Episodios

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

    How Strong Are Author Brand Visuals? John DeMato Shares Why They Matter More Than Ever
    Mar 25 2026
    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.
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    45 m
  • Crafting Genuine Connections and Building Thought Leadership on LinkedIn with Owen Sammarone

    Crafting Genuine Connections and Building Thought Leadership on LinkedIn with Owen Sammarone
    Feb 5 2026
    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.
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    48 m
  • 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
    Dec 4 2025
    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.
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    43 m
  • From Kitchen to Bookshelf: The Changing Recipe for Cookbook Success

    From Kitchen to Bookshelf: The Changing Recipe for Cookbook Success
    Aug 13 2025
    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.
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    35 m
  • Allyship in Action: Lee Wind on Championing Inclusivity and Community in Publishing

    Allyship in Action: Lee Wind on Championing Inclusivity and Community in Publishing
    Jun 24 2025

    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.
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    41 m
  • Building Influence and Community: The Future (and Power) of Author Newsletters

    Building Influence and Community: The Future (and Power) of Author Newsletters
    May 28 2025
    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.
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    36 m
  • Authors: Crafting Your Media Presence, Interview Tips and Advice

    Authors: Crafting Your Media Presence, Interview Tips and Advice
    May 28 2025
    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.
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    33 m
  • How to Become the Media’s “Go-To” Expert

    How to Become the Media’s “Go-To” Expert
    Apr 23 2025
    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
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    45 m