Author Promotion

REAL STORY of Author Promotion With Kelly Smith

In this podcast, we’re talking with Certified Relationship Coach, Podcast Host & Author, Kelly Smith, who worked with Annie Jennings PR on her first book, Signs in the Rearview Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind. Kelly built her brand after she was heard on more than 70 stations during her radio campaign. Her author promotion campaign included major media such as CBS and iHeart Radio, in major markets such as Boston, San Diego and Detroit.

“Annie Is Amazing. Annie Is Powerful. Annie Changed My Life!”

Kelly, tell us about your experiences regarding our unlimited media training for your radio talk show publicity and how it helped you build your career.

Media training is something you do not think you need until you get it that is, until you actually have the experience.  But you need it for optimal author promotion. Getting prepared to speak to people on live radio in theory it sounds like, “oh this will be so much fun, this will be easy, but it can be a little daunting. For example, by not be totally prepared, you may stumble upon your words and forget your branding and messaging goals.

When I was introduced to Jason (Annie’s unlimited media trainer) he was amazing. He had a great personality and was patient with me. I enjoyed working with him.  Jason put in a lot of time and effort to make sure I presented myself in a way that I would appreciate later on throughout my career.

After I had the confidence to go on live radio, I set up my own podcast. I used ALL of the media training in my podcast. I was also doing public speaking as well and that media training really came in handy for my entire career,

What Was It Like To Hire #AnnieJenningsPR For Your Publicity?

Working with #AnnieJenningsPR was refreshing. It was easy. There was no confusion.

I knew exactly what was happening every step of the way.

After I did the radio interviews, I would get the link of my interview. I have many of the radio interviews on my website.

All of the radio shows are still paying off years later. This is value of author promotion. It lasts. When someone asks me to speak, I send them right to my website so they can listen to my radio recordings. This way, they know exactly what they are getting when they hire me.

Tell Us About The Traps To Avoid In Hiring For Publicity?

Being a new author marketing a book, you want everyone to read it and you want to put it out there as much as you can. Before discovering #AnnieJenningsPR I fell into a trap. A lot of new authors fall into this trap. In their excitement, they are eager to believe whatever anyone tells them about getting book sales. In fact, I thought that a lot of the online reviews would work to sell books. I tried lots of different things trying to promote my book.

I tried almost everything and with almost zero readers.

At the end of the day, I wound up with a large PR bill and nothing to show for it.

Kelly continues, as a new author, you are excited and you tend to believe everything someone tells you is going to sell books. But at the end of the day, as I said above, you wind with a big bill and nothing to show for it.

But with Annie Jennings PR, my experience was different. Here’s how.

I discovered Annie Jennings PR and it changed my life. 

It was amazing. Not only was I able to make a name for myself. It all came together effortlessly.

First time authors usually go down a dark road where they want to try everything they can to promote their book and other people, who offer various media services know that new authors are susceptive. They want to believe.

But this does not happen with Annie Jennings PR. She knows what works for real.

I came back to Annie Jennings for my next book because previously I found success with Annie. I feel comfortable working with Annie. I feel confident.

When I spend any amount of money with Annie Jennings PR, I know what I am going to get exactly and how it helps me reach my PR goals ad objectives.

There is no trickery, no tomfoolery. I get exactly what I want.

When you spoke with Annie what was your impression of her?

You know what is interesting Stacy, is that when you asked me this question about Annie, I got the chills.

Even after my first book came out and I had wrapped up with your firm,  I remember calling for Annie 2 or 3 times for guidance. Annie always called me back. She had amazing conversations with me. I am now a certified relationship coach because if the advice Annie gave me.

Annie Jennings PR have been people I can turn to because I can trust this firm. I know that if I ask a question, I know I am going to get the truth. Annie Jennings PR does not lie to authors.

Every time I talk to Annie it’s like we have been friends for years. That is why I keep coming back.

What Advice To Have For Other Authors Thinking Of Hiring #AnnieJenningsPR For Publicity?

Go with people that you can trust, read reviews before you hire anyone, see if they have follow through. A big thing is that if people do not have the time to speak with you, don’t work with them.

Don’t order things online blindly.

Annie’s note: I always advise authors to ask the question, “what is in it for me?” Or to ask what are the deliverables of the PR strategy? How will your services help me . . . exactly? Professional publicists know the answers to these questions. Plus, knowing how the proposed media outreach strategy will add value to your overall goals and objectives will help you build a results only, tried and true, PR team.

Kelly continues, any author who wants to make their book more well know should definitely use Annie Jennings PR as it is not only promoting a book but it’s about creating and promoting a brand. You can have long-term, trusted relationship with Annie Jennings PR.

Annie is amazing. Annie is powerful.