PR

Thought Leadership for Authors

May 17, 2023 by Lisa Tener

The Authority Advantage: Building Thought Leadership Focused on Impact, Not Ego. An interview with Rusty Shelton

To say that Rusty Shelton was influential in my journey as a book coach would be an understatement. Rusty has to be the most influential person in elevating my entrepreneurial journey, offering me life-changing opportunities and modeling service-oriented leadership. I’m thrilled to share this interview for Rusty’s third book, The Authority Advantage: Building Thought Leadership Focused on Impact, Not Ego, for the many ways Rusty may influence your journey as an author/leader/entrepreneur/person.

I read this book cover to cover in a couple of hours this morning (well, not the morning this was published, but the morning I came up with my questions for Rusty). Not only did the book remind me of some important things I’ve learned from Rusty over the years, but I also learned a few new gems. I’m super excited about what you’ll learn today from Rusty about thought leadership, authorship, finding your readers and serving them.

Lisa: Rusty, I met you two decades ago when my first book was about to be published by Health Communications. Your approach to PR was so different from the other PR professionals my co-authors and I interviewed. You provided a customized plan versus the boilerplate templates others provided. And you got our book–our vision and our mission.

It was no contest when we decided whom to hire, and you and your team truly delivered–CNN Headline News, PBS TV, ESPN, Glamour Magazine, tons of regional and local interviews and articles, and the list goes on. How you approached us as clients is a case study of the service-driven mindset that you teach in The Authority Advantage.

Thought Leaders and Authors Rusty Shelton, Lisa Tener, Joseph Shrand, MD — Rusty Shelton, Lisa Tener, Joseph Shrand, MD at Harvard Medical School’s CME publishing course

Does a service mindset always come naturally to you, or is this something you also have to work at? If so, how do you shift from the ego to the service mindset when you’re writing or speaking in front of an audience and the ego temporarily takes over?

Rusty: I can’t believe it’s been two decades, Lisa!!! I think that service mindset was trained in me by my parents—particularly my mom, who was a second-grade teacher for 30 years. I watched her have a service mindset with kids and parents for years, and it came so naturally to her that I think it’s one of those things that set me up well for having a service business.

Help Others Have a Lightbulb Moment

As you referenced, my favorite thing to do is teach, and speaking is the most fun and rewarding format for me. I certainly get plenty of gratification and fulfillment from the stage. What I love most about it is trying to help others have a lightbulb moment that can help them change the trajectory of their career and life and help them help others at scale as a result.

Watch Out for the Ego

On the ego front, one of my least favorite things is being in the audience and listening to a speaker on stage stroking their ego—it’s not only a personal pet peeve but also probably the biggest turnoff that exists for an audience. It amazes me how many speakers still do this, so I try to go out of my way to avoid it, and I always feel like vulnerability/self-deprecation is the biggest antidote for a speaker.

I sometimes have to check myself when I’m writing to make sure the tone comes across the right way—I think it’s a bit easier for someone to misinterpret text as being ego-driven, and I have to watch for that occasionally.

Lisa: In The Authority Advantage: Building Thought Leadership Focused on Impact, Not Ego, you and co-author Adam Witty speak of a growing distrust of institutions and organizations. What does this shift mean for authors?

Trust in Institutions is at an All-time Low

Rusty: This is a crucial thing to understand about our current environment—according to a 2022 study from Gallup, trust in institutions is at an all-time low.

This study reflects a trend that has been underway for some time, but COVID made it a runaway train.

Communicate as a Mission-driven Thought Leader

Author Rusty Shelton Forbes Books Conference

What this means for authors is that if you are leading with a book title, business name or other “corporate” brand, you are making it much harder on yourself to build trust with your audience. For example, if your website is built around your book vs. you as an author/mission-driven thought leader, or if your social media accounts are built around the book title as the brand, my guard is up—I’m expecting you’re trying to sell me a book. So, conversely, if you’re leading as a mission-driven thought leader with something to teach (your brand is built around you), you accelerate the speed of trust with an increasingly skeptical audience.

Put simply—create a brand and communicate as a mission-driven thought leader with something to teach rather than an author with something to sell.

Lisa: You say that The Authority Advantage is written for “humble, servant-minded leaders” focused on the “good of their customers, teams, and partners.”

In your experience, what challenges do these types of individuals need to overcome when writing, publishing and promoting a book?

Build Thought Leadership Focused on Impact, not Ego

Rusty: This is a great question and was a large part of our motivation to write this book.

In my experience, humble, servant-minded leaders are allergic to “personal branding” or “thought leadership.” This is particularly true in the medical community.

The reason is a good one—for many leaders, when they hear those phrases, their minds immediately go to people building ego-driven, “hey-look-at-me” kinds of brands.

When we encourage leaders to create an Authority Advantage by building thought leadership focused on impact, not ego, we want them to do the opposite of that and instead understand they must be the messenger, not the message.

In other words, we must get them over the knee-jerk reaction to growing a brand and help them understand that if they are trying to communicate their message through their company, nonprofit, institution or even book title, it will take more money, more time and be much harder to build trust with their target audience than if the message is coming from them—someone their audience sees as authentic, accomplished and mission-driven.

Shift From a Perception of Ego to the Reality of Impact

Rusty: In my experience across more than 20 years of helping thought leaders make an impact and grow audiences, this mental shift from a perception of ego to the reality of impact (when done correctly) empowers a lot of lives to be changed (including, in many cases, the thought leader themselves).

The Importance of a Personal Brand

Lisa: I hear from many authors who struggle to write more about themselves and reveal their inner journeys in their books. They often say, “The book is about X; it’s not about me.” In The Authority Advantage: Building Thought Leadership Focused on Impact, Not Ego, you mention the importance of a personal brand. Can you say more about what a personal brand is and isn’t and why it’s so crucial? Can you help those reluctant folks understand what they need to bring to their writing and promotion and why?

Rusty Shelton Reaching Thought Leadership

Rusty: You’re hearing the same thing I hear from many authors—”This is about the book and the message; it’s not about me.”

My response is simple: “I completely agree with you, BUT you must be the messenger if you want to get the message to people that need to hear it.”

Be the Messenger, Not the Message

This goes back to a previous answer—I want to encourage authors to be the messenger, not the message. Suppose I hear from a company, book title or institution. In that case, my guard is up (what’s their agenda?) vs. if I hear a physician on a podcast with an authentic, mission-driven message (ideally with some personality thrown in), I’m leaning in to learn from them and that changes everything about their ability to reach people.

The other key thing to remember is that they have a brand right now, whether a leader likes it or not. In today’s environment, the first place most readers, journalists, potential clients, potential patients, potential team members, heck, even neighbors, will interact with you won’t be in person—it will be online, starting with page one of a Google search and then hopefully leading to your author website, LinkedIn profile or another hub online.

The Initial Authority Image is Created Whether you Like it or Not

Rusty: If that’s the case and that image will be created regardless, don’t you want to own it and be intentional about what it is?

Of course you do, and our book shows leaders, physicians, authors and others how to create one that is authentic and mission-driven while also building trust with an audience that doesn’t yet know you.

Having Something to Teach versus Something to Sell

Lisa: In The Authority Advantage you distinguish between having something to teach versus something to sell. How does that change how one markets a book and other programs or services?

Rusty: No one wants to be marketed or sold to, but we like buying things we believe can help us.

Give Value and Teach

Retro Shot: 2011: Rusty Shelton and me where we taught at the CME Harvard Medical School publishing course

When authors or leaders market/pitch a book or other programs or services, they often cause their audience to recoil from that message. Still, if they begin by giving value and teaching, their audience is far more likely to ask for a next step that allows them to go deeper into the lesson they just learned.

This is a common mistake I see from well-meaning, would-be thought leaders who typically end up filling most of their content strategy with book- or product-focused content vs. teaching, curating and giving value as a way to be more of a magnet for their audience.

Identify What Authority Comes From Different Media Types

Lisa: You mention the shift from corporate media to micromedia. What are some tips you would give our readers to identify what media to focus on, and what are you seeing that works best for actual book sales versus followers?

Rusty: This is one of the significant shifts we zero in on in the book, and it offers some important lessons for authors and leaders on what value comes from different types of media.

Most authors, leaders and experts look for corporate media when considering PR (traditional TV, print and radio outlets like Forbes, the NY Times, etc.). However, there is undoubtedly tremendous value in getting coverage in these outlets.

Mastering the New Media Landscape: Embrace the Micromedia Mindset

But the value this kind of coverage brings is less focused on selling books or growing followers and instead more focused on the ability to remarket those media hits across your website, in your bio and speaking materials moving forward. In other words, the value from that quote you got in the Wall Street Journal or the guest post you wrote for Forbes isn’t so much the immediate sales that may come from it but instead, the ability to showcase that media outlet logo on your website and in your bio to build what we call Authority-by-Association.

Build Trust For Yourself As The Thought Leader

Rusty: Listen to the introductions for most speakers or pay attention to bios for experts. For example, you’ll often hear, “She has been featured in Forbes, the Today Show, etc.” which builds trust for the expert because the audience may not know them, but their image is along for the ride with the image in the audience’s minds for Forbes and the Today Show which = TRUST.

Podcasts, Newsletters, Trade Publications and Other Niche Media

Rusty: Counterintuitively, to many of your readers, what drives the most results in lead flow, sales and follower growth is exposure in the right micromedia outlets, which includes podcasts, newsletters, trade publications and other niche media. Unfortunately, these less glamorous brands are much more targeted and often have more engaged audiences.

As a quick example, we enjoyed working with Sally Hogshead on the launch of several of her NY Times bestsellers. When we did the kick-off call for the campaign for her second book, How the World Sees You, she said, “I don’t need the major media on this one—I already have the logos from the previous campaign—I’m really interested in a micromedia-focused campaign because my data from the last campaign shows the lion’s share of the sales conversions and audience growth came from those media hits.”

While Sally already had the logos, most authors need a good PR firm to get them both media categories.

Common Author Website Problems

Lisa: What are the most common problems on an author’s website? For example, on a website for a therapist, coach, health professional, or self-help expert.

Rusty: I see several pretty common problems with websites for therapists, coaches, health professionals and authors but hands down, the most common problem I see is that the website leads with images that mean nothing to a visitor that doesn’t yet know the person behind the website.

Lisa: The trusty lotus flower, pile of rocks or beach landscape, yes! What to do instead?

Lead with Visuals that Connote Authority and Expertise

Rusty: Lead with visuals that put you in an environment that connotes Authority. For example, instead of a headshot or a white-coat photo, lead with a hero shot of you on stage speaking (ideally with a logo that your audience knows, trusts and respects visible).

In other words, you have to keep in mind that most people landing on your website don’t know you yet—so if you lead with images that don’t mean anything to them (your headshot, your corporate logo, stock photos, etc.) you are doing NOTHING to create a picture in their mind that inspires trust and helps them see you as an Authority with something to teach.

For example, if you have given grand rounds at Mayo or spoken at TEDx or your alma mater, lead with a picture where I can see that logo because what happens is crucial to creating the image I want you to—the website visitor may not know you. Still, they do have an image in their minds for someone on that stage next to that logo, and now your image is along for the ride with the image in their mind for “TEDx” or “USC” or whatever the brand may be.

Use Images that Show Your Authority Without Saying So

Rusty: Underneath that hero shot, showcase logos you know, trust and respect. For example, if you have done media in the past, give me a logo belt of media outlets featuring you. Or, if you have spoken in the past, give me a logo belt of places you have spoken.

Those images say what I don’t want you to say about yourself, which is: “She’s a top-of-her-category thought leader who wrote the book on the topic, is widely quoted by the media and regularly speaks,” which then allows you to do what you do best—teach!!!

This is the fine line every website should walk—on one side of the coin have the visuals say what you should never speak about yourself (I’m someone you can trust on this topic), and then on the other side, every single piece of your content strategy is entirely focused on teaching and giving value—mission-driven thought leadership.

But I’m not interested in what you have to teach until I know you’re the person to guide me on this topic.

Rules for Spreading Your Authority Message on Social Media

Lisa: In The Authority Advantage: Building Thought Leadership Focused on Impact, Not Ego, you and Adam Witty mention the importance of converting fans on rented media, such as social media platforms (where an author is vulnerable to changing algorithms), and inviting a more empowered relationship by bringing them to your owned media, your website, and asking them onto your email list. Please briefly share why this is important and how one might do it.

Rusty: This is a widespread mistake I see from authors—building huge audiences on social media and essentially leaving them there. To be clear, I want you to have as big an audience as possible on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc., but the way to view that is that you’re essentially gathering an audience on “dirt” that LinkedIn or Facebook own. But, again, there is nothing wrong with having a great audience there. Still, you have to be crystal clear that you’re entirely accountable to LinkedIn’s or Facebook’s willingness to let you reach that audience that you’re “renting” on their real estate with your content.

We recommend that all messages that go out on either rented or earned media do two things:

Overdeliver on value (obviously, you want to write the best article, give the best interview, shoot the best video, etc.)
It would be best if you gave the audience you are reaching on real estate that Forbes, LinkedIn, a podcaster, or some other media outlet owns, an elegant reason to get out of their seat to follow you back to real estate that you own so you can extend your interaction with them.

Own Your Audience

Rusty: When you own your audience via an email list you have the leverage and a much more predictable way to reach them, which in 2023 is still converting at a higher rate via email than anything else.

Use a great lead magnet, like a quiz, assessment, white paper or other free download to convert audience members to your owned media (and give them value).

Lisa: You have done an amazing job with that strategy. You and I both worked with Dr. Craig Malkin, author of Rethinking Narcissism and you helped him develop The Narcissism Test which had over 165,000 people take, last I heard!

What is Working for Book Sales Today

Lisa: I picked up some tips from The Authority Advantage and realized it’s time to create a real logo. I also was surprised to learn that LinkedIn has a Creator mode. So, thank you for that—what else is working on LinkedIn?

In the book you tell a story about a former client who returned to Zilker Media to share that they wanted to focus solely on podcasts (as a guest) and newsletters because that consistently delivered them book sales and clients. While it was a nice credential to land top TV interviews, these did not result in book sales and clients or ROI like the more personal, niche and individualized strategies did. So what methods do you see that lead to book sales most effectively right now?

Rusty: We’re seeing a lot of success on LinkedIn right now with newsletters, which anyone with more than 2,000 connections or followers can create and send. The great thing about newsletters is that LinkedIn gives them a lot of organic reach and they are pushed out by a LinkedIn inbox and via an actual email that goes to the LinkedIn user.

Adding Events to Your Strategy

Lisa: As an expert in book promotion, what are you doing to get The Authority Advantage: Building Thought Leadership Focused on Impact, Not ego into the hands of readers?

Rusty: We’re doing everything we discuss in the book—home base website, LinkedIn newsletter, assessment, PR, etc. but we’re also really leaning into events. Last week we had a launch party at Forbes on Fifth in NYC and hosted two panel discussions on the state of Authority building, one of which included Steve Forbes, and we’re hosting launch events in Charleston and Austin next week as well. We’re trying to teach at these events via panels and presentations rather than the typical cocktails and book signings, just as a way to deliver as much value as we can to attendees. A special bonus is that I love to do it!

About Rusty Shelton

Rusty Shelton first spoke at Harvard on the changing world of marketing and PR at the age of 23. He’s a Founding Partner and Chairman of Zilker Media, Senior Marketing Strategist at Forbes Books, an active keynote speaker, and the author of three books, including his latest, The Authority Advantage: Building Thought Leadership Focused on Impact, Not Ego, which is published by Forbes Books and co-authored with Adam Witty. Learn more about how Rusty can challenge your audience’s assumptions on thought leadership with a great keynote at www.RustyShelton.com.

How I Got to Speak to (and Pitch) a Top TV Producer

January 21, 2022 by Lisa Tener

Are you curious about how I got to speak—and pitch—to a producer at one of the biggest TV shows in the country?

My story begins in an unlikely place. Wednesday, I shared how I came to the conclusion that TV just wasn’t my thing. Maybe you found yourself nodding in agreement?

It certainly didn’t feel like my thing when I memorized 8 creative mood boosters people can use during a pandemic.

I mean, it was interesting. Researching the mood boosters proved enlightening and fun. I did okay. But okay is not exactly super-inspiring.

It felt like too much memorization. I just wasn’t coming from my core wisdom, from my deepest well of creativity. I wasn’t in alignment.

What Changed to Make Me Comfortable with TV

Robin Kall of Reading with Robin Interviewed me on Instagram on launch day where we chatted about creativity, journaling and how to tap into our creative source.

In the interim between my deciding not to pitch TV and September 22 when my book finally launched, I realized how much I loved talking about creativity and journaling on podcasts. I loved teaching people to tap into their creative source in my Get Your Writing Done program. I was back to my “zone of genius,” as Gay Hendricks would say.

Maybe I was just pitching the wrong story? Or maybe I just wasn’t ready for TV.

After my launch, over time, something inside me began to shift. The more I shared my passion for journaling specifically (vs. creativity more broadly), the more I found my message.

On his podcast, Ian Garlic shared how *The Joy of Writing Journal* stimulated his creativity when he produced marketing copy, scripts and other writing.

In being interviewed specifically about journaling and how it can stimulate our creativity and enhance our writing, marketing and other creative projects, I discovered the deeper source of my passion.

Chatting with podcasters—like book maven Robin Kall, creativity coach Sharon Burton, entrepreneur Josh Stiemle and marketing guru Ian Garlic—about journaling, helped me get super clear about the wisdom I had to offer on the subject.

I suddenly felt aligned.

What Happens When You Align

You know what happens when we’re aligned, right? Opportunities come to us.

Podcast guest — I enjoyed being featured for the inaugural interview on Sharon Burton’s Podcast series where we chatted and shared insights about “Creating Through Uncertain Times”

You do the work. You show up. Align with your gifts in a powerful way and things come your way without your having to do a whole lot of work.

I Imagine you’ve experienced that too, from time to time.

That’s what it felt like. I was ready for TV, but I didn’t know it yet.

The Email That Got Me in Front of a Top National TV Producer

Each time Chris Winfield and Jen Gottlieb open the doors to their Be on TV Bootcamp, I spread the word enthusiastically. In fact, I became a paid affiliate for their program — something I don’t do for many people or programs — because I believe so strongly in their methods—and I’ve seen the results first hand.

But I’m busy. Yeah, I knew the program was coming up and we would promote it. And yeah, they have those trainings for their affiliate partners. But who has time to attend yet another training to be told how to market a program? Couldn’t I just write my own email based upon my great experience—and those of my clients?

Well, my appointments that Wednesday moved and I happened to open an email saying, “Today is that magical day” and I realized they were starting in 10 Minutes! Maybe my appointments shifted for a reason. Chris and Jen have great energy and I always learn something from them. Why not hop on the call and see what they have to share?

I had no idea what I was in for. These passionate superstars had lined up an incredible half day of training that had more to do with creating a powerful, transformational and informative training for us to help us in our businesses than it was to promote their work.

We enjoyed a half hour of asking our burning questions of marketing, SEO and branding guru Neil Patel, a half hour with a producer from on the of the biggest national TV shows on the air, and similar Q&As with Actress/Singer/Comedienne/Influencer B. Simone and host of the top 100 ranked podcast, The Good life Project, Jonathan Fields. And then, after all that, Chris and Jen took us behind the scenes of their own success.

I Just Raised My Hand on Zoom

I sent a few emails to clear my calendar for the rest of the afternoon into the early evening. And I soaked up the lessons from these experts. I normally don’t have a great deal of bandwidth for free trainings but this was invaluable.

The producer shared the hot themes for 2022 and what she wanted to see in a pitch. When she offered to answer questions, my hand (icon) shot up. I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to ask but a chance to speak with a top TV producer doesn’t come along every day.

You likely know that, in general, any pitch is not about the book, but in this case, I figured everybody and their sister are talking about the benefits of journaling. I wanted to talk about journaling in a new way, call it, “the new face of journaling,” if you will.

Should I, in fact, speak about the unique and rich journaling experience I offer my readers? Should I even begin my pitch with that? Or was it too book-focused?

The Joy of Writing Journal: Spark Your Creativity in 8 Minutes a Day

I described to the producer how the QR codes in The Joy of Writing Journal help readers/journalers to connect with inspiration, get past the blank page, experience my coaching, passion and enthusiasm, experience their own inner creative source through several audio meditations, and also connect with other journalers/writers through the many videos the QR codes connect to. In this way, during an isolating pandemic, readers can get a rich and engaging experience that goes beyond the typical journal.

She loved the idea and told me to start with the QR codes. I asked if I could send her a pitch and she said, “Yes!”

Getting Pitch Support

While it’s true that Chris and Jen teach you to pitch yourself, I knew I could use some professional insights. So I contacted my awards consultant, Melissa Sones, who drafted a pitch for me that I sent off the next week.

Now, I’m waiting to hear. And I know Melissa will give me advice on how to follow up if needed.

What Can Be on TV Bootcamp Do For You?

What I want to share with you is this:

Jen Gotlieb and Chris Winfield, creators of Be on TV Bootcamp

Where else can you get access to producers of top TV shows?
Where can you get training so you feel—and are—prepared to Be on TV?

Chris and Jen are two very special super-connected people who delight in creating opportunities for regular folks like you and me.

And for just $17 you can get into their 5-Day Be on TV Bootcamp and receive invaluable training, experiences and access to experts to gain the confidence, knowledge and skills to be on your way to TV appearances.

As an affiliate for their program, I earn a commission if you sign up for the programs through my link. I do this only rarely, when I know that a program is extraordinary and especially valuable to authors and aspiring authors in my community, like you.

I’ve seen how Be on TV Bootcamp has worked for me, my clients and fellow participants. I’ve never seen such extraordinary value and support offered in any other introductory program anywhere. And for a mere $17! Go, register now! I’d love to see and hear what this program does for you!

I feel absolutely thrilled to share this opportunity with you today. If you have questions, please email me and I’ll be happy to share my answers with you.

I Thought I’d Never Go on TV Again

January 19, 2022 by Lisa Tener

Lisa Tener on TV — On Headline News in Fall 2021

In the fall of 2020, in anticipation of my planned January 2021 book launch for The Joy of Writing Journal, I hired a publicist who landed me some TV opportunities, where I spoke on 8 creativity-oriented evidence-based mood boosters that one can apply during a pandemic.

The topic of creative mood-boosters related to what Gay Hendricks, author of The Genius Zone and The Big Leap, calls my “zone of genius” but it wasn’t fully in my zone of genius.

Preparing for TV — Portland filming me for the videos in the Joy of Writing Journal: it helped in preparing for TV opportunities.

I practiced and role played a number of times with my friend and colleague, media trainer Portland Helmich, as well as with my husband.

I did okay. But I wasn’t the most inspiring guest they ever had on the shows I appeared on.

The deeper truth is, I felt stressed and I didn’t have fun. I wanted to give my best to their audience, but I was trying too hard. And I didn’t know how to change it. Maybe I just wasn’t made for TV…

The PR I Love

I love podcasts. I love teaching. These ways of reaching potential readers are more relaxed. Podcasts and teaching tap directly into my natural skills. In both instances, one can go into greater depth. There’s more room for spontaneity and variety.

And so, I thought, I’ll just stick to podcasts, teaching, guest posting. These strategies work for me.

I put aside the TV idea as “not bloody likely.” Or maybe even “never again.”

Life’s too short to do things you don’t love, right?

Well…maybe. But I would soon learn that TV wasn’t the problem.

What changed my mind? Read the next post to discover the impetus to my mind-shift and how I got to speak to (and pitch to) a producer at the top morning show in America.

What To Do When Your Book Launch Falls on Inauguration Day – and Other Tips

December 17, 2020 by Lisa Tener

Yes, we’ve been planning on January 20, 2021 for my book launch for The Joy of Writing Journal, and my friend Portland Helmich asked, “Isn’t that the Inauguration?” It is.

So, here’s what you do when book launch falls on Inauguration Day. You reschedule it. Do you push yourself to get those videos filmed and edited, the emails written and sent, the guest blog posts written, yada yada…a week early? Do you push the date a week later and let go of the new year, new you, self-improvement angle?

Here’s what you don’t do:

You tell yourself, “it’s going to be okay. The universe has my back. This will all work out in the end.” And you take a deep breath. Then you look at everything you have to do and you “reverse engineer” as my friend and colleague Kristin Meekhof says.

You and your team ask some more questions, “Can we make a tighter deadline? What will we let go of to make it happen? Or should we let go of the New Years Intentions PR angle and slide to a later date? After all, we could use the extra time to set up additional opportunities.”

The jury is still out on this one and I’d love your input as I plan to make a firm decision by Friday.

Lisa’s Book Launch Tips

Lisa Tener, book coach, launches her new book in January — Lisa

And here are my book launch tips, so far. More to come, for sure:

Breathe. You’re going to make mistakes. When you relax, you can find better, more creative solutions than if you stress out. If you’re still stressed, journal about it. The research says that journaling relieves stress and helps you access your creativity!
Google the date you’re planning for your book launch to make sure it’s not an important holiday or event. No, my at-a-glance calendar did not mention the Inauguration. And yes, I am a dinosaur who still uses a date book!
Assemble a great team. If it’s just you, it’s going to be harder to weather the challenges that come up during a book launch. If you have a team surrounding you, their support will help you access creative solutions and get the extra work done if you hit any snags. I’m lucky in that department!
Order Advance Review Copies to send to the media before your book is available for purchase. It’s a little trick, because if you’re publishing with KDP (Amazon), which has some marketing advantages on Amazon, you can only order 5 proofs at a time. So my assistant Geri Lafferty, found an outfit called 48 Hour Books and they are printing the advance review copies for my most urgent media pitches.
Change up your media questions: Here’s my confession: My friend and colleague, Dan Janal, offered to interview me about The Joy of Writing Journal and the benefits of journaling for his excellent podcast (now on Audible—congrats, Dan). At the eleventh hour, I realized I needed a whole new set of questions for this new angle on creativity and Dan helped me prepare for his own podcast! Don’t wait. If you’ve been guest podcasting or doing media interviews for a while, don’t assume this will be the same. Ask yourself whether your book invites new questions and a different focus from before. Then, prepare and practice.

And the final lesson for today:

There are more lessons but lesson 6 trumps anything beyond it:

6. Get a good night’s sleep! I know I’ll be fresher to deal with the next set of challenges in preparing for a book launch if I go to bed on time! Good night. And good luck.

Please share your own book launch tips and questions as comments below. Thanks!

Virtual Book Marketing in a Pandemic

November 4, 2020 by Lisa Tener

A pandemic changes all the rules—and the game is now virtual book marketing and events.

Publishing has turned upside down. When the virus hit, many authors and publishers scrambled. They quickly needed a plan B, especially for books about to launch! Two bestselling authors and exemplary literary citizens in the writing community came together and brainstormed a solution to bring books and readers together during the pandemic—virtual book marketing. In that moment there was literary light and “A Mighty Blaze” was born. Today, A Mighty Blaze has a staff of over 20 volunteers, shining a bright light in this dark time.

About a Mighty Blaze

A MIGHTY BLAZE is a social media community and online initiative that helps authors connect with readers to introduce their new books during the COVID 19 pandemic. New York Times bestselling novelists and co-founders Jenna Blum and Caroline Leavitt created A MIGHTY BLAZE for authors facing canceled book tours and publication challenges to bring authors and readers together daily for digital events including publication day Tuesdays, indie bookstore Wednesdays, celebrity author Thursdays, cocktail party Fridays, social media Saturdays, and giveback brunch Sundays, among other initiatives.

Jenna Blum and Caroline Leavitt of a Mighty Blaze — A Mighty Blaze Co-founders Jenna Blum and Caroline Leavitt

The Mighty Blaze Vision

“A book may seem like a small candle in a dark time, but when you put many books together, they make a mighty blaze to light the way for writers and readers to find each other and a way forward in the darkness.”

Here Book Coach Lisa Tener interviews Literary Publicist Laura Totten Rossi, Volunteer and Head of Publicity for A Mighty Blaze about virtual book marketing, the role of A Mighty Blaze and book events during a pandemic.

Lisa: A Mighty Blaze is catching on, getting attention and building community. Can you tell us more about the response to A Mighty Blaze and its virtual book events?

Book Marketing Publicist Laura Rossi — Book Marketing Publicist Laura Totten Rossi

Laura: I joined A Mighty Blaze as a volunteer and the Head of Publicity in the first few days of the organization. As author Jenna Blum reminds us, we are building the airplane as we are flying it. It’s been exciting and inspiring and the universal response to A Mighty Blaze has been very humbling—our community was instantly embraced by the publishing industry, by authors, by readers, by publicists, and by bookstores.

We’ve been featured or mentioned in Publishers Weekly, NPR, O The Oprah Magazine, Fast Company, Vox, The Washington Post and even People magazine!

Authors (well-known and first time) thank us daily for saving their books and writing careers. It’s this ability to help writers that makes our blaze mighty and bright.

Benefits of a Virtual Book Event

Lisa: There are some obvious benefits to the virtual book event—the ease for readers and authors being one of them (you don’t have to leave home) and the savings in travel for the author. Do you think that after social distancing is over people will continue to use online venues such as A Mighty Blaze—is virtual book marketing and events a trend?

Roxanne Coady of RJ Julia Independent Booksellers

Laura: I’m a reader first and so I love this question! One of the few gifts of this pandemic is the ability to “attend” author events almost every day and to “visit” beloved bookstores everywhere. I’m thankful I can join events online hosted by terrific indie bookstores such as Warwick’s (La Jolla, CA), RJ Julia (Madison, CT), and Th e Poisoned Pen (Scottsdale, AZ). I’m enjoying my favorite authors and also discovering new ones. I have increased my book buying habit by a lot!

Lisa: Me, too! More than I can read!

Laura: I grew up as a devoted library lover and I’m still a fan of libraries today—they are a slice of heaven for booklovers and more importantly, an essential part of our communities. The pandemic opened up the ability for libraries to reach many and to engage. A favorite discovery for me has been “Friends of the South End Library (FOSEL)” a nonprofit organization and the South End branch of the Boston Public Library. Their author series is diverse and dynamic.

Virtual Events: A Book Marketing Trend

Lisa: So, tell us a bit about the trend in virtual book marketing and events.

Laura: My day job is public relations—I’m a book publicist and my publicity work (via Laura Rossi Public Relations and A Mighty Blaze) includes real time experiences with virtual events and writers conferences/festivals. Bookstores and libraries and organizations like A Mighty Blaze are now experts in online events. We have embraced Zoom and Streamyard and we know how to handle the tech and production for live book events. The feedback from audiences, authors, organizations and publishing companies has been overwhelmingly positive. So yes, I think the future of publishing books will include virtual events. A hybrid model means authors can double or even triple their book tours. As a book publicist with almost three decades of experience I say it here first, Lisa, and with confidence, a blend or hybrid of in-person and virtual author events will become the new normal for all authors.

A Couple of Stand-Outs

Lisa: There is so much positive here. Virtual book events free up authors to reach more readers, even once the pandemic is over. Can you share a bit about a couple of the virtual book events that stand out for you? Any magical moments during the events that might not have happened in an in-person event?

Laura: I’ve enjoyed so many book events online via A Mighty Blaze and also bookstores and libraries. I’ve loved them all for so many reasons. There are a few magical moments for me that stand out:

A Mighty Blaze hosted John Irving LIVE (interviewed by one of our co-founders Caroline Leavitt). During the interview and conversation I had to keep reminding myself that 1) this was THE John Irving! 2) I was watching John Irving in HIS HOME! LIVE! There he was in front of me and talking with Caroline and laughing and it felt so intimate and magical that sometimes I think it must have been a dream. It still does not feel real! He opened the conversation talking about how he was a slow reader as a child (like me) and the intimacy and personal moments during this interview saved my sanity during the early days of the pandemic and the lockdown. Anyone interested in this is lucky because they can watch the recording via FB or YouTube.

Virtual Book Fairs and Festivals

Laura: I also loved the A Mighty Blaze events we hosted with Cheryl Strayed and Hank Phillippi Ryan and Lis Wiehl and Phil Klay, as well as Judy Blume live via Books & Books in Key West, FL for our Authors Love Bookstores series.

Last but not least, A Mighty Blaze has produced and tech-hosted many book fairs and festivals—bringing them online for the very first time. We started with the Newburyport Literary Festival and have produced six to date including the Salem Literary Festival, Sanibel Island Writers Festival, Bookstock, and the Brattleboro Literary Festival. These organizations generously made their offerings free and open to the public and we’ve been honored to work with them all.

Lisa: Wow, these events sounds great for readers and for authors and publishers who are looking to virtual book marketing as a way to reach readers. Any favorites?

Laura: Personally, I’m still breathless when I remember our Bookstock 2020 (VT) online, live event with poet Reuben Jackson. He read poems from his new collection and time stopped in the most delicious way. Weeks later, I’ll read his poems to conjure that moment and momentarily escape the challenges of pandemic living.

What’s Next

Lisa: Wow. I am ordering his poetry after this interview is over! What’s coming up?

Laura: A Mighty Blaze now has a newsletter, a brand new YouTube channel, and all of our series are successful. Our website is being updated and we have some incredible plans for 2021 including more conferences and festivals, inspiring author events, and “do not miss” guests appearing virtually for Frontliner Fridays, Authors Love Bookstores, Tuesday pub date interviews, Mighty Mysteries and our most recent addition the Thoughtful Bro conversations.

Every week we announce our literary menu via a newsletter and so I encourage readers and authors to sign up for it here asap.

The Future of A Mighty Blaze

The best and biggest piece of news I have about A Mighty Blaze: we were born during the pandemic but we are here to stay and our future is brighter than ever as a result of our passionate volunteer staff and the fierce support of all our fans and the entire publishing industry.

Lisa: I’m glad to hear it. It just makes sense that this wonderful community and method of connecting—virtual book marketing events—will grow as it is so effective, time and money efficient, and enables people to connect around the world (vs. locally). What have you learned so far?

Laura: During my work with A Mighty Blaze and my own public relations agency, Laura Rossi Public Relations, I’ve learned that when there is a will, there is a way. As a publishing professional, I hate to use a cliché, but it’s accurate: Reading and writing and words are more essential than ever—it’s our duty as members of the publishing community to get books into the hands of readers.

I’ve also learned that I was right when I took a stand as an early adopter of technology and digital media and social media for book publishing. It’s the future and the future is now.

Lisa: Absolutely. I agree. Where are publishers doing a good job of responding to the new normal? Where are they falling short? How are authors making up for that?

Laura: I’ve worked in-house at amazing publishers (Random House, Viking Penguin USA, WW Norton, and others) and I’ve had brilliant bosses and mentors. Most people that work in book publishing love words and writing and authors and books—the pandemic has proved their dedication to the industry and to making changes in order to survive.

I’ve been impressed by the virtual branded events publishers are doing and also the openness publishers have to change (whether it’s been a tour or a new pub date). When you make a living as a result of your love of books, you don’t give up. That spirit feels stronger than ever to me.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy for authors right now because in-house teams are stretched thinner than ever and the workload (as a result of the pandemic) is bigger than ever. I think the biggest challenge is too much work for too few people. This means authors need to do more for their books—more social media, more active networking, and if they have a budget, hiring an outside publicist. It’s one of the hardest times in the history of publishing to make your book stand out and to prevent it from being invisible.

The Future of Publishing, Virtual Book Marketing and Book Promotion

Lisa: And all the virtual avenues you’ve mentioned earlier are resources for authors. Where do you think publishing and book promotion is going over the next couple of years? Any tips for aspiring authors and those publishing this fall?

Laura: The good news: publishing has benefited from the lessons of the pandemic. We’ve all learned to be agile and aggressive so that our books and authors reach readers—this is my personal mission and one of the missions of A Mighty Blaze. I am certain that organizations such as A Mighty Blaze will outlast the pandemic and in doing so change the publishing paradigm forever. How exciting to be part of this living history. Right, Lisa?

Authors are also in a unique position right now and I love seeing how they are using their voices and their writing to contribute to long overdue changes in the industry. Diversity is crucial—for books being published, for in-house staff, for events. Publishing needed to change for decades and I am hopeful that this change will finally occur.

If you are an author reading this interview, my advice to you is: embrace social media, work with your in-house team to leave no stone unturned leading up to your book launch, reach out to A Mighty Blaze to schedule an event with us, and befriend your local bookstore and library.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube

About Laura Rossi

LAURA ROSSI is a public relations expert, digital strategist, podcast producer, and published author. For over two decades, Laura has lead book publicity campaigns for bestselling authors as well as for national companies and brands in the lifestyle, nonprofit, and art and design industries. Laura worked in-house at top publishers including Random House, Viking Penguin, and W. W. Norton before founding Laura Rossi Public Relations. Her published writing appears in Make Mine A Double by Gina Barreca and The Grateful Life by Nina Lesowitz as well as in the forthcoming Fast, Funny, Women an original collection of flash nonfiction. Laura Rossi has appeared in The New York Times, Psychology Today, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Providence Journal, More Magazine, The Huffington Post and NPR’s “The Public’s Radio” and other media.

Be a Star on Camera: A Guide to Nail TV Interviews & Videos

October 29, 2020 by Lisa Tener

As an author, once it’s time to promote your book, it comes in handy to be able to wow viewers in your media and TV interviews. Inspiring videos can also help spread the word about your book. In addition to help selling books, these skills will help you spread your message and increase awareness of your services or brand.

Lisa Tener TV interview — On HLN’s Weekend Express with host Susan Hendricks

Yet, for most of us, myself included, TV interviews, media appearances and video creation do not come naturally. As with any activity, the more I do it, the more comfortable and relaxed I become and my videos and TV interviews improve (mostly!).

Because these skills are so helpful in promoting a book, I’d like to share the biggest lessons I’m receiving along the way. In this guide for creating inspiring videos and TV interviews, I call upon my colleague and dear friend, Portland Helmich, who is a media coach, as well as a TV, film and podcast host, producer and writer. You’ll find Portland’s prolific tips on background, makeup, wardrobe, hair and how to tell a story on your video!

Get Support to Make Inspiring Videos and Nail TV Interviews

Lisa Tener recording video — Recording video for my forthcoming book

One exciting feature of my forthcoming book is that it will include QR codes that you can scan with your phone to watch a video or enjoy a guided meditation before writing. I’m excited about how this format can engage readers in an experience and make the journal so much more than your typical journal.

As a 30-day program, this means recording over thirty inspiring videos. Yes, thirty!

Now that I’ve handed my manuscript over to my publisher, I’m working on those videos. There’s an art to creating a video that has impact. What I’ve realized after coming up with concepts for each video is that delivery is everything! Since this is a skill I’m still polishing, I did what I always do in such situations—look for an expert guide, mentor, guru, coach. In this case, my friend and colleague, Portland Helmich.

I met Portland when launching my first book, The Ultimate Guide to Transforming Anger. Portland produced a segment on WCVB-TV news in Boston about Anger-obics, the creative exercises my co-authors and I developed to help people transform the way they deal with anger. Later, Portland created a segment about Anger-obics for the Hallmark Channel.

Portland Helmich and Lisa Tener — In the flower garden at Casey Farm with Portland in 2019

When Portland left that position and later hosted her own national show, What’s The Alternative?, she had me on to demonstrate Anger-obics. When she guest hosted various talk shows, she invited me on again. And we’ve been good friends ever since—seeing each other through challenging times, buying matching garlic shredders at the Newport Flower Show, and going for walks or to the beach when she could get down to Rhode Island from her home in Massachusetts.

When I realized I could not shoot these videos alone, I called Portland and asked for her help. I’ve gotten way more than a video producer in Portland. I’ve received excellent advice on what to wear, how to do my makeup, and how to pick a spot to shoot.

Even more powerful, as we shot each video, Portland helped me get clearer on the intention and message of each video, so that it would have the most value to viewers. She helped me practice and relax so that my best self came forth, rather than the insecure, script-memorizing goofball who sometimes took over.

But let’s back up here a couple of weeks. Days before our first video shoot, I got an email from my publicist at Pitch PR inviting me to be interviewed for HLN’s Weekend Express with Susan Hendricks, and to share 8 creative mood boosting tips. As much as I prepared my tips, I knew something was missing. Plus, my office was a mess and the screen I had ordered for my background was cancelled by the manufacturer when they ran out of supplies!

Instead of filming our inspiring videos, Portland ended up helping me clean and organize my office and make it an inviting space for my remote video interview. She removed some of the books in the corner bookshelf behind me and varied the piles—some standing up and some horizontal. She created space. It looked beautiful! This kind of attention to detail helped make my background inviting, personal, and yet allowed it to stay in the background and not distract the viewer.

(Note: Portland is part of my very small pod.)

Portland Helmich’s Tips for Creating the Best Video Background

background tips for video — Check out my office and video background after implementing Portland’s tips.

Choose a space that’s professional, attractive, and neat. It shouldn’t be filled floor to ceiling with artwork, trinkets, and books. Some are fine, but too much stuff in view takes away from your message. For a TV interview, you likely don’t want to be interviewed in a nondescript space. You want your background to say something about you. If you’re a lawyer, you may have books behind you. If you’re a gardener, you may have plants. Just don’t overdo it.
Tidy up. A cluttered space reflects poorly on you.
Don’t sit with your bed in view. It looks unprofessional.
Make sure there’s space behind you when you’re in front of computer. Make sure there’s depth, something for the eye to see beyond. Don’t sit with your back right to a wall.
Position natural light in front of or beside you if possible. If not, place a lamp behind your computer so it shines evenly across your face.
Avoid backlighting. That is, don’t sit with light shining from behind you, as you’ll appear in shadow on screen.

Portland also shared tips for wardrobe, jewelry, hair and makeup.

Portland’s Tips for Video and TV Wardrobe: What to Wear on TV

Portland Helmich on TV Interviews — Media Coach Portland Helmich

As for clothing, you really only have to worry about your top for a TV interview. Stay away from white or very pale colors that can appear white. They reflect all the light. Conversely, black isn’t the best choice, either, as it absorbs light and can make your body kind of disappear. Choose a colored top that looks good on you.
Stay away from busy prints like paisley, polka dots or pin stripes. They tend to moray on camera. (They can look like they’re moving). Choose a solid color instead (you can accent with a patterned scarf or tie as long as the print isn’t too distracting).
Wear a jacket if you’re a man and it feels appropriate. You’ll look well put-together. If not, wear an ironed shirt.
Stay away from shirts with visible logos or messages.
Choose fitted jackets, blouses, sweaters and shirts over baggy ones. Loose and baggy clothing tends to make you look heavier on camera.

Portland’s Tips for Video and TV-friendly Jewelry

Keep it simple. You want people looking at your face, not your jewelry.
No long, dangling earrings–too distracting. Small hoops or studs are better.
A simple chain necklace is fine, but nothing overly gaudy. In fact, you may choose to wear either a necklace or earrings, but not both (unless they’re understated).
Ditch bracelets that clank, especially if you’re sitting in front of a desk that your wrists might accidentally whack. The sound can be super-distracting.

Portland’s Hair Tips for Video and TV

Make it presentable. Comb it! If you can get it professionally cut and styled before your interview, all the better.
Use a frizz-control hair product to tame fly-aways. (Portland had me use Moroccan Oil, which worked great!)
Cover or color grays (if your hair is already colored and your roots are showing).

Portland’s Tips for Makeup That Makes Your Look Your Best on Video and TV

Portland Helmich on Looking your best for TV interviews — Media Coach Portland Helmich

Like with jewelry, keep it simple. You want people to look at you and not your makeup.
Don’t make the mistake of going “au naturel,” however. Even a man can benefit from some translucent face powder, at the least, to soften the shine on his nose or the bald spot on his head.
Wear some kind of tinted moisturizer or natural-looking foundation for even coverage (men can benefit from this, too).
Use a lighter-than-your-skin-tone concealer under the eyes. Putting some in the corners of your eyes (near the bridge of your nose) can make them pop or appear larger.
Apply a touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks (the part of your cheeks that plumps up when you smile).
If you do wear eye shadow, stick with neutral tones. Stay away from brightly colored shades.
Mascara is a good idea for TV. It enhances your eyes, outlining them. Same with eyeliner, but go easy on it.
Shape and trim your eyebrows with scissors and/or a tweezer if they’re a bushy mess. If you’re older and your brows are faint, lightly color them in, but go easy on it.
Color your lips with a neutral lip pencil—it’ll make lipstick last longer. Subtle colors are best. Dab a bit of gloss in the center of your lower lip only. Generally speaking, if you do choose a brighter lip color (like red), go easy on the eye makeup. If your eyes are more made up, choose a more neutral lip color.
Finish it off with some powder to remove shine.
If you have no clue how to do your own makeup, consider having it professionally done (or ask a skilled friend to do it for you).

Preparing for the TV Interview

Portland Helmich on make-up for TV Interviews — If you have no clue about makeup and hair, get skilled support!

And then we practiced for the interview. Interviews have changed significantly from the time I launched my first book. Today, they are mostly on zoom or similar platforms. They tend to be much shorter. And the host often leads you through each tip, since they have them ahead of time.

One thing is absolutely the same: The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the more fun you have, the more inspired viewers will be, and the more impact you’ll have.

In addition to helping me relax, Portland gave me several great tips that helped make the interview engaging, fun and special. While I wasn’t able to use all of the tips on the shorter interview for HLN, I incorporated what I could. My longer interview with anchor Frank Mallicoat of KTVU, San Francisco, enabled me to use many more of her fun tips!

Be playful: When I advised humming, Portland suggested I follow the first sentence by humming myself! Not only was it fun and playful, but the humming put me more at ease.
Provide instruction: It’s one thing to say that research shows that humming relaxes you and helps you sleep. But if you provide specific instruction, viewers can actually practice right then and there. Portland said, “How about: You can hum a single tone, like this: Hmmmmm, or hum a tune, like this, hmm, hmm, mmmm, hmmm.”
Demonstrate when you can, adapting for the medium: When it comes to the power of movement to relax and boost mood, I shared my favorite qigong practice—qigong bouncing. Portland had me demonstrate while sitting, to avoid the disruption of adjusting and readjusting my camera.
Use props: When I spoke about using the sense of smell to boost mood and relax, Portland invited me to smell something. I opened a small bottle of essential oil and sniffed. Not only was it fun and engaging but the smell of the rose oil truly put me in a joyous state, something that was conveyed on screen.
Give specific examples: As a specific example I suggested clary sage to calm the mind, citrus which energizes or lavender which uplifts.

Portland’s TV Interview Tips

Preparation

Prepare for your interview. Practice answering the questions you’re likely to be asked with a friend or colleague. Work on keeping your answers to somewhere between 20 and 45 seconds. Don’t go over a minute answering a question if you can help it. (The average news soundbite is only nine seconds long).
Have a clear sense of your message and trim it down to one to three main points. There won’t be time to say everything you want to say, so work on being succinct.
Practice avoiding fillers, such as “um,” “uh,” “like,” and “you know.”
Enunciate. Don’t speak so fast that people can’t understand you.
Record yourself being interviewed on your phone in advance of the real deal. Watch yourself. Do you unconsciously cock your head to one side or another? Do you have a facial tic that needs reigning in? If you watch yourself, you have time to course-correct before the big day.
Clear time in your schedule so you’re not rushing to get ready for the interview day of.
Get into a good head space before “show time.” Meditate. Do some deep breathing or yoga. If you feel relaxed, you’ll perform better.
Remove all distractions from your environment before the interview. Turn off your TV and cell phone. Put your kids and pets in a separate room where they can neither be seen nor heard.

During the TV Interview

During the interview, make sure to look into the camera on your computer and not at the image of the person interviewing you, as counterintuitive as that is. (You might just be listening to the interviewer vs. looking right at him or her). If you look into the camera, it’ll look like you’re looking right at the host.
Frame yourself in the camera so viewers can see your head down to just below your shoulders. Don’t put the very top of your head at the very top of the screen. Put a little space, or head room, between you and the top of the screen.
When the interviewer is speaking, listen to the questions you’re being asked. Try as best you can to answer the question you’re asked rather than go off on tangents.
Smile, even slightly, when you’re introduced and when you’re thanked at the end. You may still be visible if you’re on a split screen, so it’s worth it to smile occasionally during the interview, too, even when the interviewer is speaking (unless, of course, you’re speaking about something grim).
Be yourself. When you’re authentic, viewers are much more likely to pay attention to what you have to say.

Portland’s Steps for How to Make Inspiring Videos

Just like when you write a story, you need a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Lisa Tener recording inspiring video — Recording the welcome video for my forthcoming book!

Communicate to viewers at the top what this video is about and how it’s going to help them.
Get clear on your message. What’s the one thing you most want to communicate? Everything you say in your video should support that one central message. For example, when Lisa and I were working on a video about how travel can spark creativity, she began telling a story about a trip to Thailand. Her main point was simply that our five senses are stimulated in new surroundings, providing great fodder for creative writing. While rehearsing, she began telling a story about a ride with a cab driver to view ancient ruins and beautiful temples, but the story was superfluous. We quickly cut it and kept the focus on her main message—the way travel can spark our creativity.
Offer examples that support what you’re saying. Video is obviously a visual medium. Take advantage of it, if you can. Include photographs or b-roll (footage that covers what you’re saying, which necessitates editing) or you could even hold up photos or objects. As well, don’t be afraid to move your body (as long as you don’t move out of frame) to help express what you want to say. You might hold up your fingers to illustrate, “Reason number one, reason number two,” and so on.
Leave viewers with a positive feeling at the close of your video or encourage them to take inspired action. You might close with tips they can incorporate into their own lives.
Finally, remember to smile!

Hiring a Media Coach to Prepare for Your TV Interviews (or Videos)

Being an inspiring guest, or shooting inspiring video, takes time and practice. I feel so grateful to have a wise mentor to guide me along the way.

I don’t know what I would have done without Portland’s feedback on my practice interviews and TV appearances, as well as her guidance in working through the videos for the book. If you are looking for an expert to coach you through media interviews or speaking on video, my friend Portland is available and you can reach her through her website portlandhelmich.com. Much of our mentoring and practice occurred over Zoom and she can do the same with you.

If you have questions for Portland, please leave them as a comment below and she’ll be happy to answer.

Update and More Tips for Audio and Video Recording for Authors

It’s a couple years later and you’ll never guess whom I hired to produce the videos for the next book! Okay, you’ll probably guess. Portland Helmich produced our videos and Dan Thibeault shot the videos, edited, added music, intro/outro, graphics and so much more! Dan also gave me some additional audio training and produced the ten or so audio recordings — meditations, visulaizations and breathing practices–for my upcoming book.

You can read all the new tips I learned from Portland and Dan about recording audio and video here.

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