No matter the initiative, publishers are looking to generate positive word-of-mouth about their books, expand the visibility of their authors, and create a buzz about their content. In the digital age, with more avenues than ever to connect with readers, what better way than to partner with brands (or individuals) that already have a following? In this panel discussion—featuring influencers, publicists, and social media experts—we’ll explore how “influencers” can help spread the word about your books and augment your traditional publicity and marketing campaigns in an energy- and cost-efficient way.

Panelists Katharine Bolin is the award-winning founder and owner of Sweet Reach Media, a social media and digital marketing agency based in Minneapolis. Her mission is to help businesses, authors, and artists creatively communicate their ideas to new audiences and build a real community around their brands. In her spare time, she records and plays pop music around Minneapolis with her band DENNIS and enjoys painting feminist tees for her hand-painted clothing line, Bolii.

Ali Kirby is the director of community growth and business development for Collective Bias. She helps create innovative marketing campaigns that impact the way companies connect with their consumers and manage a growing community of diverse influencers. Ali is also an influencer, having founded The Mama Report in 2010. With a social reach of over 56K, she has partnered with Disney, Lucky Leaf, Scholastic, and more. Trained as a teacher, she has a unique fifteen-year background in communications, project management, and strategic development helping shape the growth of nonprofit and client needs. As the co-founder of The Coven,

Alex Steinman is passionate about helping women step into their economic power. Whether it’s through coaching startups in their crowdfunding campaigns on iFundWomen or teaching students at the University of Minnesota, Alex helps connect community members to opportunities for success. Prior to co-founding The Coven, Alex held the position of communications director for Fallon and had a private PR practice, leading strategies for businesses, politicians, startups, and nonprofits. She finds joy in helping women and non-binary people tell their stories. She told her own story on a blog called Strong Like Mama, dedicated to celebrating the struggles and triumphs of real moms and their little ones. Her multitude of skills and tireless work ethic is exactly the stuff bosses are made of.