Blooming into Mindfulness: How the Universe Used a Garden, Cancer, and Carpools to Teach Me that Calm Is the New Happy

I am indebted to Smith Publicity for helping me promote my book and gain exposure beyond what I could ever have imagined as a first time, self-published author. The first surprise was that Smith was willing to work within my limited budget by coming up with creative ways to share some of the administrative tasks, allowing my publicist and her capable partner to provide as much value added as possible during our short campaign. The press release they drafted for me reflected a spot-on read of my book, skillfully consolidating multi-layered themes into a concise marketing package.

 

My publicist’s enthusiasm and passion were infectious. She cared as much about the success of my book launch as I did. The results were measurable: my three-week campaign led to several interviews with print media (including a request for an expert opinion in The Chicago Tribune), an invitation to be a speaker at a conference and workshop instructor, a TV appearance, and placement of my work in high traffic online sites. Another publicist even said to me, ‘I’m so impressed with the results you’ve gotten with Smith!’

Martha Brettschneider, author of Blooming into Mindfulness: How the Universe Used a Garden, Cancer, and Carpools to Teach Me that Calm Is the New Happy

Martha Brettschneider is a writer, blogger, photographer, and gardener. In 2009, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which reoriented her perception of body, mind, and spirit. A former international economist at the Treasury Department, Brettschneider transformed from a left-brained business woman to a meditation-touting creative.  In 2014, she became an “award-winning photographer” through a “photo-a-day challenge” facilitated by Project365.

Fire in the Soul: Finding the Divinity Within Each of Us

Smith’s work was effective, marked by excellent follow-through and creative ideas. The team was so supportive—and my experience was outstanding. It was so satisfying to work with you!

Helen Sturnick, author of Fire in the Soul: Finding the Divinity Within Each of Us

Dr. Helena Judith Sturnick is a trained scholar, published author, university professor, national and international leadership coach, and global speaker. She’s earned a reputation for practical and creative leadership, and for speaking about the spiritual side of leadership. This reputation has accompanied Dr. Sturnickas the transformational president of five colleges and universities, a Vice President at the American Council on Education (ACE), and the Director of the Office of Women in Washington, DC, as well as into her newest venture as the author of Fire in the Soul: Finding the Divinity Within Each of Us. During her career, she also received two honorary doctorates, as well as numerous national and international leadership awards.

Smith Publicity created and managed a national publicity campaign for the launch of our big summer release, For Such a Time as This: Hope and Forgiveness after the Charleston Massacre (by Rev. Sharon Washington Risher).  The campaign exceeded our expectations in every way, including securing our author interviews including Today Show, MSNBC, andCBS This Morning. We’d absolutely hire Smith Publicity again!

Deborah Arca,  Marketing & Sales Director, CBP/Chalice Press

Rev. Sharon Washington Risher was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. 

On June 17th, 2015, a horrific tragedy happened: Sharon’s dear mother, Mrs. Ethel Lee Lance, was killed in Charleston at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, along with two cousins, a childhood friend, and the others murdered in that massacre. Since that time, Sharon has been an advocate for revising gun laws, and is a spokesperson for the grassroots advocacy groups “Everytown Survivor Network” and “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.” She has appeared on CNN, BBC Radio, Good Morning America, and CBS and has been interviewed or written for Time, Marie-Claire, Essence, Texas Monthly, Vogue, and VOX. Her advocacy work brought her to the White House, where she witnessed President Barack Obama sign executive orders pertaining to new gun laws. Sharon has shared her story of loss, forgiveness, racism and gun law reform with audiences across the United States.

Just One Thing: Developing A Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time

Feedback from the publisher, New Harbinger Publications:

Just One Thing has been selling through the roof – we are getting ready to do our second printing and has stayed in the top five of all of the book’s we have published. His previous book, Buddha’s Brain, which Smith promoted, has our top selling book for  weeks.

Dr. Rick Hanson, author of Just One Thing: Developing A Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time

Dr. Rick Hanson’s Just One Thing: Developing A Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time. Campaign highlights:

March issue of O, The Oprah Magazinehttp://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Be-Optimistic-Focus-on-the-Positive

Also, syndicated on CNN.comhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/06/living/kick-pessimism-away/index.html

To Hear The Forest Sing

As a self-published writer, I didn’t know what to expect from working with my Smith team, and they far surpassed my hopes for launching my book. I am very grateful!

Margaret Dulaney, author of To Hear The Forest Sing

Margaret Dulaney is the voice behind the online spoken word website ListenWell.org, with monthly offerings designed to puzzle out spiritual themes through story and metaphor. Among the subjects explored on Listen Well are: mindfulness, spirituality, healing, hope, Christianity, Buddhism, conscious living, inspiration, creativity, God. She writes and records out of a two hundred year old home and studio barn in Bucks County, Pa.www.listenwell.org

Atheism Kills

This is a commendation for Smith Publicity and my publicist. From day one, my publicist was “on it.” She listened to me and my team, heard our ideas, and incorporated them into the overall plan. She came up with all sorts of contacts in the media world, radio world, and otherwise. I was thoroughly impressed by her dedication and professionalism. The relationship succeeded in the mission, and then some.

Barak Lurie, author of Atheism Kills

Barak Lurie is a managing partner of the firm Lurie & Seltzer in Los Angeles, California. Barak obtained his BA with honors at Stanford University in 1985, and his JD and MBA at the UCLA School of Law and Anderson School of Business in 1989. He is the host of The Barak Lurie Show, on AM870, KRLA in Los Angeles. He was born in Israel and serves on many pro-Christian and pro-Israel boards. Barak is a former atheist who turned to God after using logic, science, and probabilities. Barak pulls no punches as he makes the case for the existence of God―and shows the dangers of atheism. He beats down atheists with a club of reason, history, and science, and exposes atheists’ flawed assumptions.

Lori: The Disintegration of My Ordinary Reality

Smith Publicity is a very professional company that provided the structure and the guidance to launch my book. My publicist was a compassionate and caring partner helping me to navigate the media and always had a slew of ideas popping out of her head to move the intentions forward. My book sold over 2000 copies within the first six months because of their hand holding and strategic knowledge that put me on my way to becoming a success!

Lori Morrison, author of Lori: The Disintegration of My Ordinary Reality

Lori Morrison has built a successful practice in Sedona, Arizona, working with clients from all over the world. She’s particular success in supporting those who have experienced trauma, grief, and debilitating life events, and has dedicated herself to the use of alternative methods and ancient wisdom to reduce her clients reliance on antipsychotic medication.

Prior to the spiritual awakening that led Lori to her work in the spirit world and in mental health, she was a New York banker, a successful wine and gourmet food purveyor in Napa Valley, California, and Central America, and a philanthropist.

One Dog's Faith: How My Dog Helped me Trust in God and Overcome My Chronic Worrying

​I am so pleased with Smith Publicity’s performance. Working directly with ​my publicist​ was beyond any expectation. In looking over the report, there was a lot of great work accomplished. Being basically a no-name, Smith handled me and my book as if I was holding a bestseller in my hand. That is true professionalism. I will not hesitate to reach out when my next book gets ready for release mid-next year.​

Tom Baker, author of One Dog's Faith: How My Dog Helped me Trust in God and Overcome My Chronic Worrying

Tom Baker has worked in entertainment, radio and television for over 35 years as a writer, producer, and editor, for various production companies, and has worked on shows for A&E, Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, and more. He is currently Executive Producer/Owner of TV production company Cobblestone Entertainment, LLC in Knoxville, TN. Baker is a musician, published author, and public speaker who is very active in his church. He has four children, three rescue dogs (including Mango), a rescue cat and a fish.

Path of the Novice Mystic: Maintaining a Beginner's Heart and Mind

After completing the writing of my last book and upon the recommendation of my publisher, I began shopping for a publicist. My shopping was laden with cynicism, caution and anger, since my last book had been so poorly represented by a publicist. I made my choice mostly based upon my publisher’s recommendation of Smith Publicity. The results of the campaign were thoroughly satisfying. I found myself in a collaborative relationship, and I was especially grateful and touched by my publicist’s ongoing updates of campaign happenings, giving me a clear picture of the status of articles submitted and published, interviews and reviews. I am most grateful for the faith Smith carried in my work. That may be as good as it gets for an author.

Paul Dunion, author of Path of the Novice Mystic: Maintaining a Beginner's Heart and Mind

Paul Dunion, Ed.D., LPC, is a therapist, cofounder of Boys to Men (mentoring teenage boys), and author of Path of the Novice Mystic: Maintaining a Beginner’s Heart and Mind (Greenleaf Book Group)www.pauldunion.com

The Ethics of the Faith

I was pleased with the service I received from Smith Publicity. I received many good leads and in just a few weeks did many radio interviews. These were not only good learning experiences but also gave my book some good exposure.

Ean W. Burchell, author of The Ethics of the Faith

Ean W. Burchell has a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master’s Degree in History and Secondary Education. He taught History and English in Junior High and High School of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. He taught History and Economics in Saudi Arabia for two years and travelled the region – Egypt, Israel & Palestine, Jordan, and Turkey. After two years in the Middle East, he spent the next fourteen years in Asia. During Burchell’s time in Asia, he continued to pursue his own education through countless workshops and ceaseless reading, particularly on historical, political, and cultural themes.

Psychic Readings with the Thinkers of Heaven

Smith Publicity has an outstanding team of sophisticated professionals who work with authors to bring new books to the attention of media leaders.  I could not have been more pleased with the quality of their service and the depth of their experience in this field.

John McGinnis, author of Psychic Readings with the Thinkers of Heaven

Martha McGinnis is a suburban housewife and mother of three. She received her MBA degree and worked in the business world for many years. John McGinnis is a retired lawyer who transcribed these psychic conversations, recording Martha’s words as they poured forth spontaneously.

Thanks For My Journey: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story of Living Fearlessly

Greenleaf Book Group recommended Smith Publicity to help me promote by book, Thanks For My Journey: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story of Living Fearlessly. My publicist was a delight! She tirelessly reached out to media outlets across the country, updated me each week with details of her work and results, and found new and different ways to get my story across to the public. Thank you, Smith Publicity for an exceptional and productive experience!

Dr. Erica Miller, author of Thanks For My Journey: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story of Living Fearlessly

From age 7 to 11, Erica Miller and her family lived in a Nazi holding camp in the Ukraine. After resettling in Israel, she served in the Israeli Air Force and worked for the Israeli Government Tourist Office. She has a PhD in clinical psychology, a Masters in Marriage and Family, and developed a number of mental health clinics in California, which she continues to direct.

Leadership and Soft Skills For Students: Empowered to Succeed in High School, College, and Beyond and Empowering Young Christian

I worked with Smith Publicity on a publicity campaign for my two self-published books. Their team devised an effective strategy to reach out to both the secular and Christian markets. I greatly enjoyed working with them, and they communicated frequently to keep me informed. In addition to being great to work with, their efforts produced radio and TV interviews. They also placed several of my articles on relevant, impactful, and high-traffic websites. Furthermore, I have been able to network with the contacts they provided, and this networking is producing additional publicity for my books and far-reaching professional opportunities for me. Overall, my experience with Smith Publicity has been strong and positive. Smith and team are competent, focused, and driven. They are delightful to work with. I highly recommend Smith Publicity.

Cary J. Green, PhD, author of Leadership and Soft Skills For Students: Empowered to Succeed in High School, College, and Beyond and Empowering Young Christian

Green has expertise in leadership and soft skills development, and developing academic success skills in students. He founded Leadership and Soft Skills Training and offers personalized coaching for young people and tailored presentations to schools, churches, and other organizations. He is a Student Leadership Expert of HowToLearn.com. and was recognized as a Global Presence Ambassador by Parenting 2.0 or my commitment to developing success skills in young people.

The Forgotten Woman: The Untold Story of Kastur Gandhi, Wife of Mahatma Gandhi

Smith Publicity did an outstanding job of promoting my book. The attitude and dedication of the staff is exemplary.

Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, author of The Forgotten Woman: The Untold Story of Kastur Gandhi, Wife of Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi is the fifth grandson of India’s legendary leader, Mohandas K. “Mahatma” Gandhi. Grandfather taught Arun to understand nonviolence through understanding violence. Arun is very involved in sharing his grandfather’s message through social programs, speaking worldwide. He is the author of several books and writes for The Times in India and the Washington Post.

You Are Never Alone: Prayers and Meditations  to Sustain You Through Breast Cancer

Smith Publicity conducted the campaign for my book with great energy, continuous creativity, and superb follow-through. They generated dozens of local and regional media ‘hits’ as well as national mention in Newsweek. It was a pleasure to work with them.

Maureen Murray, author of You Are Never Alone: Prayers and Meditations to Sustain You Through Breast Cancer

Murray is a professional speaker, trainer, and coach. A contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Maureen is the co-author of Exceptional Accomplishment. A survivor of breast cancer, Maureen sees You Are Never Alone as a heartfelt mission, and a source for enlightenment, fellowship, and strength for breast cancer patients.

Conversations With Tom: An Adventure In After Death Communication

Smith Publicity is a dynamic, high-energy agency. In three weeks they managed to promote my book to the media with amazing results, and their never-ending list of plans is constantly in motion. Their timely responses to my questions and concerns have made it a pleasure to work with them. I recommend them highly!

Walda Woods, author of Conversations With Tom: An Adventure In After Death Communication

Conversations With Tom: An Adventure In After Death Communication, an adventure in after-death communication featuring dictated dialogue from the author’s husband, Tom, it was written to help heal those in grief and to educate mankind about death, dying and the afterlife.

Perpetual Motivation: How to Light Your Fire and Keep It Burning in Your Career and in Life

Smith Publicity publicists are dedicated, creative and determined. They helped me achieve bestseller status on Amazon.com, secured many interviews for me, and got great exposure for my book in newspapers and magazines. I recommend them highly!

Dave Durand, author of Perpetual Motivation: How to Light Your Fire and Keep It Burning in Your Career and in Life

Durand is a best-selling author, and trainer of well over 100,000 individuals in sales, marketing, and business management. He outlines five key life components that must be brought into harmony and kept on track, or productivity will inevitably slow to a crawl; once this balance is achieved, less effort is needed to maintain stability and productivity increases.

Beauty in the Age of Sleaze

Tremendous exposure in a short period of time. The day after I signed with Smith Publicity I was booked for my first radio interview and the bookings were nearly non-stop from that point on. Nice folks to work with.

Xavier Cronin, author of Beauty in the Age of Sleaze

Cronin is also the author of Grave Exodus: Tending to Our Dead in the 21st Century, (Barricade Books, 1996), a look at America’s “Death” industry. He is currently a commodity news editor in New York. He holds a B.A. in English from the University of New Hampshire.

The Gift Giver: A True Story

I enjoyed working with Smith Publicity, they were a bright light and always optimistic. My publicist’s positive attitude and interest in my story helped push forward a campaign that wouldn’t have been as successful without her. Thank you!

Jennifer Hawkins, author of The Gift Giver: A True Story

Hawkins’ book reveals the personal journey about the sudden loss of her husband, and how this experience empowered this young widow and mother to open herself to a path of true acceptance.