John DeMato is a visual storytelling expert and professional photographer who specializes in creating compelling visual content for entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, and consultants. After transitioning from a career as a television field producer, John found his niche in branding photography, which eventually led him to develop Book Boudoir - a specialized service creating high-quality, strategic photographs of books for marketing purposes. With his background in visual storytelling, John helps authors elevate their brand presence through professional imagery that showcases not just their book covers, but the valuable content inside.

In this episode:

• John's journey from TV production to specialized photography
• The origin story behind Book Boudoir
• Creating strategic visual assets for book marketing
• Photographing book interiors to showcase valuable content
• Using professional book photography for Amazon A+ content
• How authors use book photos in presentations and marketing materials
• The importance of visual storytelling in building authority
• Strategic approaches to professional photography
• Tips for authors on budget-friendly photography options
• The Book Boudoir process from consultation to final portfolio

Resources mentioned:

• DeMato Productions: https://www.johndemato.com/
• Book Boudoir photography service: https://www.johndemato.com/book-photos
• Amazon A+ content for book listings: https://sell.amazon.com/tools/a-content

Connect with John DeMato:

• Website: https://www.johndemato.com/
• Blog: https://www.johndemato.com/blog
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeMatoProductions/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndemato
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/dematophoto

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/

Carol Kabaale is a Facebook ads expert based in South Africa who transitioned from a corporate hospitality career to digital marketing after seeking more freedom and fulfillment in her work. With eight years of experience specializing in Facebook and Instagram advertising, Carol helps clients develop strategic marketing campaigns that build community and convert leads into customers. Her data-driven approach focuses on understanding audience demographics and creating targeted content that resonates with specific reader personas.

In this episode:

• Carol's journey from corporate hospitality to Facebook ads specialist
• The three "seasons" of marketing: visibility, nurturing, and sales
• How to use Facebook and Instagram ads to build an author community
• Creating effective lead magnets and email capture strategies
• Techniques for targeting specific reader demographics
• Cost-effective ad strategies for authors on limited budgets
• The importance of retargeting campaigns for better conversions
• Key metrics authors should track in their advertising campaigns
• How to determine if you're ready to start running Facebook ads
• Building author email lists before and after book publication

Resources mentioned:

• Meta Ad Platform (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp): https://business.meta.com/?locale=en_US
• In-form lead generation tools
• DM funnel strategy using "comment the word" technique
• Retargeting campaigns for warm audiences

Connect with Carol Kabaale:

• Website: https://carolkabaale.com/
• Take Carol's quiz to see if you're ready for Facebook ads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolkabaale/
• Linkedin: https://za.linkedin.com/in/carolkabaale
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kabaalecarol/

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/

Hannah Parry is an author of both adult and young adult fiction who came to writing later in life after initially training as a nurse. With a family background in writing (her parents were copywriters in advertising), Hannah discovered her passion for storytelling in her late twenties. After experiencing several personal losses, she found herself writing more frequently as both an emotional outlet and a form of escape. Her young adult historical fiction series follows the adventures of Isabella Rockwell, while her adult fiction explores darker psychological themes.

In this episode:

• Hannah's journey from nursing to writing
• How personal trauma can trigger creative writing
• Using the Christopher Vogler story structure for fiction writing
• The three-act structure and hero's journey framework
• Challenges of writing historical fiction set in different countries
• Self-publishing strategies using Amazon Kindle Select
• Free book promotions to build readership
• Differences between writing for adults vs. young adults
• Working with editors and publishing professionals
• The importance of writer networks and newsletters
• Balancing historical accuracy with engaging storytelling
• Managing writer's block and fixing plot problems

Resources mentioned:

• The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler: https://www.amazon.com/dp/193290736X?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
• Amazon Kindle Select program: https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200798990
• Story Origin: https://storyoriginapp.com/

Book Recommendations:

• "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385480016?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Connect with Hannah Parry:

• Website: https://hannahparry.com/
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hannahparry1

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/

Alexa Nazzaro is the founder of Axel Author Group, a publishing services company with the memorable tagline "we won't let you publish crap." With a background in writing and business communications, Alexa transitioned into author services after helping a client with an ebook project. Her passion for the creative process led her to support authors across various genres, while also working on her own fiction writing.

In this episode:

• What makes an effective book launch strategy
• The importance of marketing preparation before publication
• Creating a "street team" of early supporters
• Obtaining advanced reviews through various channels
• Optimizing your Amazon presence with proper categories and keywords
• Running successful Amazon bestseller campaigns
• Leveraging author networks and newsletter swaps
• Post-launch review generation strategies
• The benefits of staggered launches for different formats
• Special marketing considerations for children's books
• Full-service publishing support options

Resources mentioned:

• NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/
• Kirkus and Forward Reviews: http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
• Independent Book Publishers Association: https://www.ibpa-online.org/
• Story Origin: https://storyoriginapp.com/
• Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/

Book Recommendations:

• "Gasping for Air, Choking on Shame" by Dana S. Diaz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6WBCWNG?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
• "Summer's Blood" by Adele Royce: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4VZYCPX?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
• "The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharp: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743235274?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
• "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143129252?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Connect with Alexa Nazzaro:

• Axel Author Group Website: https://aaxelauthorgroup.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 -

Support the show

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Barbara Boyd is a book coach and author who has guided over 100 authors through the publishing process. With a specialty in nonfiction writing, Barbara helps experts transform their knowledge into well-structured, reader-focused books. As a certified book coach through Author Accelerator, she uses proven frameworks like the Blueprint for a Non-Fiction Book to help authors clarify their ideas, identify their target audience, and achieve their publishing objectives.

In this episode:

• The Venn diagram concept for books (idea, audience, objectives)
• Identifying and narrowing your target audience
• Translating complex expertise into reader-friendly content
• Storytelling techniques for nonfiction
• Creating logical reader journeys
• Value of detailed outlines before writing
• Simplifying complex ideas through examples
• Why sharing knowledge attracts rather than repels clients
• Book writing timeline expectations
• Book coaching as editorial and emotional support
• Traditional versus self-publishing approaches

Resources mentioned:

• Author Accelerator's Blueprint for a Non-Fiction Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733251146?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
• Jenny Nash of Author Accelerator: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/about-us

Book Recommendations:

• "Write a Must Read" by A.J. Harper: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1989603696?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Connect with Barbara Boyd:

• Website: https://www.barbarajboyd.com/
• LinkedIn: https://it.linkedin.com/in/barbarajboyd
• Schedule a Discovery Call: https://barbaraboyd.as.me/discoverycall

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/

Ray Hartjen is an author, musician, and cancer patient advocate who has written several books including "Me, Myself and My Multiple Myeloma" - a memoir about his journey with blood cancer. After being diagnosed in 2019, Ray transformed his experience into a platform to help others, with all proceeds from his book benefiting the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Beyond his cancer memoir, Ray has co-authored "Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh" and writes about his other passions including auto racing with his upcoming book about the Indianapolis 500.

In this episode:

• Ray's journey from cancer diagnosis to becoming an author and advocate
• The process of writing a deeply personal memoir
• How Ray's perspective shifted from "fighting" cancer to living with it
• The importance of community in the cancer patient experience
• How writing helped Ray connect with others and expand his purpose
• The challenges and benefits of working with editors and publishers
• Marketing strategies for authors promoting their books
• Tips for writing authentic biographical stories

Resources mentioned:

• Me, Myself and My Multiple Myeloma: https://www.amazon.com/Myself-Multiple-Myeloma-Behind-Scenes/dp/1636983340
• Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh: https://www.amazon.com/Immaculate-How-Steelers-Saved-Pittsburgh/dp/1636980546
• Revenue Orchestration and Today's New Era of B2B Sales and Marketing (book): https://www.amazon.com/Revenue-Orchestration-Todays-Sales-Marketing-ebook/dp/B0DJX3LC9L

Book Recommendations:

• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: https://www.amazon.com/Project-Hail-Mary-Andy-Weir/dp/0593135202
• A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson: https://www.amazon.com/Short-History-Nearly-Everything/dp/076790818X

Connect with Ray Hartjen:

• Website: https://rayhartjen.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ray.hartjen
• X.com: https://twitter.com/RayHartjen
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGz0k3o0dK3g6c0aVJay_Q
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayhartjen/

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 -

Support the show

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

Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan are the creative duo behind GNS Cover Design Studio, a premium book cover design company specializing in photo-based, high-impact covers for authors. With over 15 years of experience working with both traditional publishers and indie authors, they bring their backgrounds in photography, digital art, and styling to create covers that help books stand out in competitive marketplaces. Their unique collaborative approach has helped countless authors transform their sales and careers through strategic visual branding.

In this episode:

• The evolution from traditional publishing to working with indie authors
• Why professional book covers are crucial for sales success
• The detailed creative process behind premium book covers
• How photo shoots and custom imagery elevate book branding
• The importance of genre-appropriate design elements
• Success stories of authors whose sales transformed after cover redesigns
• Strategies for creating consistent branding across a book series
• How to assess if your current cover is limiting your sales potential

Resources mentioned:

• Silvia Moreno-Garcia's "The Seventh Veil of Salome"
• Michael Merson's thriller series
• Michael Anderle's Kurtherian Gambit series
• Lindsay Buroker's urban fantasy series
• R.L. King's series
• C.E. Murphy's Walker Papers series

Connect with Gene & Sasha:

• Website:https://www.gscoverdesignstudio.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/

Dale L. Roberts is an award-winning writer and the author of "Publishing Wide," a comprehensive guide for authors looking to expand their book distribution beyond Amazon. With over a decade of experience in self-publishing, Dale shares valuable insights on how authors can maximize their reach and revenue by strategically publishing across multiple platforms, while maintaining control of their publishing business.

In this episode:

• The concept of "wide publishing" and why it matters to authors
• The advantages and limitations of Amazon KDP Select
• Strategic approaches to distributing your books across platforms
• The importance of understanding platform overlap to avoid duplication
• How to navigate ISBN options when publishing wide
• Key platforms for publishing books beyond Amazon
• Direct sales strategies and tools for authors
• Common mistakes authors make when going wide

Resources mentioned:

• Wide Publishing for Authors: A Guide to Expanding Your Book’s Reach and Finding More Readers (Self-Publishing with Dale): https://www.amazon.com/Wide-Publishing-Authors-Expanding-Self-Publishing/dp/1639250603
• Amazon KDP: https://kdp.amazon.com/
• KDP Select: https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200798990
• Draft2Digital: https://www.draft2digital.com/
• IngramSpark: https://www.ingramspark.com/
• PublishDrive: https://publishdrive.com/
• BookVault: https://bookvault.app/
• Laterpress: https://www.laterpress.com/
• Payhip: https://payhip.com/
• Gumroad: https://gumroad.com/
• Story Origin: https://storyoriginapp.com/

Book Recommendations:

• Wide Publishing for Authors: A Guide to Expanding Your Book’s Reach and Finding More Readers (Self-Publishing with Dale): https://www.amazon.com/Wide-Publishing-Authors-Expanding-Self-Publishing/dp/1639250603

Connect with Dale L. Roberts:

• Website: https://selfpublishingwithdale.com/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Teddy’s Website: https://teddyagsmith.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/

Support the show

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

Mike Capuzzi is the founder of Byte Size Books and creator of the "shook" concept – short, helpful books designed as powerful marketing tools for business owners. With almost 30 years in the marketing industry, Mike has developed a specialized approach to help entrepreneurs, professionals, and local business owners establish authority and generate leads through concise, impactful books typically around 100 pages in length.

In this episode:

• The concept and benefits of "shooks" (short helpful books)
• Why shorter books are often more effective than 300-page tomes
• How local businesses can use books as marketing tools
• The power of books to establish expertise and authority
• Strategic distribution methods for maximum impact
• Success stories from Mike's clients
• How even local businesses can benefit from Amazon presence
• The process of creating a shook with Mike's guidance

Resources mentioned:

• The Magic of Short Books (Mike's foundational shook)
• Byte Size Books publishing services
• MikeCapuzzi.com/magic (Free resources for listeners)

Book Recommendations:

• More Beautiful Than Before: How Suffering Transforms Us by Steve Leder

Connect with Mike Capuzzi:

• Website: https://mikecapuzzi.com/
• Website: https://bitesizedbooks.com/
• Get your 3 Free Shooks from Mike: https://mikecapuzzi.com/magic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelmcapuzzi
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecapuzzihelps

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Teddy’s Website: https://teddyagsmith.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

Support the show

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

Jay Styles is an Amazon bestselling author, coach, and former radio personality who helps entrepreneurs and business owners leverage books as powerful marketing tools. After pivoting his career during COVID-19 by transforming his documentary "Become Inspired" into a book, Jay discovered the untapped potential of using books for lead generation and business growth. Through his coaching program, he guides clients through the book creation process while helping them develop effective sales funnels and marketing strategies.

In this episode:

• How Jay transitioned from entertainment to author coaching
• The process of transforming a documentary into a successful book
• Using ChatGPT to streamline the book writing process
• How books establish instant credibility and industry expertise
• Creating an effective funnel using your book as a top-of-funnel asset
• Strategies for getting your book in front of potential clients
• The importance of both Amazon visibility and personal landing pages
• Success stories of clients who transformed their businesses through books

Resources mentioned:

• Lead Sales Profits and Growth (Jay's book): https://www.amazon.com/Leads-Sales-Profits-Growth-Business-ebook/dp/B0D51GJMJT?ref_=ast_author_dp
• Become Inspired: https://www.amazon.com/Become-Inspired-Powerful-Shifting-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B09BW4QC52?ref_=ast_author_dp
• ChatGPT

Book Recommendation:

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194

Connect with Jay Styles:

• Website & Get Your Free Ebook: https://www.leadsalesprofitsandgrowth.com/
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jaystylestv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaystylestv/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaystylestv/

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/