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What if the most important decisions about your book's success happen before you've even written the first chapter? A great nonfiction book can do much more than share information or generate sales. It can build credibility, introduce your ideas to new audiences, open doors to speaking and consulting opportunities, and become a valuable part of your larger professional platform. But that kind of impact doesn't happen by accident. In this episode of All Things Book Marketing, Smith Publicity CEO Sandy Poirier Smith welcomes longtime industry colleague Jayme Johnson, founder of Worthy Marketing Group, to explore the foundational questions every author should be asking before, during, and long after publication. Drawing on years of experience working with leading authors and thought leaders, Sandy and Jayme discuss how to clarify your book's purpose, identify the right readers, stand out in an AI-driven world, and create a strategy that supports your bigger goals. They also explore what authors should realistically expect from publishers, creative ways to generate book sales and business opportunities, and why your book's return on investment should be measured in years—not weeks. Plus, Jayme shares why she, Elizabeth Marshall, and Janet Goldstein are bringing back Book Breakthrough, a hands-on retreat designed to help authors refine their ideas, navigate publishing, and build a clear path forward. In this episode, we explore: Who are you really writing for, and what problem will your book solve?What makes your expertise and perspective valuable in the age of AI?How can your book support your larger business, brand, and professional goals?What should you expect from your publisher, and what responsibilities will you need to own?How can you measure success beyond book sales and bestseller lists?What relationships and opportunities should you begin developing now? Episode show notes Timestamps are approximate 00:00 – Introducing Jayme Johnson and Book Breakthrough 02:00 – What makes a nonfiction book stand out today? 04:30 – Why understanding your ideal reader starts before writing 07:30 – Building credibility and trust in the age of AI 10:30 – What publishers do—and why authors need to own their launches 14:00 – Developing an authentic marketing strategy that fits your goals 17:30 – How books can support speaking, consulting, and bulk sales 22:00 – Reaching the right audiences through professional organizations 25:00 – Measuring your book's long-term return on investment 30:00 – Why publication day is the beginning, not the finish line 33:00 – Building relationships and learning to ask for support 38:00 – Why Book Breakthrough is returning in 2026 42:00 – The value of expert guidance, connections, and a clear plan About Jayme Johnson Jayme Johnson is the founder of Worthy Marketing Group, where she helps authors, experts, and thought leaders develop their platforms, market their books, and expand the reach of their ideas. Together with Elizabeth Marshall and Janet Goldstein, she's bringing back Book Breakthrough, a two-day strategic author retreat taking place October 28–29, 2026, in New York City. Connect and learn more Jayme Johnson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/worthyjaymejohnson/ Worthy Marketing Group: https://worthymarketinggroup.com Book Breakthrough: https://bookbreakthrough.com Smith Publicity: https://www.smithpublicity.com Smith Publicity on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smith-publicity Smith Publicity on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithpublicity/ Explore more conversations with publishing professionals, authors, and book marketing experts on Smith Publicity's All Things Book Marketing podcast. At Smith Publicity, we help nonfiction authors, experts, thought leaders, academics, and business leaders build visibility for their books, ideas, and expertise—reaching new audiences, strengthening credibility, and opening doors to new opportunities.    Our tailored campaigns bring together book publicity, media relations, author platform strategy, and expert positioning based on each client's goals, audience, and unique areas of expertise.    Whether you're preparing to publish a book or ready to bring greater visibility to your ideas and expertise, we invite you to start a conversation with the Smith Publicity team.

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 Intro 03:25 Speaker Foundations and Credibility 09:21 Branding, Website, and LinkedIn 18:17 Keynote Video Assets and Reels 25:22 Three Paths to Gigs 26:14 How Speaker Bureaus Work 28:10 Stay Top of Mind 29:27 Ripped From the Headlines 31:37 Booking Timing Trends 34:18 Where to Find Mirjana 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. Follow us on socials: Sandy Smith on LinkedIn Mirjana Novkovic on LinkedIn Smith Publicity on LinkedIn Smith 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 back 0:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 0:33 Peter's New Book: The Thought Leadership Handbook 1:40 Peter Winick's Background and Expertise 3:09 What Drew Peter to Thought Leadership 6:37 What Really Defines a Thought Leader 10:10 How AI Is Shaping Thought Leadership 11:22 The Origin Story of the Book (Mining 600+ Podcast Transcripts) 15:47 Where AI Helps vs. Where It Hurts Your Voice 16:38 The Four Elements of Thought Leadership: Overview 17:07 Element 1: The Core Idea 18:48 Element 2: The Content Library 19:57 Element 3: The Market Offering 21:29 Element 4: The Platform ("You Are the X Guy") 23:26 Building Trust Through Consistency 24:12 The Impact Equation Explained 28:00 The Five Thought Leader Avatars: Overview 29:38 Avatar 1: The Growth-Minded CEO 31:44 Avatar 2: The Impact & Legacy Executive 33:05 Avatar 3: The Solopreneur 34:02 Avatar 4: The In-House Expert 37:15 Avatar 5: The Hall of Fame Thinker 38:07 When Should You Actually Write the Book? 40:49 Why the Book Is the Beginning, Not the End Game 42:20 Pushing Back on the "Seasonal Book" Mentality 43:15 Playing the Long Game Beyond Publication Day 44:29 The Postpartum of Authorship 45:02 Why "Bestseller" Claims Mean Nothing 47:26 A Little Fun: Where They Disagree 48:00 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Peter 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. Follow us on socials: Marissa Eigenbrood on Linkedin Peter Winick on LinkedIn Bill Sherman on LinkedIn Naren Aryal on LinkedIn Smith Publicity on LinkedIn Smith 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 Intro 02:50 How We Connected 04:08 John’s Origin Story 05:27 From TV to Photography 07:03 Serving Speakers and Authors 11:11 Visual Storytelling Library 12:19 Core Assets That Convert 13:02 Visual Evidence in Action 13:58 Book Boudoir and Details 17:53 Why Stock Photos Fail 20:05 How Often to Refresh Photos 22:01 Core Assets Lifespan 22:38 Refresh Your Core Assets 23:11 Show the Rooms You Work 23:56 Capture the Full Event 27:21 Build a Living Image Library 28:28 Visuals for Every Stage 31:07 Budgeting Your Photo Priorities 33:50 Hiring the Right Photographer 36:30 Avoid Over Retouching 39:40 Favorite Client Story 42:57 Where to Find John 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.