All Things Book Marketing

Hosted by Smith Publicity

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154

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Jul 2026

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About the show

The Smith Publicity 'All Things Book Marketing' podcast explores all facets of book publicity and book marketing, with great expert guests sharing vital information for both authors and publishers.

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July 29, 2026Episode 5136 min

Building a Speaking Career: Positioning, Platforms, and Speaker Assets with Mirjana Novkovic

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 credibility Why articulating your audience's transformation matters more than listing your credentials How to keep your branding simple and focused, with your website and especially LinkedIn doing the heavy lifting around one clear signature keynote The three essential speaker assets every author needs: a highlights/sizzle reel, a 10-minute content sample, and a polished full 45-minute keynote The three paths to landing speaking gigs — self-marketing, speaker bureaus, and management — and how relationship-building and timely, "ripped from the headlines" outreach factor in How booking timelines have shifted post-COVID, from just weeks to as long as a year 0:00 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

July 23, 2026Episode 5050 min

The Thought Leadership Playbook: Peter Winick on Building Real Authority

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

March 25, 202644 min

How Strong Are Author Brand Visuals? John DeMato Shares Why They Matter More Than Ever

How Strong Are Your Author Brand Visuals? John DeMato shares why they matter more tham 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 .

February 5, 202648 min

Crafting Genuine Connections and Building Thought Leadership on LinkedIn with Owen Sammarone

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 Sammaron e 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 .

December 4, 202542 min

Dressing the Part With Kate Breen: The Power of Personal Style in Thought Leadership

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 .

August 13, 202535 min

From Kitchen to Bookshelf: The Changing Recipe for Cookbook Success

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 .

June 24, 202540 min

Allyship in Action: Lee Wind on Championing Inclusivity and Community in Publishing

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 .

May 28, 202536 min

Building Influence and Community: The Future (and Power) of Author Newsletters

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 .

May 28, 202533 min

Authors: Crafting Your Media Presence, Interview Tips and Advice

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.

April 23, 202544 min

How to Become the Media’s “Go-To” Expert

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