The Publishing Performance Show

Nicola Kinloch is an artist and illustrator with a background in fine art photography and textile design who recently ventured into children's book illustration. Her first illustrated book, written by her mother Patricia Lang, is about bees and beekeeping, combining adventure storytelling with educational content. The book uniquely presents the world from a bee's perspective, teaching children about beekeeping while engaging their imagination. With a passion for visual storytelling, Nicola has developed her own illustration techniques and is now working on additional books for the bee series as well as her own projects.

In this episode:

• Nicola's background in fine art photography and textile design
• How the mother-daughter collaboration began during COVID
• The inspiration behind the beekeeping children's book
• Nicola's process for learning illustration and developing her style
• Techniques for creating illustrations by hand and digitally
• How to balance technical information with storytelling in children's books
• Finding the right visual style for different age groups
• The importance of pacing and page turns in visual storytelling
• Nicola's upcoming projects, including "The Adventures of Common Cutlery"
• Resources for aspiring children's book creators

Resources mentioned:

• Online courses: "The Art of Sketching" by Matthias Adolfsen: https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/1218-the-art-of-sketching-transform-your-doodles-into-art/reviews?page=313
• The Good Ship Illustration Limited: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/
• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI); https://www.scbwi.org/
• Children's Writers and Artists Yearbook 2025: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1399411829?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Book Recommendations:

• "Designing Your Life: Build the Perfect Career Step by Step" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0451494083?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Connect with Nicola Kinloch:

• Website: https://www.boundtobee.com/
• Kindle Publishing Income: https://kindlepublishingincome.com/
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-kinloch

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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Leah Paulos is the founder and director of publicity for Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School. With a background in journalism as a writer and magazine editor at Condé Nast, Leah brings a unique perspective to book publicity, having been on the receiving end of pitches. After transitioning from journalism, she founded Press Shop PR to help authors navigate the challenging world of book promotion, especially as publishing houses provide less marketing support than in the past. Her team has worked with nearly 350 authors, from bestsellers like Neil deGrasse Tyson to debut novelists with small independent presses.

In this episode:

• The difference between publicity and paid advertising
• How Leah's journalism background informs her approach to publicity
• Case studies of successful book promotion campaigns
• Finding the right media outlets for your specific book
• How to create an effective pitch for journalists and media outlets
• Establishing credibility when self-publishing
• The importance of appearing in various media formats
• Overview of Book Publicity School's programs and offerings
• Overcoming the intimidation of self-promotion
• Practical steps for authors to start their publicity journey

Resources mentioned:

• Press Shop PR - https://www.pressshoppr.com/
• Book Publicity School - https://www.bookpublicityschool.com/
• Free monthly "101" class available on Book Publicity School's website: https://www.bookpublicityschool.com/101

Connect with Leah Paulos:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/press-shop-pr/
• Bsky.App: https://bsky.app/profile/leahpaulos.bsky.social
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090936998502

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/

Flora Qian is a writer born and raised in Shanghai who later lived in Hong Kong for over a decade before relocating to New York City. Her novel "South of the Yangtze" won the Proverse Prize, an international award for unpublished works in fiction and poetry. Drawing on her experiences growing up in 1980s China and living across multiple cultures, Flora's work explores themes of identity, language, censorship, and cultural displacement through the coming-of-age story of a young Chinese woman navigating complex political and personal landscapes.

In this episode:

• Flora's background and journey from Shanghai to Hong Kong to the US
• The inspiration behind "South of the Yangtze" and its themes
• Flora's writing process as a discovery rather than planning
• Working with a publicist to promote her work in a new country
• Writing in English as a way to bypass censorship
• Plans for future projects exploring motherhood and Chinese folk tales

Resources mentioned:

• Proverse Prize: https://proversepublishing.com/proverse-prize/
• Claire McKinney: https://www.clairemckinneypr.com/
• Picture This Post: https://www.picturethispost.com/

Book Recommendations:

• "The Fat Years" by Chan Koonchung - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307742822?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
• "The Only Gaijin in the Village" by Iain Maloney - https://www.amazon.com/dp/184697514X?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Connect with Flora Qian:

• Website: http://floraqian.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/salutflora/
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13053607.Flora_Qian
• South of the Yangtze:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/9888833456?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl 

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/

Marco Moutinho is the founder and CEO of Dibbly (formerly The Urban Writers), a comprehensive content creation platform that combines AI tools with freelance writing services. The rebranding from The Urban Writers to Dibbly reflects their expansion beyond just writing services to include a suite of AI-powered content creation tools. With Dibbly Create, their collaborative document editor, and an extensive freelancer marketplace, Dibbly aims to streamline the book creation process from research to publication-ready files.

In this episode:

• The evolution from The Urban Writers to Dibbly
• Overview of Dibbly Create's AI-powered content creation tools
• Using AI research tools to analyze competitor books
• The book creation process from outline to finished manuscript
• How Dibbly handles different book genres (fiction vs. nonfiction)
• Interior book design and export capabilities
• Creating a complete book in 24 hours
• Ensuring quality when using AI for book creation
• Upcoming features and improvements

Resources mentioned:

• Dibbly Create - https://dibbly.com/create/
• KIP - Dibbly's AI assistant
• The AI Book Method - https://dibbly.com/ebook/
• KIP Scout - https://dibbly.com/scout-tutorial/#:~:text=KIP%20Scout%20by%20Dibbly%20is,can%20publish%20the%20next%20bestseller.
• Dibbly Marketplace - https://dibbly.com/marketplace/

Book Recommendations:

• "The AI Book Method" by Marco Moutinho: https://dibbly.com/ebook/

Connect with Marco Moutinho:

• Website: https://dibbly.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

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

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 - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

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

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 - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

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