Before The Bestseller

Our guest for today is a good friend of mine, Scott Lorenz, with an amazing history and expertise as a book publicist. Scott also serves as the President of Westwind Communications, a distinguished public relations and marketing agency that specializes in providing strategic PR and marketing services tailored to professionals such as Doctors, Lawyers, Authors, Startups, and Entrepreneurs. He has successfully managed publicity campaigns for books authored by CEOs, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers, and Adventurers. Scott also has a proven track record of collaborating with a diverse range of authors, including bestselling authors and self-published authors, across various genres. In addition to book publicity, Lorenz has garnered media coverage for clients spanning numerous industries, including fiction, health, romance, business, and children's literature. He is recognized for his marketing acumen and conducts marketing classes at the Learning Annex in New York City.

Scott's expertise in marketing and publicity has earned him recognition as a featured expert on platforms such as America Online. He has also been sought after for interviews by various media outlets in the US and Europe, discussing topics related to publicity and promotion. His insights have been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal's Startup Journal and French Channel 5.

Through his efforts, Scott has secured placements for his clients in renowned media outlets such as Good Morning America, CNN, ABC Nightly News, Nightline, TIME, PBS, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Investor's Business Daily, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Howard Stern, Family Circle, Woman's World, and Entrepreneur, among others.

As you will hear further in this episode, Scott and I chose to talk because of a recent newsletter we sent out discussing the challenges authors encounter when working with a publicist. When I posed the question to authors about their biggest financial do-over, their resounding response, nine times out of ten, is a regretful glance toward PR investments. Scott also refers us to a good number of clients who I know are pleased with his work, and so naturally, I felt comfortable having this open discussion about PR.

I wanted to have Scott on for us to have a candid conversation about how he has built an ethical business in PR and how he has worked with many top authors like Jonathan Sanger, the creative mastermind behind the 'Making The Elephant Man'.

We delve into some excellent information regarding how to prevent hiring an undesirable hire or a bad employee depending on your budget. Several of these tips can assist you in saving money, as it's unlikely to find someone who will genuinely complete the work for just a few thousand dollars.

Big shout out to Scott for agreeing to come on as a PR skeptic and for putting up with my relentless inquiries. Here's the scoop on our chat with Scott Lorenz.


Check out Scott Lorenz’s website here: https://book-publicist.com/
Get to know more about his book here.

In today's episode we welcome back Michael Drew a close friend of mine and a significantly towering figure in the realm of publishing, with a rich background having worked in different roles in traditional publishing, including Bard Press. Michael has has been instrumental and helped many famous authors launch successful books, such as T. Harv Ecker and Marshall Goldsmith. His expertise far exceeds mine and many other sources I consult for information.

We explore the intricate landscape of book launches, shedding light on the strategies required to appear on lists like The New York Times. We delve into exploring the importance of tailoring your writing to resonate with a middle school audience, uncovering treasures of wisdom in the domain of non-fiction. We also discuss the real goals and genuine objectives of book launches and how your marketing efforts should be shaped by them. Realizing how these aspects of the publishing world are related to one another helps you on your way to success.

Each moment spent conversing with Michael is a treasure, especially in today's episode, which turned out to be one of our deeper discussions. Initially intended as two separate conversations, our engagement seamlessly flowed, with minimal opportunity for interruption, and the depth of information provided is undoubtedly invaluable.It is with utmost pleasure that we welcome Michael Drew back to the show, continuing our insightful journey together.

Check out Michael Drew’s website here: https://promoteabook.com/

We explore the extensive and varied experiences of soon-to-be Dr. Laura Briggs with her background in business administration. Her 10 years of experience writing copy for law firms and producing SEO material have made her a remarkable figure in the field. As an accomplished author with multiple books published, Laura freely imparts her invaluable expertise in the dynamic world of book marketing strategies.

With a wealth of experience gained from her long career, Laura provides invaluable guidance on negotiating the complexities of the publishing industry. She skillfully crafts her story, giving listeners an intimate picture of her triumphs, setbacks, and turning points from the beginning of her writing pursuits including her culmination of giving an insightful TED Talk experience.

In addition, as a skilled practitioner of book launch management and marketing, Laura offers valuable strategies and tips meant to inspire both beginner and experienced writers. With an attention to detail and a desire to foster literary success, she clarifies the subtleties of properly placing and marketing one's work within today’s competitive market.

Listeners can explore a master class in strategic marketing techniques designed exclusively for the literary industry through Laura's insightful talk. This episode promises to elevate educate, and inspire your approach to book marketing—whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your current tactics.

Get to know more about her books here:
Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business
The Six-Figure Freelancer

In this episode, we welcome Laura Briggs, a dynamic figure empowering the freelance generation. Laura has been crucial in assisting independent contractors in realizing their aspirations of becoming business owners through her writing, mentoring, and public speaking. Earning $200,000 as a freelancer in 2018, Laura's proficiency in her field is truly evident and demonstrated by her remarkable achievement.

Delving into her backstory, Laura's journey from inner-city school teacher to solopreneur sheds light on her resilience and determination. Her impressive client roster, including Microsoft, TrueCar, and the Mobile Marketing Association, underscores her credibility and impact in the industry.

Moreover, Laura's impact goes beyond personal accomplishments; on two occasions, she has graced the TED Talk stage, sharing her thoughts on the revolutionary potential of the freelance economy. Laura's dedication to empowering others is evident, as she is the creator of Operation Freelance, a non-profit organization supporting military spouses and veterans in starting online service-based businesses, and the author of "Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business."

Our listeners may have noticed Laura's recent addition as a co-host on our podcast, and her name appearing in our podcast image reflecting her expanded role as the COO at Advanced Amazon Ads. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Laura as she shares her expertise and experiences on "Before The Bestseller.

Get to know more about her book here.

In the latest second episode featuring Michael Lennington, the brilliant mind and esteemed author of 'The 12 Week Year.' Join us as we dive into a fascinating discussion about the incredible journey of his book, which has garnered immense popularity since its release in 2013. With hundreds of thousands of copies sold, 'The 12 Week Year' has stood the test of time, captivating readers with its unique approach to productivity and goal-setting.

Discover the secrets behind the book's enduring success as we explore how it evolved from a humble self-published manuscript to a global phenomenon. Lennington shares captivating insights into the strategies that have propelled the book to greatness, offering listeners a glimpse into its transformative impact on individuals and teams worldwide.

Tune in to learn more about the inspiring story behind 'The 12 Week Year' and how it continues to empower countless individuals to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.

Check out The 12 Week Year Website here.
Get to know more about the book here.

Today, we're thrilled to welcome our new co-host and COO, Laura Briggs, alongside our esteemed guest, Michael Lennington, co-author of the groundbreaking book 'The 12 Week Year.' This book has been a constant companion for Laura for over many years, offering invaluable insights into time management and strategic project planning.

Whether you're seeking to enhance your time management skills or looking to approach your projects with a more strategic mindset, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom shared by Michael.

Get ready for an enlightening journey in this episode, where we uncover the transformative principles of The 12 Week Year. Discover the immense power behind this approach as we delve into its proven strategies, drawn from the successes of countless businesses worldwide. Join us as we explore why traditional annual goals might be holding you back and how embracing 12-week cycles can revolutionize your planning and strategy. Tune in to learn why it's time to ditch the old methods and embrace a more dynamic, effective approach to achieving your goals.

In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of TikTok as a powerful tool for book promotion as I have recently become obsessed with this fascinating platform, details of which you can find in my newsletter and podcast. Join us as we dive into a conversation with Colton Dubell, a TikTok enthusiast, and discuss his remarkable journey to over a hundred thousand followers within six months.

Colton shares invaluable insights into overcoming challenges on TikTok, unveiling surprises, navigating psychological biases, and adopting a unique approach that challenges conventional advice. Discover how he defies the norm of posting three videos a day, choosing to prioritize quality over quantity. Colton gives us a unique perspective at using TikTok to promote content by going over his distinct formula for success. Tune in to gain exclusive insights and join us in welcoming Colton to the show.

For everyone passionate about drawing anime manga, explore Colton's expertise at drawanimeacademy.com, and don't miss his book, 'Anime Academy! How to Draw Manga.'

Explore more and follow their TikTok here.

Chris was kind enough to grace us with his presence again, delving into the captivating domain of podcasting during this episode. If you're an author, you’ve probably heard a million times about the importance of podcasting - getting on podcasts, having and hosting your own podcast, and to put it bluntly, that advice is not completely useful. What truly resonates are actionable strategies and precise insights into approaching figures like Ed Mylett, whom we use as a prime example to secure spots on prominent shows. Ever wonder why you find yourself at the center of attention from influential platforms? Many people struggle with this question, particularly those who are just starting their podcast journey.

Chris, our esteemed guest, has dedicated the past two and a half years to producing top podcasts, including 'The School of Greatness' and 'The Daily Motivation,' both by Lewis Howes with second podcast having produced and launched by Chris. Additionally, he collaborated with Dr. Benjamin Hardy on the production of 'The Dr. Benjamin Hardy Show,' and worked with him to get into the top Business podcast charts on apple.Chris has also played a significant role in guiding authors through successful book launches, offering expertise on maximizing book sales and developing effective strategies within the podcasting lens.

Chris, our esteemed guest, is set to unfold a detailed narrative—a blueprint that empowers individuals to optimize their time, channel their energy effectively, and make smart financial decisions within the dynamic landscape of podcasting. Get ready for an insightful conversation that delves deeper than meets the eye and paves the way for anyone looking to achieve real success in the fascinating realm of podcasting.

Check out Chris' podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/thepodcastgame
Get a free consultation with Chris: https://bit.ly/growyourpod
Follow Chris:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/imchrisjordan/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5fupZwpmzM
https://www.instagram.com/imchrisjordan/
https://twitter.com/imchrisjordan
Check out free content and more of Chris Jordan through this link:
https://linktr.ee/thepodcastgame

Today's featured episode spotlights a valued colleague turned close friend, Chris Jordan. While Chris may not be a widely recognized name right now, his influence extends deeply within the inner workings for prominent figures such as Lewis Howes, Daymond John of Shark Tank, Gary Vee, and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Chris has made a significant contribution behind the scenes to these teams in a variety of roles, from video editing to podcast production and most recently, book launching.

Chris has an amazing track record of working with a wide spectrum of personalities, and his extensive knowledge of multiple platforms made me know right away that I had to have him on the show. Chris's wealth of knowledge extends from book marketing to also understanding the intricacies of podcasting and getting on podcasts that contribute to book success and longevity. I am genuinely excited to have Chris as our guest for this episode and he has graciously agreed to come back next time to talk about everything from having your own podcast to navigating the podcasting landscape. It is my pleasure to welcome Chris Jordan.

We are delighted to welcome Joseph back to the show today. He joined us previously to talk about his book, 'Don’t Believe Everything You Think,' which was recently published in 2022 and has soared past 200,000 copies sold—an amazing topic we will delve into further during this episode. Joseph has demonstrated exceptional marketing insight, implementing practical and easily-followed strategies. He maintains an active presence on TikTok with three daily posts, all impressively done on his own without the assistance of a team, giving him firsthand knowledge of what works and what doesn't. It is my pleasure to reintroduce Joseph to the show today, where we will explore his insightful author journey and the elements that have led to his remarkable success, including the attainment of over 5,000 Amazon ratings. Welcome back, Joseph!


Make sure to follow Joseph on these sites for more of his insightful advice and connect with our author:

Website: https://josephnguyen.org/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsjosephnguyen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsjosephnguyen

You can also get his book here.
And get his new book, Boundaries = Freedom, here.