The Publishing Performance Show

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 photographyThe origin story behind Book BoudoirCreating strategic visual assets for book marketingPhotographing book interiors to showcase valuable contentUsing professional book photography for Amazon A+ contentHow authors use book photos in presentations and marketing materialsThe importance of visual storytelling in building authorityStrategic approaches to professional photographyTips for authors on budget-friendly photography optionsThe Book Boudoir process from consultation to final portfolioResources mentioned:DeMato Productions: https://www.johndemato.com/Book Boudoir photography service: https://www.johndemato.com/book-photosAmazon A+ content for book listings: https://sell.amazon.com/tools/a-contentConnect with John DeMato:Website: https://www.johndemato.com/Blog: https://www.johndemato.com/blogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeMatoProductions/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndematoInstagram: http://instagram.com/dematophotoConnect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/ Support the showDiscover 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 specialistThe three "seasons" of marketing: visibility, nurturing, and salesHow to use Facebook and Instagram ads to build an author communityCreating effective lead magnets and email capture strategiesTechniques for targeting specific reader demographicsCost-effective ad strategies for authors on limited budgetsThe importance of retargeting campaigns for better conversionsKey metrics authors should track in their advertising campaignsHow to determine if you're ready to start running Facebook adsBuilding author email lists before and after book publicationResources mentioned:Meta Ad Platform (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp): https://business.meta.com/?locale=en_USIn-form lead generation toolsDM funnel strategy using "comment the word" techniqueRetargeting campaigns for warm audiencesConnect with Carol Kabaale:Website: https://carolkabaale.com/Take Carol's quiz to see if you're ready for Facebook adsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolkabaale/Linkedin: https://za.linkedin.com/in/carolkabaaleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kabaalecarol/Connect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/ Support the showDiscover 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 writingHow personal trauma can trigger creative writingUsing the Christopher Vogler story structure for fiction writingThe three-act structure and hero's journey frameworkChallenges of writing historical fiction set in different countriesSelf-publishing strategies using Amazon Kindle SelectFree book promotions to build readershipDifferences between writing for adults vs. young adultsWorking with editors and publishing professionalsThe importance of writer networks and newslettersBalancing historical accuracy with engaging storytellingManaging writer's block and fixing plot problemsResources 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_tlAmazon Kindle Select program: https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200798990Story 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_tlConnect with Hannah Parry:Website: https://hannahparry.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hannahparry1Connect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/ Support the showDiscover 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 strategyThe importance of marketing preparation before publicationCreating a "street team" of early supportersObtaining advanced reviews through various channelsOptimizing your Amazon presence with proper categories and keywordsRunning successful Amazon bestseller campaignsLeveraging author networks and newsletter swapsPost-launch review generation strategiesThe benefits of staggered launches for different formatsSpecial marketing considerations for children's booksFull-service publishing support optionsResources 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_tlConnect with Alexa Nazzaro:Axel Author Group Website: https://aaxelauthorgroup.com/Connect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - Support the showDiscover 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 audienceTranslating complex expertise into reader-friendly contentStorytelling techniques for nonfictionCreating logical reader journeysValue of detailed outlines before writingSimplifying complex ideas through examplesWhy sharing knowledge attracts rather than repels clientsBook writing timeline expectationsBook coaching as editorial and emotional supportTraditional versus self-publishing approachesResources 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_tlJenny Nash of Author Accelerator: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/about-usBook 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_tlConnect with Barbara Boyd:Website: https://www.barbarajboyd.com/LinkedIn: https://it.linkedin.com/in/barbarajboydSchedule a Discovery Call: https://barbaraboyd.as.me/discoverycallConnect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/ Support the showDiscover 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 advocateThe process of writing a deeply personal memoirHow Ray's perspective shifted from "fighting" cancer to living with itThe importance of community in the cancer patient experienceHow writing helped Ray connect with others and expand his purposeThe challenges and benefits of working with editors and publishersMarketing strategies for authors promoting their booksTips for writing authentic biographical storiesResources mentioned:Me, Myself and My Multiple Myeloma: https://www.amazon.com/Myself-Multiple-Myeloma-Behind-Scenes/dp/1636983340Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh: https://www.amazon.com/Immaculate-How-Steelers-Saved-Pittsburgh/dp/1636980546Revenue Orchestration and Today's New Era of B2B Sales and Marketing (book): https://www.amazon.com/Revenue-Orchestration-Todays-Sales-Marketing-ebook/dp/B0DJX3LC9LBook Recommendations:Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: https://www.amazon.com/Project-Hail-Mary-Andy-Weir/dp/0593135202A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson: https://www.amazon.com/Short-History-Nearly-Everything/dp/076790818XConnect with Ray Hartjen:Website: https://rayhartjen.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ray.hartjenX.com: https://twitter.com/RayHartjenYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGz0k3o0dK3g6c0aVJay_QInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayhartjen/Connect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - Support the showDiscover 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 authorsWhy professional book covers are crucial for sales successThe detailed creative process behind premium book coversHow photo shoots and custom imagery elevate book brandingThe importance of genre-appropriate design elementsSuccess stories of authors whose sales transformed after cover redesignsStrategies for creating consistent branding across a book seriesHow to assess if your current cover is limiting your sales potentialResources mentioned:Silvia Moreno-Garcia's "The Seventh Veil of Salome"Michael Merson's thriller seriesMichael Anderle's Kurtherian Gambit seriesLindsay Buroker's urban fantasy seriesR.L. King's seriesC.E. Murphy's Walker Papers seriesConnect with Gene & Sasha:Website:https://www.gscoverdesignstudio.com/Email: admin@gscoverdesignstudio.comConnect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/ Support the showDiscover 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 authorsThe advantages and limitations of Amazon KDP SelectStrategic approaches to distributing your books across platformsThe importance of understanding platform overlap to avoid duplicationHow to navigate ISBN options when publishing wideKey platforms for publishing books beyond AmazonDirect sales strategies and tools for authorsCommon mistakes authors make when going wideResources 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/1639250603Amazon KDP: https://kdp.amazon.com/KDP Select: https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200798990Draft2Digital: 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/1639250603Connect with Dale L. Roberts:Website: https://selfpublishingwithdale.com/Connect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcTeddy’s Website: https://teddyagsmith.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/ Support the showDiscover 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 tomesHow local businesses can use books as marketing toolsThe power of books to establish expertise and authorityStrategic distribution methods for maximum impactSuccess stories from Mike's clientsHow even local businesses can benefit from Amazon presenceThe process of creating a shook with Mike's guidanceResources mentioned:The Magic of Short Books (Mike's foundational shook)Byte Size Books publishing servicesMikeCapuzzi.com/magic (Free resources for listeners)Book Recommendations:More Beautiful Than Before: How Suffering Transforms Us by Steve LederConnect 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/michaelmcapuzziLinkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecapuzzihelpsConnect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcTeddy’s Website: https://teddyagsmith.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance Support the showDiscover 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 coachingThe process of transforming a documentary into a successful bookUsing ChatGPT to streamline the book writing processHow books establish instant credibility and industry expertiseCreating an effective funnel using your book as a top-of-funnel assetStrategies for getting your book in front of potential clientsThe importance of both Amazon visibility and personal landing pagesSuccess stories of clients who transformed their businesses through booksResources mentioned:Lead Sales Profits and Growth (Jay's book): https://www.amazon.com/Leads-Sales-Profits-Growth-Business-ebook/dp/B0D51GJMJT?ref_=ast_author_dpBecome Inspired: https://www.amazon.com/Become-Inspired-Powerful-Shifting-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B09BW4QC52?ref_=ast_author_dpChatGPTBook Recommendation:Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194Connect with Jay Styles:Website & Get Your Free Ebook: https://www.leadsalesprofitsandgrowth.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jaystylestvInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaystylestv/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaystylestv/Connect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/ Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/