The Publishing Performance Show

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/

Rodney Miles is the author of "The Book Dude's Guide to Self-Publishing" series and a self-publishing consultant with over 14 years of experience in the industry. Having worked on more than 300 book projects, Rodney has developed systematic approaches to help authors navigate their publishing journey. His background as a writer, ghostwriter, and editor evolved into a comprehensive consulting business where he helps authors through custom publishing projects while sharing his expertise through his books.

In this episode:

• Rodney's journey from real estate to writing and publishing
• The evolution of self-publishing over the past 15 years
• Understanding the "ignorance gap" in the publishing industry
• The three key stages of self-publishing: product, platform, and publicity
• The 10 stages of book creation from planning to post-launch
• Why the pre-launch phase is crucial but often neglected
• The value of beta readers and how to use them effectively
• How to increase your chances of a "lightning strike" success
• The importance of treating your book as both an art and a business

Resources mentioned:

• The Modern Author (Book 1 in The Book Dude's Guide series)
• Publishizer.com - Platform for crowdfunding and publisher connections
• Short-form book proposals as an alternative to traditional 50-page proposals

Connect with Rodney Miles:

• Website: www.rodneymiles.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/

Rami Jandali is a children's book author and illustrator who combines his love of storytelling with artistic talent to create engaging books that spread messages of kindness and acceptance. Through his brand "Rami Stories," he has published books including "An Almond All Alone" and "Blueberry Fairy," which blend colorful illustrations with meaningful themes for young readers. As both an author and artist, Rami creates his own illustrations and brings his characters to life through his unique storytelling style.

In this episode:

• The journey from natural storyteller to children's book author
• Creating engaging characters and meaningful themes for children
• The process of writing and illustrating children's books
• Finding the right length and format for children's stories
• Combining digital and traditional art techniques
• Marketing strategies for children's book authors
• Building personal connections through in-person marketing
• Development of book series and future projects

Resources mentioned:

• An Almond All Alone:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1521115419?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl 
• Blueberry Fairy (Book):  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D86QLHZ3?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl 
• Adobe Digital Art Software: https://www.adobe.com/ph_en/creativecloud/illustration.html
• Amazon Author Central: https://author.amazon.com/

Book Recommendations:

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0062315005

Connect with Rami:

• Website: https://www.ramistories.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramistories/
• Books by Rami:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D86QLHZ3?&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/

Martyn Ellington and Steven Stiefel are trans-Atlantic writing partners who blend British and American sensibilities in their collaborative works. Through their production company MESS Productions, they create multi-format content spanning novels, TV scripts, and podcasts, with their international bestseller "Tomorrow's Flight" showcasing their ability to craft compelling cross-cultural narratives.

Martyn Ellington is the author of five published novels, including "The End of Everything," "Devolution of a Species," and the "Thirstonfield Halt" series. 

Steven Stiefel is a veteran of script development, having analyzed over 1,500 scripts and books. He's the co-author of "Making Rumours" about Fleetwood Mac's iconic album.

In this episode:

• The dynamics of international co-writing partnerships
• Adapting stories across different mediums (TV, podcasts, novels)
• Managing cultural differences in writing for global audiences
• The process of working with beta readers
• Strategies for successful independent publishing
• Navigating Kindle Unlimited and promotional strategies
• The evolution of traditional vs. independent publishing
• Building a hybrid publishing company

Resources mentioned:

• Tomorrow's Flight: https://www.amazon.com/Tomorrows-Flight-M-Ellington/dp/0578938510
• The Harvesting: https://www.amazon.com/Harvesting-Martyn-Ellington/dp/1907463410
• MESS Publishing Imprint: https://www.mess-books.com/more-information
• Gardner's and Ingram's Distribution: https://www.ingramspark.com/how-it-works/distribute

Book Recommendations:

• The Fog by James Herbert (Martyn's pick): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fog-James-Herbert/dp/1509865454
• The Aspern Papers by Henry James (Steven's pick): https://www.amazon.com/Aspern-Papers-Stories-Oxford-Classics/dp/0199538557

Connect with Martyn & Steven:

• MESS Productions: www.mess-flicks.com
• Tomorrow's Flight: www.tomorrowsflight.com
• Martyn's Website: www.martynellington.com
• Martyn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyn-ellington-b4ab22171/
• Martyn’s Twitter: @martynellington 
• Steven’s Twitter: @stevestiefel

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/

Nicky Billou is a business coach and author who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and authors maximize their impact through podcast guesting. As the author of "Get Booked and Get Paid" and "Finish Line Thinking," he has appeared on over 1,500 podcast episodes and helps clients generate significant revenue through strategic podcast appearances. Coming from an immigrant background, Nicky's passion for entrepreneurship and helping others stems from his father's example of generosity and business acumen.

In this episode:

• The importance of viewing your book as a branding tool
• How to leverage podcast appearances to generate leads and sales
• Understanding commercial thought leadership
• Strategies for introverted authors to succeed on podcasts
• The power of having a strong intention for podcast appearances
• Creating valuable secondary offers beyond your book
• Technical aspects of being a great podcast guest
• Building a systematic approach to podcast guesting

Resources mentioned:

• Get Booked and Get Paid: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Booked-Paid-Generate-Guesting/dp/B0DDQ1ZYS3
• Finish Line Thinking (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-ThinkingTM-Think-Champion/dp/1492237728
• eCircleAcademy.com/appointment (Free consultation): https://www.ecircleacademy.com/appointment
• Writer MBA workshop program: https://writermba.com/

Book Recommendations:

• The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Salesman-World-Og-Mandino/dp/055327757X
• The Greatest Miracle in the World by Og Mandino: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Miracle-World-Og-Mandino/dp/0553279726
• Mission Success by Og Mandino: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Success-Og-Mandino/dp/0553265008

Connect with Nicky Billou:

• Website: https://www.ecircleacademy.com/
• Free Business Consultation: https://www.ecircleacademy.com/appointment
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/thethoughtleaderrevolution
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickybillou
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickybillou/

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/

Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author who has successfully navigated both fiction and non-fiction publishing. Starting his career with aspirations in filmmaking, he transitioned to comics and eventually found his way to self-publishing. As the co-founder of Writer MBA, he helps authors build sustainable careers through innovative marketing strategies and business approaches. His expertise spans from successful Kickstarter campaigns to building author ecosystems.

In this episode:

• The evolution from filmmaking to writing comics and books
• How to effectively use Kickstarter as a publishing platform
• Understanding value proposition in book marketing
• The challenges of selling fiction vs. non-fiction
• Strategies for running successful crowdfunding campaigns
• Building an author ecosystem across multiple platforms
• The importance of networking and relationship building in publishing
• Creating sustainable author careers through diverse income streams

Resources mentioned:

• Website: https://www.russellnohelty.com/
• Conference: https://writermba.com/
• Kickstarter Platform: https://www.kickstarter.com/
• Category Pirates: https://www.categorypirates.com/
• Dean Wesley Smith's publishing strategies: https://deanwesleysmith.com/expanding-your-market/

Book Recommendations:

• 100 Places to Visit After You Die by Ken Jennings: https://www.amazon.com/100-Places-See-After-You/dp/1501131583
• Sustaining Your Author Career by Claire Taylor (Focusing on Enneagrams and authorship): https://www.amazon.com/Sustain-Your-Author-Career-connections/dp/1959041096

Connect with Russell:

• Website: https://www.russellnohelty.com/
• Conference: https://writermba.com/
• Blog:https://www.theauthorstack.com/
• Writer MBA Mastermind Program (Application required): https://writermba.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/

Dr. Nicole Janz is a social scientist and a book coach with over 20 years of experience as a journalist, academic, and writer. After leaving academia four years ago, she transitioned into creative writing and book coaching. She created The Write Habit Planner, a specialized tool designed to help writers maintain consistency and productivity in their writing journey. As both a writer and coach, Nicole combines her extensive experience to help authors overcome procrastination and develop sustainable writing habits.

In this episode:

• Understanding the deeper psychological aspects of writing procrastination
• Breaking down large writing goals into manageable daily tasks
• The five-step process for starting a book effectively
• Creating outlines and time plans for both fiction and non-fiction writing
• Developing a sustainable writing routine that fits into busy schedules
• The importance of self-reflection and tracking progress beyond word count
• Setting realistic writing goals and maintaining work-life balance
• The transformation from perfectionism to productive writing habits

Resources mentioned:

• Order The Write Habit Planner: http://www.thewritehabitplanner.com/
• Start your Book with this free mini course: https://startyourbookin5days.com/
• Schedule a free consult: https://nicolejanz.com/

Book Recommendations:

• Essentialism by Greg McEwan: https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382

Connect with Dr. Nicole:

• Website - https://nicolejanz.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drnicolejanz/
• Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nicolejanz

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/