All Things Book Marketing

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.

Nurturing Creativity and Marketing Mindsets for Authors

In this episode of the All Things Book Marketing Podcast, host Corinne Moulder, Vice President of Smith Publicity, discusses book marketing strategies and author coaching with expert Jennifer Graybeal, a Certified Creativity Coach. Jennifer shares insights from her 10 years of experience in coaching, workshops, and editing, having helped over a thousand authors.  

The conversation covers: 

• the value of industry conferences such as NINC and AuthorNation,
• exciting new trends in book marketing and social media to build visibility,
• the importance of effective marketing strategies versus tactics, and
• guidance on nurturing creativity, emphasizing self-care, community support, and understanding individual needs.  

About our Guest: Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In ten years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. Jen is a Certified Creativity Coach with a degree in English, an ever-expanding TBR pile, and a furball assistant that is usually on her lap. Visit her website for client testimonials at www.jengraybeal.com or follow her on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, and TikTok: @JenTheEditor.

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. Sign up for their newsletter.

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.

In this episode of All Things Book Marketing, Marissa Eigenbrood, President of Smith Publicity, chats with ghostwriter and business strategist Emily Crookston about how to maximize a book’s impact as a powerful marketing tool.

Emily offers authors insightful strategies to seamlessly integrate their business goals into the book-writing process, starting well before the final manuscript is complete.

With her unique perspective, Emily emphasizes that a book isn’t just a standalone project—it’s a crucial element in building a brand, generating leads, and supporting overall business objectives.Listeners will gain valuable advice on the importance of marketing during the writing phase, not just after publication.

Emily explains how engaging potential readers early through tactics like LinkedIn polls for title feedback can build buzz and ensure that the book resonates with its target audience.

Marissa and Emily also discuss the importance of maintaining post-publication momentum, ensuring long-term return on investment (ROI) for authors who use their books to grow their business and gain credibility. 

From overcoming mindset challenges like procrastination to choosing the right title, and the benefits of collaboration with ghostwriters or marketing professionals, this episode is packed with actionable tips for nonfiction authors and publishing professionals.

Whether you’re preparing to write a book or looking to amplify your book’s reach, this conversation provides essential takeaways to ensure your book works as a lasting asset for your business.

In the latest episode of the Smith Publicity podcast, Sandy Smith, CEO of Smith Publicity, sits down with publishing veteran and expert Debra Englander. Debra's vast experience in working with business and non-fiction authors discusses:

• Navigating working with publishers,
• Importance of building an author brand/platform
• What publishers are looking for in decising which authors to sign on--platform vs good content–what is more impactful
• Setting realistic goals for your book
• Working with a business book publicist
• Leveraging pre-order book sales strategies

Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned nonfiction or business book author, this episode is packed with invaluable tips to help you succeed in today’s competitive market, and make the most of working with a business book publicists. Don’t miss out on Debra’s expertise on how to turn your book into a long-term asset and enhance your author brand.

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 Points

• The 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.

Most promotional efforts will center around publication month, but that doesn't mean your job is done when the first of the next month rolls around! Brand expert Deb Gabor joins us to discuss what it takes to grow and manage a successful brand and key things she's done post-publication with her book.

“Leading Expert" doesn't come close to describing Deb Gabor's passion for brands. More accurate? Brand Guru. Brand Impresario. Brand Evangelist. She's written the book on branding (three times!) with bestsellers Branding is Sex, Irrational Loyalty, and Person-ality. She's the founder and CEO of Sol Marketing, a strategy-led marketing firm obsessed with solving major business and branding problems for clients in every industry. Companies throughout the world use Deb’s Brand Values Pyramid, Ideal Customer Archetype, and “Brand Swagger Questions” to align their teams and articulate their brands to audiences.

Deb also lends her brand authority with frequent contributions and commentary to major news outlets such as Entrepreneur, Forbes, FORTUNE, Inc., MediaPost, New York Times, NPR, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. Business and marketing organizations regularly call on Deb as a keynote speaker and workshop leader, relying on her as an inspiration for executives to embrace the power of branding to create Marketing That Sells. Learn more at debgabor.com and solmarketing.com and follow Deb on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.
 
Discover more about Smith Publicity at www.smithpublicity.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, & LinkedIn.

You've gotten through writing, editing, design, production, distribution, and publication. Your book is now published and available and... now what? Written Word Media's Emma Boyer joins us in this episode of All Things Book Marketing to discuss timing, strategy, and recommendations for post-publication promotions. 

 Emma Boyer is the VP of Digital Operations at Written Word Media, a book promotion company that uses specialized and proprietary data-driven marketing techniques to empower authors and publishers to reach their audiences, and has been working in various capacities in the book publishing industry — from PR to marketing to consulting — for over 15 years. She holds an MA from Carnegie Mellon University and is very interested in the potential at the intersection of the tech and publishing worlds and is passionate about helping authors find audiences and audiences find books. Learn more at www.writtenwordmedia.com.


Discover more about Smith Publicity at www.smithpublicity.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, & LinkedIn.

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 is
working 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-lasting
relationships 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 at
Literary Services Inc., joined Host Corinne Moulder, Smith Publicity’s VP of Business Development, to
discuss how to query and work collaboratively with literary agents.