Cathy Lewis is the president of C.S. Lewis Publicists, a boutique publicity firm that has been specializing in nonfiction book promotion for 26 years. With seven years of prior experience in traditional publishing, Cathy brings deep industry knowledge to helping authors navigate the dramatically changed media landscape. Her firm has worked with bestselling authors like John Perkins ("Confessions of an Economic Hit Man") and Judith Orloff, generating millions in book sales through strategic media outreach. As a small team of five specialists, C.S. Lewis Publicists provides personalized, one-on-one service that focuses on building thought leadership and author brands rather than just securing individual media placements.

In this episode:

• The evolution of book publicity from traditional bookstore distribution to the Amazon-dominated marketplace
• Why building thought leadership and personal branding has become essential for nonfiction authors
• The critical difference between publicity (exposure) and marketing (direct sales tactics)
• How to develop core messaging that resonates across different media outlets and audiences
• The importance of having a professional website, active blog, and strategic social media presence before launching publicity campaigns
• Platform-specific strategies for LinkedIn (business), Facebook (health/community topics), Instagram (visual content), and TikTok (video engagement)
• Why the "stumble upon factor" in physical bookstores created more predictable sales patterns than current online browsing
• How successful campaigns combine multiple touchpoints: media coverage, social media amplification, and speaking engagements

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/

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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/

Support the show

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Dave Cohen is a veteran comedy writer, performer, and author with an impressive career spanning BBC sitcoms, radio comedy, and children's television. His writing credits include iconic shows like "My Family," "Not Going Out," "Have I Got News For You," and "Spitting Image." Dave is perhaps best known for writing nearly 100 comedy songs for the BAFTA-winning children's series "Horrible Histories," which brilliantly combines education with entertainment. As a former stand-up comedian and co-host of the "Sitcom Geeks" podcast, Dave brings decades of practical comedy writing experience to his educational work. His books, including "The Complete Comedy Writer" and the Barry Goldman comedy novel series, offer aspiring writers insider insights into the craft of humor. His latest book, "Funny Up Your Fiction," addresses a gap in the market by teaching authors how to add comedic elements to any genre of novel.

In this episode:

• Dave's journey from stand-up comedy to BBC sitcom writer and children's television success
• The inspiration behind "Horrible Histories" and how comedy songs teach history more effectively
• Why most comedy writing advice focuses on jokes when character is actually the key
• How to add humor to any genre without compromising the story's integrity
• The fundamental difference between writing gags and developing comedic characters
• Why lack of self-awareness is the secret ingredient to funny characters
• The "plotter, pantser, and passenger" approach to novel structure and character development
• How to overcome the fear of writing comedy and avoid common comedy writing mistakes
• Why serious drama and comedy use the same structural foundations
• The importance of character authenticity: comedy characters must believe in themselves completely

Resources mentioned:

• "The Complete Comedy Writer" by Dave Cohen
• "Save the Cat" writing method
• "Funny Up Your Fiction" by Dave Cohen

Book recommendation:

• Jonathan Fairfax series by Christopher Shevlin

Connect with Dave Cohen:

• Website: https://www.davecohen.org.uk/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sitcom-geeks/id1014489955

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/

Support the show

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Mark Leslie Lefebvre is a multi-faceted author, publishing industry consultant, and book industry veteran who has significantly shaped the indie publishing landscape. As one of the key architects behind Kobo Writing Life, the self-publishing platform for Kobo (Amazon's primary competitor), Mark helped create what many consider the most user-friendly author dashboard in the industry. His diverse writing portfolio spans horror fiction, urban fantasy, true ghost stories, and essential guides for writers including "Wide for the Win" and "Kill It on Kobo." With over 40 years of writing experience and deep expertise in both traditional and independent publishing, Mark provides invaluable insights into global book distribution, platform strategy, and the business side of authorship.

In this episode:

• Mark's journey from teenage horror writer to publishing industry consultant
• The creation and development of Kobo Writing Life as Amazon's competitor
• Why "going wide" beyond Amazon opens up global opportunities for authors
• How Kobo's international reach differs from Amazon's geographical limitations
• Strategic pricing decisions: when Amazon's 70% royalty isn't actually 70%
• The psychology behind free book promotions and why most free downloads never get read
• Why KDP Select exclusivity might be limiting your earning potential
• International sales opportunities through Kobo's global retailer partnerships
• Effective marketing strategies that focus on reader value over direct sales
• The three pillars of author success: persistence, patience, and practice
• Finding and serving your niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone
• Daily writing routine strategies for busy authors with day jobs

Resources mentioned:

• Kobo Writing Life
• Draft2Digital
• BookFunnel
• Written Word Media
• Fussy Librarian

Book recommendation: 

• "The Business of Being a Writer" by Jane Friedman

Connect with Mark Leslie Lefebvre:

• Website: https://markleslie.ca/
• https://books2read.com/markleslie
• https://books2read.com/markleslielefebvre
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/markleslie
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/markleslielefebvre

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/

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Mike Hourigan is a book marketing expert and representative from Written Word Media, one of the most trusted names in book promotion services. Written Word Media operates several highly effective promotional platforms including Free Booksy, Bargain Booksy, and Red Feather Romance, helping thousands of authors reach new readers and boost sales. With extensive experience in digital book marketing across multiple genres and price points, Mike brings practical, data-driven insights into what actually works in today's competitive book marketplace. His expertise spans both fiction and nonfiction promotion strategies, making him a valuable resource for authors at every stage of their publishing journey.

In this episode:

• Launch promotions vs. price promotions: strategic timing and execution for maximum impact
• Promo stacking fundamentals: how to layer multiple promotional tactics for explosive results
• The psychology and mechanics of free book promotions that convert browsers into loyal readers
• Genre-specific strategies that work differently for fiction versus nonfiction marketing campaigns
• Why book covers and blurbs make or break your promotional success before readers even click
• How to leverage email promotion services effectively without wasting your marketing budget
• Social media advertising integration with traditional book promotion methods
• Reader acquisition strategies that build long-term fanbase rather than just short-term sales spikes
• The data behind successful book promotions and what metrics actually matter

Resources mentioned:

• Email promotion services: Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy, Red Feather Romance
• Social media advertising: Reader Reach Ads
• Book promotion service: NewInBooks
• Cover design resource: Reedsy

Book recommendation:

• "Company of One" by Paul Jarvis - Business growth philosophy for sustainable success

Connect with Mike Hourigan and Written Word Media:

• Website: https://writtenwordmedia.com/
• Email: [email protected]

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/

Support the show

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

James Blatch is a former BBC Defence Reporter and BBFC Film Examiner who has successfully transitioned from journalism to becoming a bestselling author of military aviation thrillers. His extensive reporting career included high-profile assignments aboard HMS Invincible during Operation Desert Fox, coverage from Kuwait's Ali Al Salem allied air base, Arctic Circle reporting, and frontline coverage of the UK air offensive during the Kosovo Conflict in 1999. This unique background provides authentic military expertise that infuses his fiction with genuine realism. As co-founder of the Self Publishing Formula and organizer of the prestigious Self Publishing Show Live conference, James has become a leading voice in the independent publishing community, helping thousands of authors navigate their publishing journeys.

In this episode:

• The dramatic career pivot from BBC war correspondent to military thriller novelist
• How real-world defense reporting experience creates authentically gripping fiction
• The creative genesis behind his debut novel "Final Flight" and military aviation themes
• Using NaNoWriMo as a powerful catalyst to overcome writing procrastination and finish manuscripts
• The transformative value of working with professional book coaches for craft development
• Discovering and articulating the deeper "why" that drives your writing passion
• Proven plotting techniques and structural frameworks for compelling storytelling
• Marketing strategies that actually work for self-published authors in competitive markets
• International success stories: breaking into German translation markets and foreign sales
• Behind-the-scenes insights from organizing the Self Publishing Show Live conference
• Strategic networking approaches that build lasting author careers and opportunities
• The realistic pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing paths
• Practical, actionable advice for aspiring authors taking their first steps into publishing

Resources mentioned:

• NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)
• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
• BookBub
• Self Publishing Show Live conference

Book recommendations:

• "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel" by Jessica Brody
• "On Writing" by Stephen King

Connect with James Blatch:

• Personal website: https://jamesblatch.com/
• Self Publishing Formula: https://selfpublishingformula.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/

Support the show

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Victoria Gerkin is the Publisher at Podium Entertainment, a leading audiobook publishing company that specializes in transforming independent authors' works into professional audio productions. With over 22 years of experience in traditional publishing, including roles at Penguin Random House, Little Random, and A.A. Knopf, Victoria brings deep industry expertise to the rapidly evolving world of independent audiobook publishing. Her background spans subsidiary rights, publicity, and author services, including co-founding the Knopf Speakers Bureau. At Podium, she oversees the acquisition of audio rights and works closely with authors to bring their stories to life through high-quality audio productions, publishing over 2,600 audiobooks annually.

In this episode:

• How Podium Entertainment revolutionizes audiobook publishing for indie authors
• The business model: licensing vs. traditional audiobook production methods
• What Podium looks for when evaluating manuscripts and author track records
• Professional casting secrets and matching narrators to stories perfectly
• The importance of cultural authenticity and accent considerations in audiobook production
• Why quality matters more than speed when entering the audiobook market
• Audiobook market dynamics: sales ratios compared to print and ebook formats
• Essential preparation tips for authors considering audiobook adaptations
• Success stories from long-term author partnerships and series development
• The evolution from traditional publishing to independent audiobook success

Resources mentioned:

• Podium Entertainment website - https://podiumentertainment.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podiumentertainment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podiumentertainment/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gerken-ba9b16150

Book recommendations:

• "The Pucking Wrong Number" by C.R. Jane
• Slough House series by Mick Herron

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/

Support the show

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

Dakota Krout is a pioneering LitRPG author and visionary founder of Mountaindale Press, one of the leading publishing houses specializing in LitRPG, GameLit, and cultivation fiction. With a unique background combining computer science expertise and military communications experience, Dakota brings systematic, logical thinking to both his world-building and his publishing empire. His methodical approach to creating intricate magic systems and character progression has made him a standout voice in the rapidly growing gaming-inspired fiction genre, while his publishing house has become a launching pad for numerous successful authors in these specialized niches.

In this episode:

• Demystifying LitRPG and GameLit: What these explosive genres are and why they're dominating
• The systematic approach to building believable magic systems and character progression mechanics
• From author to publisher: The complete journey of founding and scaling Mountaindale Press
• Inside publishing metrics: What success looks like and the standards authors must meet
• Niche genre marketing strategies that build devoted readerbases in specialized communities
• The power of community engagement in genre fiction and reader retention
• Computer science principles applied to creative writing and world-building
• Military precision meets creative storytelling: How systematic thinking enhances fiction
• Building a publishing empire while maintaining quality and author relationships

Resources mentioned:

• Dragon Con -  https://www.dragoncon.org/
• LitRPG and GameLit online communities 
• Mountaindale Press publishing criteria and submission guidelines: https://www.mountaindalepress.store/
• Genre-specific marketing platforms and communities
• Convention networking and industry connection strategies

Book recommendations:

• "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034
• "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" by Peter Attia: 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:

• Mountaindale Press website: https://www.mountaindalepress.store/
• Dakota's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DakotaKrout/
• Mountaindale Press Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MountaindalePress/
• Discord community: Mountaindale Press server

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/

Support the show

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

Shelby Leigh is a breakthrough mental health poetry author who has masterfully leveraged social media to transform her writing career from self-published obscurity to traditional publishing success. With over 103,000 Instagram followers and viral TikTok content that reaches millions, Shelby has become a case study in how modern authors can use digital platforms to build authentic connections with readers and drive real book sales. Her poetry focuses on mental health, healing, and personal growth, resonating with a generation seeking authentic voices in literature. Through her brand "Marketing by Shelby," she now helps other authors replicate her social media success.

In this episode:

• From zero followers to 103K: Shelby's complete social media growth strategy
• How mental health poetry found its massive audience through authentic storytelling
• TikTok marketing secrets that create viral BookTok content and drive sales
• Content creation systems that maintain consistency across multiple platforms
• The psychology behind converting social media views into actual book purchases
• Analytics and metrics that matter: tracking what really drives book sales
• Transitioning from self-publishing to traditional deals using social proof
• Building a personal brand that attracts both readers and publishers
• The intersection of vulnerability, poetry, and profitable content creation

Resources mentioned:

• Marketing by Shelby - Shelby's author marketing consultancy: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/
• TikTok Solutions Program - Social media marketing course: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/marketing-offers
• BookTok community - Poetry and book discovery platform: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/booktok
• Instagram Marketing by Shelby - Visual content strategies: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbyshelby/
• YouTube Channel - Extended marketing tutorials: http://youtube.com/@marketingbyshelby

Book Recommendations for Poetry:

• "I Look to the Mourning Sky" by Liz Newman
• Works by Tristan Mateo - Contemporary poetry
• Nikita Gill - Instagram poetry sensation: https://www.instagram.com/nikita_gill/?hl=en

Traditional Poetry Influences:

• Emily Dickinson
• Rupi Kaur - Modern poetry pioneer: https://rupikaur.com/
• Atticus Poetry - https://www.atticuspoetry.com/

Modern Poetry Recommendations:

• "Luster" by Raven Leilani
• "From Sand to Stars" by Shelby Leigh
• Amanda Lovelace - Instagram poetry

Connect with Shelby Leigh:

• Website: https://shelbyleigh.co/

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/

Support the show

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Stuart Grant is the founder of Digital Authors Toolkit, a specialized digital agency that has revolutionized how authors establish their online presence. With over a decade of deep experience in the publishing industry and more than 300 author websites in his portfolio, Stuart has become the go-to expert for writers who want to transform their digital footprint into a powerful marketing tool. His unique approach seamlessly blends technical web development expertise with an intimate understanding of author needs and reader behavior, creating websites that don't just look professional—they convert visitors into loyal fans and customers.

In this episode:

• Why every author needs a professional website and the essential elements that drive results
• Smart website design strategies using your book covers as visual inspiration
• SEO optimization secrets that get your author site discovered by readers
• Proven email list building techniques that turn website visitors into devoted fans
• Traffic generation strategies that bring the right readers to your digital doorstep
• The most common (and costly) website mistakes authors make and how to avoid them
• Technical tools and platforms that simplify author website management
• How to create a website that works as hard as you do to sell your books
• Reader psychology: designing websites that convert browsers into buyers
• 
  

Resources mentioned:

• Wix - https://www.wix.com/
• Book Vault - https://bookvault.app/
• Lulu - https://www.lulu.com/
• Book Funnel - https://bookfunnel.com/
• Digital Authors Toolkit - https://www.digitalauthorstoolkit.com/

Book recommendations:

• "Ted Talks" by Chris Anderson
• "Ultra Processed People" by Chris Van Tulliken
• JD Kirk's Hoon series

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/

Support the show

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