All Things Book Marketing

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.

For authors navigating complex publishing pathways, a literary agent serves as a guide and advocate,cutting through the noise and opening up the doors to new opportunities on your behalf. Not only isworking with a literary agent essential for any kind of traditional deal, but they can also help authors with translating publishing contracts from hybrid and indie houses as well and can curate long-lastingrelationships with editors and publishers alike. But first, before working with an agent, you have to query them. What does that entail? And once you’ve signed on, what are the best practices for creating a positive working relationship? We’re glad you asked!Donya Dickerson, Literary Agent at Aevitas, and John Willig, Literary Advisor and Content Coach atLiterary Services Inc., joined Host Corinne Moulder, Smith Publicity’s VP of Business Development, todiscuss how to query and work collaboratively with literary agents.

Literary Agent and author Lucinda Halpern discusses tips for querying and other ways to get connected to and signed by an agent in this episode of All Things Book Marketing! Lucinda Halpern is a literary agent and the founder of Lucinda Literary, based in New York. She has worked with all major publishers, including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Hachette, and Scholastic, and currently represents New York Times and internationally best-selling authors in the categories of personal growth, popular science, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and upmarket fiction. Her classes and coaching programs have been taught to hundreds of writers worldwide, and became the inspiration for her new book Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author (Hay House; February 6th, 2024). Learn more at lucindaliterary.com or download Lucinda’s free author training. Follow Lucinda Halpern on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X @lucindaliterary and @luncindahalpern and learn more about her work at LucindaLiterary.com.Discover more about Smith Publicity at www.smithpublicity.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, & LinkedIn.

Audio content is in with readers and that means that audiobooks are now expected from authors, not just recommended. David Wolf, Founder and CEO of Audivita, answers some commonly asked questions including the who, what, when, where, and why of audiobooks in this episode of Smith Publicity's All Things Book Marketing. David Wolf spent years serving as a music composer and producer of audio content for radio, TV, film, podcasts, audiobooks and multimedia. His previous company, Crywolf Productions, Inc. (1985-1999) and its recording studios provided music, sound design and production services for advertising and also studios such as Amblin, Discovery Channel, NBC Universal and Disney and for many well-known brands such as Southwest Airlines, Miller Brewing, Embassy Suites, Procter & Gamble, Texas Instruments, Brock Hotel Corporation and many more. David founded Audivita Studios in 2016 to apply his experience and the talents, skills  and expertise of his creative team to help companies, publishers, entrepreneurs, influencers and thought leaders grow their brands and businesses with podcasts and audiobooks. In 2024, Wolf is on a course to expand the core production business into related industry verticals with the creation of Media Capital Ventures, leveraging his experience in business building and operating experience in production and media. Concurrently, he co-founded 1125 Studios with Christian Bruun to develop and produce original series podcasts, film and television series. MCV has recently added Stock Day Media to its portfolio of companies to leverage the production team at Audivita Studios specifically for the OTC markets. Learn more at audivita.com and follow them on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn @audivitastudios.Discover more about Smith Publicity at www.smithpublicity.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, & LinkedIn.

Audio content is BOOMING and it's no longer a question of IF you should have a podcast to promote your expertise, but HOW should you run a podcast to promote your expertise. Luckily, we have expert Traci DeForge to help us! Traci DeForge, founder of Produce Your Podcast, is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought after speaker and media contributor. Traci is the host of the Growth Accelerator Podcast, and co-host of Ask Brien Radio Show on KHTS AM & FM, Los Angeles, CA. She's been featured on all three major networks along with CNN, CTV, and American Express Open, RadioINK, and is a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council. Learn more at www.produceyourpodcast.com and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. Discover more about Smith Publicity at www.smithpublicity.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, & LinkedIn.