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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 Welcome 00:32 John's Impressive Bio and Career Highlights 01:49 The Physical Demands of Photography 02:53 How Marissa and John Connected 04:34 John's Journey into Photography 10:02 Building a Visual Storytelling Library 17:07 The Importance of Consistent Visual Content 22:38 Evaluating Your Brand's Visual Assets 23:44 Importance of Event Visuals 24:22 Capturing the Full Event Experience 28:28 Starting Your Visual Storytelling Journey 33:50 Choosing the Right Photographer 36:44 The Value of Authentic Imagery 39:40 A Photographer's Favorite Moments 42:57 Conclusion and Contact Information John 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 Introduction 01:00 Meet Owen Sammarone : Founder of Unleash the Knowledge 04:17 Owen's Journey: From Non-Reader to Book Enthusiast 05:13 Building a Community and Personal Brand 15:00 The Power of Niching Down 18:27 Effective LinkedIn Strategies 24:03 The Value of Giving Without Expectation 25:11 Personalized Outreach Strategies 27:35 The Role of AI in LinkedIn Engagement 29:14 Maximizing LinkedIn's Potential 34:37 Effective Connection Requests 38:33 The Billboard Analogy for LinkedIn Profiles 44:24 Looking Ahead to 2026: Staying Human in a Digital World Owen 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 Leadership In 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 Introduction 01:30 Meeting Kate Breen: First Impressions 02:36 The Importance of Visual Presence 04:00 Dressing for Your Brand 08:01 Common Mistakes in Professional Attire 17:13 The Power of Authentic Style 19:22 Commanding Attention Through Style 23:18 Introduction to Working with Clients 23:48 The Importance of Understanding Personal Style 25:21 Gathering Client Information and Assets 26:22 Creating a Personalized Style Plan 27:49 Shopping and Outfit Coordination 29:44 The Role of Authenticity in Style 31:53 Empowering Clients Through Style 36:25 Final Thoughts and Contact Information About Kate Breen Kate 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 Publicity 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.  

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 Welcome 00:14 Sally Ekus' Background and Career Journey 01:57 The Evolution of Culinary Publishing 04:37 The Shift Towards Niche and Specialized Cookbooks 07:18 Successful Examples of Hyper-Targeted Cookbooks 13:14 The Importance of Backlist Promotion 23:16 Sally Ekus' Role and Future Plans 28:18 The Impact of Substack and Newsletter Platforms 33:06 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts Sally 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 Welcome 00:19 Lee Wind's Background and Achievements 01:52 We Are Stronger Than Censorship: The Motivation 03:22 Challenges and Strategies in Book Banning 05:32 Program Partnerships and Community Involvement 07:23 Impact and Future Goals of the Program 20:38 The Importance of Allyship 21:51 Lee Wind's New Book: Like That, Eleanor 29:02 Book Marketing Tips and Strategies 38:43 Conclusion and Call to Action For more information visit Smith Publicity, connect with Corinne Moulder and Lee Wind.

Building Influence and Community: The Future (and Power) of Author Newsletters  In this episode of 'All Things Book Marketing,' the host Corinne Moulder, Smith Publicity's Vice President of Business Development, interviews Kathleen Schmidt, founder of Kathleen Schmidt Public Relations. They discuss Kathleen's extensive experience in book publishing as a publicist, literary agent, acquisitions editor, and ghostwriter. Kathleen shares the inspiration behind her popular newsletter 'Publishing Confidential,'  on Substack.  She offers advice on creating engaging content, building a newsletter audience, and the evolving role of digital platforms in the publishing industry. Kathleen also touches on future plans, including branded events and a potential podcast. The conversation provides valuable insights for authors, experts, and publicists looking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of book publicity. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Hype 01:35 Kathleen's Journey to Publishing Confidential 03:32 Growing a Newsletter Audience 07:24 Balancing Personal and Professional Content 10:20 The Role of Newsletters in Modern Publishing 15:40 Tips for Publicists and Newsletter Writers 24:31 Starting and Sustaining a Newsletter 34:13 Future Plans and Conclusion For more insights about book publicity and book marketing, visit Smith Publicity and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming podcast episodes.

Authors: Crafting Your Media Presence, Interview Tips and Advice In 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 Welcome 01:22 Paula Rizzo's Background and Journey 02:18 The Importance of Media Training 04:53 Becoming Your Own Producer 07:08 Creating and Leveraging Content 11:35 Tips for Effective Video Content 16:05 Preparing for Media Appearances 17:29 Television Interview Preparation 18:18 The Power of Storytelling in Podcasts 20:39 Essential Equipment for Podcasts 23:16 Handling Controversial Questions 28:32 Long-Term Media Strategy for Authors 31:09 Media Ready Author Course Overview For more insights about book publicity and book marketing, visit Smith Publicity and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming podcast episodes.

In this episode of the All Things Book Marketing podcast, Sandy Smith from Smith Publicity converses with collegues and industry powerhouses Janet Shapiro, Vice President of Publicity, and Senior Publicist, Sophia Moriarty. They delve into innovative strategies for gaining attention in the book promotion world, emphasizing the crucial role of authors in collaboration with their publicists. Key topics include the shift towards direct media connections with experts, the importance of maintaining active engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, the evolving landscape of publicity, and the power of niche media for book sales and personal branding. The discussion highlights the value of patience and consistent effort in building long-term media relationships and leveraging social media for effective book marketing. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:13 New Strategies in Publicity 02:04 Collaborative Approach with Authors 03:08 Direct Media Connections 06:07 Effective Use of LinkedIn 09:36 Building Long-Term Media Relationships 17:16 Social Media Strategies for Authors 23:51 Establishing Client Relationships 24:07 Success Stories and Client Wins 25:00 The Importance of Persistence 26:23 Leveraging Niche Publications 30:02 Networking and Podcasting 31:26 Exploring Newsletters and Substack 34:24 The Value of Social Media Engagement 35:46 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

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 Publicity 00:18 Meet Garrett Perkins: CRO of Givington’s 02:42 The Importance of Speaking Engagements for Authors 04:02 Creative Retail Sales Strategies 10:19 Certified Retail Sales and Their Importance 13:56 Planning Your Book Marketing Early 23:05 Building a Direct-to-Consumer Content Engine 27:56 Innovative Book Marketing Strategies 28:40 Case Study: John Mark Comer's Dual Book Release 29:50 The Power of Animated Book Trailers 31:37 Tailoring Marketing Strategies for Authors 33:41 Building a Comprehensive Book Ecosystem 39:36 Realistic Expectations for Book Sales 42:05 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Smith Publicity All Things Book Marketing Podcast, Sandy Smith, CEO of Smith Publicity interviews Ashley Zink, founder of Higher Ground Consulting, about her expertise in helping authors turn their books into profitable ventures. They delve into the crucial steps for successful book marketing, including early planning, identifying clear goals, capturing reader data, and using lead magnets. Ashley also emphasizes the importance of building an email list, leveraging an author's network, and integrating revenue-generating opportunities like online courses. This comprehensive discussion offers invaluable advice for authors aiming to maximize their book's success and long-term impact.  For more insights, authors and aspiring writers can explore Ashley Zink’s services on LinkedIn or through Higher Ground Consulting’s website. Listening to the full podcast episode can provide additional nuances and practical tips for taking your book marketing strategy to the next level. For more insights about book publicity and book marketing, visit Smith Publicity and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming podcast episodes. Sandy Poirier Smith on LinkedIn.

In the latest episode of the All Things Book Marketing Podcast, host Marissa Eigenbrood of Smith Publicity leads a discussion with LinkedIn strategist Rachel Robertson. The conversation focuses on the evolution of LinkedIn strategies, especially for nonfiction authors. Rachel shares her journey into LinkedIn consultancy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and storytelling. The duo explores tips for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, generating engaging content, and staying consistent. They also touch on trends and updates expected, highlighting the increasing role of video, the importance of dwell time, and the challenges posed by AI-generated content. 

Marissa Eigenbrood, president of Smith Publicity, hosts this episode of All Things Book Marketing Podcast and speaks with Allison Jones, founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing.  They discuss Allison's publishing journey and her approach to blending traditional and innovative methods in the industry. The conversation highlights the significance of continuous writing for business authors, the intersection of personal branding with book marketing, and the nuanced use of AI in publishing. Allison shares insights on creating impactful content and discusses her 10-day business book proposal challenge. They also delve into future trends, especially the evolving role of AI, and emphasize the importance of human touch in creating relatable and authentic author content.  

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, andguidance 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.