With so many avenues for publicizing books, how do today’s publicists plan and execute successful publicity campaigns? Where do they choose to focus their efforts among the ever-growing number of options for spreading the word about a new title? Join our panelists in a discussion about what it means to publicize books in the digital age.

Panelists

Alison Aten is the publicity and promotions manager for the Minnesota Historical Society Press. Prior to coming to the MNHS Press in 2008, she was publicity manager at Llewellyn Worldwide. From 1996–2004, she was the publicist and assistant marketing director at the University of Minnesota Press. She has promoted everything from peer-reviewed academic titles on post-structuralist literary theory to “channeled” books, but currently relishes working with grounded Midwestern authors.

Sammy Bosch is the marketing and publicity director for Mighty Media Press, a children’s and middle-grade book publisher in Minneapolis. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and communication studies from the University of Iowa and completed her master’s coursework at the University of California–Santa Barbara. With a passion for children’s books, Sammy believes in patience, persistence, and thinking outside the box when it comes to marketing and publicity.

Erin Kottke is the marketing and publicity director at Graywolf Press, where she has worked for nine years. During her time there, she has worked with a wide range of authors, including Jeffery Renard Allen, Eula Biss, Leslie Jamison, Per Petterson, Claudia Rankine, and others. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri–Columbia, and lives in Minneapolis.

Cathy Paper, M.A., helps you unleash your inner rock star. She is the president of RockPaperStar, which coaches, develops, and markets select business owners, authors, and unique speakers to national status. The proven product the 91-day RockStar Plan™ impacts marketing plans, network expansion, and business development. Clients include Harvey Mackay, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Swim with the Sharks; Riley Hayes; Best Buy; and Paramount Studios.