepted numerous invitations as a keynote speaker for various groups around the world. Annie and her husband reside in Lehi, Utah, and are the proud parents of four daughters.ABOUT SMITH PUBLICITY: Since 1997, Smith Publicity has been a global leader in creative publicity and public relations, helping authors and experts expand their influence and build authority beyond the pages of a book. Their clients include New York Times bestsellers, debut authors, CEOs, speakers, academics, and subject matter experts. Smith Publicity secures media appearances that boost visibility, build credibility, and fuel business and platform growth. Recognized in PR News’ “Agency Elite Top 100” and as top publicists by Qwoted, Smith Publicity’s team continually innovates with clients and their teams to build strategies that amplify their ideas for lasting impact. Recognized in PR News’ “Agency Elite Top 100” and as top publicists by Qwoted, the team speaks at events worldwide like Frankfurt and London Book Fairs, continually innovating to amplify their clients' voices and impact.

Jennifer Graybeal, a Certified Creativity Coach with a decade of experience, empowers authors through collaborative feedback and problem-solving. She discusses the vibrant atmosphere of industry conferences, innovative marketing strategies tailored for niche audiences, and the critical distinction between strategy and tactics in marketing. Graybeal emphasizes nurturing creativity through self-care and community support, while also addressing how personal identity shapes an author’s work. Her insights inspire authors to embrace their unique voices and thrive in their creative journeys.

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 understand the dynamics of book writing and marketing. Tune in to learn from Kevin’s experience and expertise in shaping bestselling books and thought leadership brands.

Emily Crookston, a ghostwriter and business strategist, shares her journey from philosophy professor to the publishing world. She emphasizes the importance of integrating business goals into the book-writing process and marketing throughout. Emily discusses engaging potential readers early, maintaining post-publication momentum, and overcoming writer's mindset challenges. Valuable tips include effective title selection, collaborating with professionals, and treating your book as a key part of your brand strategy—all aimed at maximizing impact and ROI for authors.

Debra Englander, a seasoned writer, editor, and book coach with over 30 years in publishing, shares her insights on author branding and the publishing process. She highlights the importance of building a strong author platform and setting realistic goals. Debra also discusses the strategic timing of book launches to maximize visibility. Additionally, she emphasizes the role of reading drafts aloud for quality control and the unpredictable nature of media influence on sales. Her expertise is invaluable for both aspiring and established authors.

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 to maximize book sales.A case study contrasting two publishing pathways: custom publishing under an author's imprint and hybrid publishing. The success stories of two authors with similar topics but different brand evolutions demonstrate the effectiveness of tailored distribution strategies.Setting authors up for success by aligning their distribution strategies with their brand development and readership. The discussion highlights the significance of choosing the right publishing pathway based on individual goals and brand maturity.Discover more about Smith Publicity at www.smithpublicity.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, & LinkedIn.

In this discussion, branding expert Deb Gabor, the Founder and CEO of Sol Marketing and bestselling author, dives into the art of post-publication branding for authors. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating 'irrational loyalty' among readers and shares insights on maximizing book content for ongoing engagement. Deb also outlines strategies for maintaining brand consistency and creating a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences, proving that the journey of branding continues far beyond a book's release.

Join Emma Boyer, VP of Digital Operations at Written Word Media, as she shares her expertise from 15 years in the publishing industry. She discusses the ongoing journey of book marketing post-publication, emphasizing the need for strategies like ebook promotions and newsletters. Emma encourages authors to embrace curiosity and experiment with personalized marketing while avoiding burnout. Authenticity is highlighted as key, urging authors to find joy in their marketing efforts. Plus, she offers insights on how to best utilize promotional resources.