Joanne McCall Book Publicist

Think Fiction is Too Hard to Publicize? Think Again.

Joanne McCall — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:00:58 +0000

A book marketing expert I highly respect made an interesting comment recently. She said most publicists stay away from fiction because it is simply too hard to publicize. I understand what she means, and I respectfully disagree. Fiction can be more challenging if the entire pitch is, “Here is a wonderful new novel you should know about.” There’s not much there for a producer, editor…

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That Flattering Email May Not Be What It Seems

Joanne McCall — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:00:18 +0000

During my webinar earlier this week, an author asked a question that immediately got Stephanie and me talking. Stephanie Chandler is the founder of the Nonfiction Authors Association and was hosting the webinar. During the Q&A, one participant asked about emails she had been receiving about her book. They were very complimentary. Some sounded as though the sender had actually taken the time to…

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When Trust Is Already in Short Supply

Joanne McCall — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:00:08 +0000

Last week, I wrote about how AI can waste enormous amounts of your time. It can produce too many ideas, too many versions, too many directions, and too much material to sort through. Something that should have taken fifteen minutes can suddenly consume hours. Perhaps you have already discovered this. If you missed it, you can read it right here. But there is another consequence of AI that has…

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AI is Not an Oracle

Joanne McCall — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:00:27 +0000

AI is supposed to save us time according to all the talk online. And sometimes it does. It can help brainstorm ideas, organize information, suggest titles, tighten a paragraph, or point us toward an angle we had not considered. But there is another side to it that receives far less attention. AI can also happily waste hours of your precious time. I experienced this recently while…

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Are You Capturing the Moment or Missing It?

Joanne McCall — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:00:36 +0000

AI is helping us move forward in remarkable ways. It can generate ideas, organize information, refine a message, brainstorm titles, and suggest new ways to promote a book or business. But every so often, I notice something interesting. The more technology becomes part of our lives, the more obvious it becomes when it is not serving us. And sometimes, what works best is decidedly old school.

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A media relationship is not something you can prompt into existence

Joanne McCall — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:00:47 +0000

I recently read an Inc. article about advice Warren Buffett has repeated for years. He urged people to communicate well because strong communication multiplies their results. And today, as AI becomes part of everyday business, that skill is more important than ever. People are testing AI in nearly every part of business, publishing, and marketing. But here is the one truth that remains no…

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Prepared is Not the Same as Scripted

Joanne McCall — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:00:48 +0000

Once you have a clear point of view, the next question is: Can you say it clearly when it counts? (I wrote about developing a clear point of view last week right here.) This is where many very smart authors and experts get into trouble. They know their material and they definitely care about their message. In fact, they can talk about the subject for hours. But an interview is not hours…

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How to Find Your Point of View

Joanne McCall — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:00:09 +0000

If you’re in the United States, I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful, celebratory Fourth of July weekend. Last week, I wrote about the fact that thought leadership is earned, not claimed. It is not a label you give yourself because it sounds good in your bio. It is something other people begin to call you when your ideas are clear, strong, and consistent enough that they associate your name with…

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Thought Leadership is Earned. Not Claimed.

Joanne McCall — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:00:08 +0000

Not long ago, an author came to me for a consultation and, early in the conversation, described themselves as a thought leader. I hear that phrase a lot now. It has become one of those polished terms people reach for because it sounds impressive, strategic, and established. So I asked a simple follow-up question. What do you want to be known for? Then there was a pause. I waited.

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When AI Looks for an Expert, Will It Find You?

Joanne McCall — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:00:04 +0000

I had a conversation with someone today who asked me a question I hear all the time from authors and experts. “What kind of media can I get, and what will it do for me?” It’s the first question people ask when they start thinking seriously about publicity for their book. Will I get on TV? Will I become a New York Times bestselling author? Will podcasts want me?

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