The Publishing Performance Show

Hey everyone! What a wild ride 2024 has been. From welcoming a new baby (and realizing two kids is WAY more than double the work) to watching this show grow beyond my wildest dreams, I want to share the highs, lows, and everything in between of this incredible year.

In this episode, I'm diving into:

• Life as a publishing dad 
• The amazing guests who've joined us - from Susie Quinn to Kevin J Anderson
• My Vegas adventure at Author Nation (what happens in Vegas... gets recorded!)
• Growing my own book empire to 22 titles
• How Publishing Performance's AI is changing the ad game
• What's coming in 2025 (spoiler: it's gonna be big)

Resources mentioned:

• Publishing Performance - Our AI advertising wizard
• Author Nation Videos in Youtube

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website - https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/teddyagsmith
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/teddyagsmith/
• Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7qwkY_Tih2UlB82b3ysTg
• Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/teddyagsmith

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Michele DeFilippo is the owner of 1106 Design, providing comprehensive book publishing services for indie authors since 2001. With over 52 years in the publishing industry, she brings extensive expertise in book design, typesetting, and project management.

In this episode:

• Journey from Crown Publishers to founding 1106 Design
• Evolution of book formatting from manual typesetting to digital
• Common mistakes authors make in self-publishing
• Importance of professional book design and formatting
• Working with print-on-demand platforms
• Project management essentials for authors

Resources mentioned:

• KDP (Amazon): https://kdp.amazon.com/
• IngramSpark: https://www.ingramspark.com/
• 1106 Design services: https://1106design.com/services/

Book Recommendations:

• Publish Like the Pros by Michele DeFilippo: https://www.amazon.com/Publish-Like-Pros-Self-Publishing-Misunderstood/dp/0985489901

Connect with Michele:

• Website: https://1106design.com/
• Free resource: https://1106design.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Publish-Like-the-Pros_Prf15_COLOR_with_covers_PDFx-1a.pdf
• Newsletter subscription
• Project management consultation: https://1106design.com/contact-us/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Cathy Lewis is president of CS Lewis Publicity, a boutique PR firm specializing in non-fiction authors. With over 26 years of experience, she helps authors build their platforms through strategic media outreach.

In this episode:

• Evolution from publishing to boutique publicity
• Essential author platform elements
• Media outreach strategies
• Social media tactics for authors
• Importance of core messaging
• Changes in book marketing landscape
• Local bookstore resurgence

Resources mentioned:

• Website essentials
• Social media platforms
• Media contacts
• Press materials
• Local bookstore events
• Virtual seminars

Book recommendations:

• Media Darlings by Joanne McCall: https://www.amazon.com/Media-Darling-Shine-Through-Interview/dp/1736095005
• Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins: https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Economic-Hit-John-Perkins/dp/0452287081
• The Genius of Empathy by Judith Orloff: https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Empathy-Practical-Sensitive-Relationships/dp/1683649710

Connect with Cathy:

• Website: https://www.cslewispublicity.com/
• DIY Publicity blog: https://www.cslewispublicity.com/blog/
• Contact: https://www.cslewispublicity.com/contact-us/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Dakota Krout is a successful LitRPG author and founder of Mountandale Press, specializing in LitRPG, GameLit, and cultivation fiction. With a background in computer science and military communications, he brings systematic thinking to his writing and publishing ventures.

In this episode:

• Explanation of LitRPG and GameLit genres
• Building systematic magic and progression systems
• Process of founding and running Mountandale Press
• Publishing success metrics and author requirements
• Marketing strategies in niche genres
• Importance of community engagement

Resources mentioned:

• Dragon Con - https://www.dragoncon.org/
• LitRPG and GameLit online communities
• Mountandale Press publishing criteria: https://www.mountaindalepress.store/

Book recommendations:

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034
• Outlived: The Science and Art of Longevity: https://www.amazon.com/Outlive-Longevity-Peter-Attia-MD/dp/0593236599
• Something, Anything, and Everything series by Dakota Krout: https://www.amazon.com/Anything-Full-Murderhobo-Dakota-Krout/dp/163766074X

Connect with Dakota Krout:

• Website: https://www.mountaindalepress.store/
• Dakota’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DakotaKrout/
• Mountandale Press’ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MountaindalePress/
• Discord: Mountandale Press community

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Gillian Harvey is a successful author of women's fiction with nine published books, including the bestselling "The Year in the French Farmhouse" and "The Bordeaux Book Club." Living in France for many years before recently returning to the UK, she brings authentic French culture and experiences to her novels. Her latest book "The Little Provence Bookshop" combines elements of mystery, humor, and magical realism in a French setting.

In this episode:

• Journey from teaching to full-time writing
• Experience of moving to and living in France
• Writing process and plotting techniques using 40-point story outlines
• Naturally incorporating humor into storytelling
• Building successful author-reader relationships through reviews
• Transitioning between publishers and working with Boldwood Books
• Balancing social media presence across platforms
• Importance of in-person author communities and events

Resources mentioned:

• Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: https://www.amazon.com/Save-Cat-Writes-Novel-Writing/dp/0399579745
• Emily Dickinson poetry: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/emily-dickinson
• Chocolat by Joanne Harris: https://www.amazon.com/Chocolat-Novel-Vianne-Rocher/dp/0140282033
• Norfolk and Suffolk author communities

Book recommendations:

• Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
• Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel: https://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Hall-Hilary-Mantel/dp/0312429983
• The Year in the French Farmhouse: https://www.amazon.com/Year-French-Farmhouse-uplifting-feel-good-ebook/dp/B0B5CY4RNG
• The Little Provence Bookshop: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Provence-Book-Shop/dp/1805499688

Connect with Gillian Harvey:

• Website: https://www.gillianharvey.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillplusfive/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gharveyauthor/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GillPlusFive

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Roni Robbins, an award-winning journalist and author, shares her journey of transforming her grandfather's recorded memories into the award-winning book "Hands of Gold." With a background in journalism spanning publications like the Atlanta Journal Constitution and WebMD, she brings professional storytelling expertise to her family's Holocaust survival story.

In this episode:

• Journey from journalism to authorship
• Converting oral history to narrative
• Research and verification process
• Traditional publishing journey
• Marketing strategies and awards
• Future writing projects
• Legacy preservation techniques

Resources Mentioned:

• National Archives - https://www.archives.gov/
• Mormon Family History Center - https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/topic/family-history-centers
• Ancestry.com - https://www.ancestry.com/
• PR Newswire - https://www.prnewswire.com/
• US Holocaust Memorial Museum - https://www.ushmm.org/

Book Recommendations:

• "Hands of Gold" by Roni Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Hands-Gold-Silver-Misfortune-Fiction/dp/9493231852

Connect with Roni Robbins:

• Website - http://www.ronirobbins.com/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100061145405275
• Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ronirobbins
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/handsofgoldnovel?r=nametag
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@handsofgoldnovel?_t=8ZNrTvl0JsL&_r=1

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Eirinaios Theodorou is the founder and CEO of Publisher Champ, the leading all-in-one analytics platform used by over 16,000 authors. What started as a solution for his brother-in-law's book tracking needs has grown into a comprehensive platform that automatically pulls together royalties and spending data from multiple platforms including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Draft2Digital, providing authors with detailed analytics for their publishing business.

In this episode:

• Origins of Publisher Champ
• Key performance indicators for authors
• Analytics across multiple platforms
• Return on investment tracking
• Smart link functionality
• Multi-platform integration
• Future development plans

Resources Mentioned:

• PublisherChamp - https://www.publisherchamp.com/
• Draft2Digital integration
• Barnes & Noble integration
• Meta Ads platform
• Amazon KDP
• Kobo (upcoming)
• TikTok Ads (upcoming)
• Bookbub integration (in development)

Book Recommendations:

• "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Its/dp/0786881852

Connect with Eiri Theodorou & Publisher Champ

• Start your free 14-day trial -  https://www.publisherchamp.com/
• X.com - https://x.com/Publisher_Champ
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Publisher-Champ-100071802490712/?_rdr
• Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/eirinaios-theodorou-424208168

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Dawn Greenfield Ireland is an award-winning author of 20 novels, including five series spanning cozy mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, billionaire shapeshifters, and dystopian genres. With certificates from UCLA's Professional Program in Screenwriting and ScreenwritingU, she has written 15 screenplays (two optioned) and seven award-winning nonfiction books. A former technical writer turned full-time author and publisher, Dawn now runs Artistic Origins publishing services while continuing to write across multiple genres.

In this episode:

• Journey from technical to creative writing
• Evolution of first novel over 30 years
• Importance of critique groups
• Building a publishing company
• Writing across multiple genres
• Publishing services for authors
• Marketing strategies and challenges

Resources Mentioned:

• Artistic Origins Publishing Services: https://www.degreenfield.com/general-5
• Vellum: https://vellum.pub/
• Microsoft Word Formatting Tools
• Story Origin: https://storyoriginapp.com/features/build-your-author-email-list
• Free Booksy promotions: https://www.freebooksy.com/for-the-authors/
• Facebook groups for writers
• Zoom for critique groups
• UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting
• ScreenwritingU certificates: https://screenwritingu.com/classes/master-screenwriter-certificate/

Book Recommendations:

• "The Cat Who" series by Lilian Jackson Braun: https://www.amazon.com/The-Cat-Who-29-book-series/dp/B074BC264V
• "Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman: https://www.amazon.com/Thursday-Murder-Club-Novel/dp/1984880969

Connect with Dawn Greenfield: 

• Website: http://www.dawngreenfieldireland.com/
• Amazon: amazon.com/author/dawnireland
• Facebook: facebook.com/dawn.ireland.18
• Instagram: instagram.com/dawngreenfieldIreland
• Goodreads: goodreads.com/dawnireland
• Linkedin: inkedin.com/in/degreenfield

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Nick Courtright, CEO and founder of Atmosphere Press, brings his background as a PhD in literature and published author to hybrid publishing. Through Atmosphere Press, he has developed a transparent, author-focused approach that combines the best elements of traditional and self-publishing.

In this episode:

• Evolution of hybrid publishing models
• Manuscript selection process
• Editorial and design services
• Marketing and publicity support
• Author collaboration approach
• Building successful publishing partnerships

Resources mentioned:

• Author Blog & Resources: https://atmospherepress.com/advice-for-writers/
• Publishing Potential Quiz: https://atmospherepress.com/book-publishing-quiz/
• Costa Rica The Playa Flamingo Writing Residency Program: https://atmospherepress.com/costa-rica-residency/
• Free Book Giveaway Program: https://atmospherepress.com/free-book-giveaway/
• Submit Your Manuscript: https://atmospherepress.com/call-for-submissions/
• Selective Publishing Packages: https://atmospherepress.com/selective-publishing-packages/

Book Recommendation: 

• "How to Monetize Despair" by Lisa Matolo

Connect with Atmosphere Press:

• Atmosphere Press: https://atmospherepress.com/
• Atmosphere’s Book Catalog: https://atmospherepress.com/book-catalog/
• Editorial Team Directory: https://atmospherepress.com/ourteam/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atmospherepress/
• X.com: https://twitter.com/atmospherepress
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_GbtP2XDqcrWLEY7U4o7sw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atmospherepress/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Halima Khatun, a former journalist with prestigious experience at ITV and BBC, has successfully transitioned from media to becoming an accomplished author and PR consultant.  With her background in media and communications, she's mastered both storytelling and book marketing, particularly through strategic PR and media outreach. 

In this episode:

• Journey from journalism to author
• PR strategies for self-published authors
• Media outreach techniques
• Building relationships with libraries
• Self-publishing vs traditional publishing
• Writing authentic diverse fiction
• Building author platforms

Resources mentioned:

• BBC, Good Housekeeping, Metro features
• Manchester Evening News coverage
• Asian Image publication features
• Local libraries network
• "Priceless Publicity" book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Priceless-Publicity-money-cant-buy-coverage-business/dp/191631838X

Book recommendations:

• "The Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710
• "Queenie" by Candice Carty-Williams: https://www.amazon.com/Queenie-Candice-Carty-Williams/dp/1501196014
• "White Teeth" by Zadie Smith:https://www.amazon.com/White-Teeth-Novel-Zadie-Smith/dp/0375703861
• "Sofia Khan is Not Obliged" by Ayisha Malik: https://www.amazon.com/Sofia-Khan-Not-Obliged-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0133MQQJU

Connect with Halima Khatun:

• Website: https://halimakhatun.co.uk/
• Author of the Secret Diaries Series: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Halima-Khatun/author/B084KN6P3S
• Newsletter signup: https://halimakhatun.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halimabobs/?hl=en 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@halimakhatunauthor
• Blog: http://halimabobs.com/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/