WS 1: INNOVATIONS IN BOOK PROMOTION: PUBLICITY TRENDS THAT MOVE THE NEEDLE - Presented by Stephen Lee and Kimberly Sneed of PR by the Book. In today's digital age, when attention spans are shorter and platforms are vast, book promotional strategies must both capture and engage audiences. This session will dissect the cutting-edge tactics and transformative approaches that do both by pushing the boundaries of traditional book promotion. From harnessing the power of social media influencers to leveraging immersive storytelling techniques, you will explore the dynamic landscape of book publicity through the exploration of real-world examples that have driven meaningful results.
Presenters: Stephen Lee: Stephen Lee has over 25 years of experience in the book publishing industry, both in-house at three of the “Big Five” publishers (Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and MacMillan) and independently as the owner/operator of Green Door Communications, LLC. Over the course of his career, he has overseen more than sixty bestselling campaigns, including those by #1 New York Times bestselling authors Emily Giffin, Kristin Hannah, Augusten Burroughs, and Jackie Collins (among others) as well as projects by luminaries such as Jimmy Carter, William Shatner, Newt Gringrich, Mary Tyler Moore, Jill Scott, and Julian Fellowes. In addition to traditional PR campaigns, Stephen specializes in working with authors to expand their overall brand and marketing reach, executing strategic partnerships with major national brands (Origins, Elizabeth Arden, Godiva, etc.) and media entities on their behalf.
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Stephen currently lives in Atlanta, where, after 14 years, he is still trying to acclimate to the region’s incessant heat and humidity along with his wife, son, and sheepadoodle. He is also a Peloton devotee and will happily recite his favorite classes for you upon request.
Kimberly Sneed: Kimberly Sneed joined PR by the Book as Digital Media Director with over a decade of professional experience in social media, most recently as the Social Media Manager for retailer Cost Plus World Market. With a Master’s in Business Administration, a background in analytics, and years involved in the Influencer space, Kimberly has a passion for the integration of creativity and business goals—key to Social Media Marketing. As a Content Creator, Kimberly is a published cookbook author and has also partnered with brands such as Disney, Martha Stewart, and Better Homes and Gardens.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Kimberly enjoys reading, traveling, cooking and spending time with her husband and three boys.
WS 2: EDIT IS A FOUR-LETTER WORD - Presented by Linda Fulkerson of Scrivenings Press.
You’ve finished your first draft—now what? It’s time to edit. (Insert loud groan here.) This four-step system for self-editing fiction breaks the daunting task into manageable parts: Evaluation, Development, Improvement, and Tweaking. In this presentation, Linda Fulkerson will walk you through each segment of the editorial process, helping you ensure your manuscript will be ready to submit to an agent, editor, or publisher.
Linda Fulkerson began her writing career as a copyeditor at a small-town weekly newspaper. She later worked as a sportswriter for two years before becoming the online editor at a mid-sized daily paper. Linda has been published in several periodicals and is the author of two novels, four novellas, and several nonfiction books, including Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers: Winning the Hearts of Agents, Publishers, Editors, and Readers. In 2020, she founded Scrivenings Press LLC, a traditional publishing company that publishes clean and/or Christian books. She and her husband, Don, live on a ten-acre plot in central Arkansas. They have five adult children, including their goddaughter, and thirteen grandchildren. Linda enjoys photography, RV travel, and spoiling her two dachshunds.
