Jacky Runice

This year's U.S. Book Show was buzzing with energy and insight, making it clear that the pulse of the publishing world is stronger than ever. As we are always in the mindset of “sharing is caring,” here is some knowledge the Smith team and I gained from the event: 🎙️ Panel Insights:  From our industry friends at Amplify Publishing Group and Forefront Books to new connections like Mia Orlandella from Penguin Random House, the discussions were rich and varied. A standout moment was the Young Publishing Forum, where the focus was on "emerging publishers" rather than "young" ones, emphasizing the rapid professional growth in this field and the value of mentorship and community. 🤖 AI and Publishing:  During the CEO roundtable, AI’s role in publishing was a major topic. It was fascinating to hear perspectives on AI as an "intelligent assistant"—a tool that augments rather than replaces the human creativity, empathy, and intuition essential to forward-looking innovation. 📈 Trend Shifts in Book Selling:  The dynamics of book distribution are flipping. It’s no longer just about what bookstores will accept from publishers, but strategically thinking about which books are pushed to major retailers like Barnes & Noble, Inc. or newer platforms like Bookshop.org. This strategic distribution reflects a deeper niche targeting approach. 📘 Digital and Libraries Evolving Together:  Discussions around digital book buying, especially in educational sectors, highlighted the evolving role of libraries. They're not just physical spaces but are adapting to digital demands with tools like social media and virtual book clubs, enhancing access and engagement. We left feeling a profound sense of community and dedication across the board, from protecting authors' interests to celebrating the human touch in our tech-driven world. The Publishers Weekly U.S. Book Show wasn't just about books; it was a testament to the passionate individuals behind them, restoring our faith in humanity one page at a time. If you want to take a deep dive into more knowledge and actionable takeaways from the event, Olivia Whitlock McCoy and I recorded a special episode of the Smith Publicity, Inc. All Things Book Marketing Podcast. Check out our insightful episode here: https://bit.ly/3KlxSUD. #Marketing #Publishing #Author #Books #Leadership

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For this podcast, the Confident Retirement, there's a twist: I was the one interviewed, not the one asking the questions. (I like it better the other way - but that was fun - thanks for inviting me on, Kristopher Flammang CRPC®AIF®BFA®) Oh - and I'm not retiring :) Some of the things we talked about: * My early journalism career change to being a juvenile probation office for three years; • Why and how the Business Observer has made a transtions to #digitalfirst — and why we keep the focus on that; and • The lessons I've learned from interviewing hundreds of entrepreneurs ands business owners Take a listen!

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Genise Thomas shares expert tips about reputation management. What should be considered before posting opinions and views online? Please read what she shared in Part I of her interview. https://lnkd.in/eRnNYmf4 #onlinereputationmanagement #crisismanagement #becarefulwhatyousay #socialmediaexpert

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Editing isn’t about hacking a writer’s work to pieces. The writer’s feelings matter as much as proper grammar does. Sometimes a writer uses a word that doesn’t belong in that sentence, and I can tell they just love the word. So I replace it with a more appropriate word, and look out for another opportunity to use it so that they’re happy. My goal as an editor is not to give you my voice; it's to make YOUR voice as beautiful as it can be. #YouNeedAnEditor

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Fellow Chicago communicators! I'll be speaking at the upcoming ALI Conferences later this month. If you haven't already secured your spot, make sure to do so. You won't want to miss it 💡 My panel will be focused on #changemanagement and fostering adoption with your internal audience. They say change is the only constant in life.... so join us for examples and tips on how to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, build trust, belief and excitement with your employees, and how to plan for the unexpected. ⚡ #ALIcomms #internalcommunications #digitalcommunications #corporateculture #corporatecommunications

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These highlights from Cision's 2024 State of the Media Report offer important insights about interacting with journalists. Download the full report (see last slide) to get all the details. #mediarelations #PR #journalists

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I think this is good advice for most writing.

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We've all heard about it -- the journalism industry is experiencing a seismic shift with the integration of AI technologies. I know -- I'm sick of hearing about it too. But it's undeniable -- AI will play a pivotal role in shaping how news is gathered, analyzed and disseminated, especially in this critical time of political and economic volatility. But not all of it's bad. Here's three ways: 1) Enhanced data analysis: AI algorithms can sift through massive data sets to identify trends and patterns faster than ever before. This capability is crucial for journalists covering complex issues like elections, economic shifts and conflicts. It enables more in-depth investigative reporting and data-driven journalism, providing richer, more nuanced stories. 2) Automated reporting: I know -- it sounds scary. But AI can actually automate the reporting of things like financial reports or sports summaries. This can allow journalists to focus on more complex pieces, which require a human element. 3) Fact-checking and misinformation: It's what everyone's worried about -- will AI spread misinformation? If used well, AI can engage in real-time fact-checking and cross-reference data from multiple sources. Sound off in the comments -- what are some ways AI is useful in your industry?

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PR professionals ~can't live in the moment~ when the media is always thinking ahead. If you haven't started planning your holiday gift guide communications strategy, you're at risk of being left behind. Each year, gift guides are published earlier and earlier. 💡 Here are four ways to prepare and leverage the holidays for your brand: Analyze Consumer Behaviors, Interests, and Trends: 📊 Pro tip: The Rule of 7 suggests that consumers need to see a brand’s message seven times before making a purchasing decision, so start making moves now. Review Last Year’s Performance: ✅ Use this to set clear, measurable goals for your campaign. Goals should be specific, achievable, and time-bound. Determine Holiday Bundles, Gift Sets, and Promotions: 🛍️ These are top features in gift guides due to their higher perceived value, which can significantly boost sales. Gather Assets: 📸 Prepare images, product descriptions, b-roll, and pricing. Media often work on tight deadlines, so having everything ready can make a big difference in securing coverage. The truth is, PR takes time – sometimes a painfully long time. 😬 Some publications work off a set calendar, so the biggest advantage with any PR strategy is the time you allow it to resonate with your audience. Happy (almost, but not really) holidays, y’all!

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Editors take note! Here are the publications (in my experience) that are the most likely to respond, least likely to respond, and most likely to ghost. Essence wins for lack of response (they are notorious for not responding and have never responded to me) and The Guardian wins for ghosting (an editor said he’d mentor me then just stopped responding to pitches and texts). Most likely to respond: Cosmo (Erin Quinlan, head of features, is absolutely incredible), Teen Vogue, POPSUGAR, ELLE, Men’s Health (they are super responsive and Paul Kita is amazing). Least likely to respond: Essence, The New York Times, Marie Claire Most likely to ghost: The Guardian, Vogue, and Women’s Health #ghosting #responding #ignoring #journalism #editors #respect #freelance #freelancers #blacklinkedin #linkedin #journorequest

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Why do we do PR? Well, I would answer it's because trust and confidence among all audiences is at historic lows—an avg of 28%. With low/no trust, there is no commerce, there are no deals and business GRINDS to a halt. So, THAT is why we do PR. https://lnkd.in/g9M-_JQ4 #publicrelations, #pr, #trust, #credibility

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Curious about the opportunities and pitfalls in using AI for advocacy campaigns? I'll be participating in a panel discussion next Thursday (May 16) at 2:00 ET with some AI superstars. This webinar will be a great chance to introduce yourself to the world of AI and the dos and don'ts for using AI in your advocacy campaigns. Thank you to VoterVoice (Part of FiscalNote) for inviting me to be part of this event. I hope to "see" you there. #grassroots #advocacy #digitalstrategy #ai Rubenstein Impact Group, LLC FiscalNote

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If you don’t have any PR wins under your belt, start with local and industry press. Pitch good stories that are timely and relevant to their audiences. Often, one press hit will beget another and another. When a top-tier reporter searches for your organization and finds other articles and media experience, they’ll begin to consider you as worthy of their time and attention. Having third-party endorsements from other media sources provides credibility, so don’t neglect the low-hanging fruit when it comes to which outlets to target. #purposedrivenPR - - - - - - - - - - 👋 Hi, I'm Rhiannon. I help purpose-driven organizations (nonprofit and do-good companies) generate consistent media coverage and thought leadership opportunities to increase awareness, influence, and impact. Have a question about PR? DM me!

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“Media opportunities are for more established authors and experts than myself.” It’s time to bust this Smith Myth. Richelle Zizian Fredson and I do just that in my recent interview on her Bound + Determined podcast. From established publishers to innovative hybrid presses, from independently published debut authors to influential keynote speakers and industry luminaries, we explore strategies for amplifying the voices of 𝒂𝒍𝒍 authors. Some key points from our conversation include: 🗓️ The ideal timeline for book PR 🎤 What media is really looking for right now 📰 How the media landscape has changed for authors 📖 Why your book is the supporting character, not the main character It was such an enlightening and inspiring discussion. You can listen to all of our actionable takeaways at the link here: https://bit.ly/3yYS0JC. #Marketing #Author #Publishing #MarketingStrategy

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Tips on writing press releases: - Focus on clarity and accuracy - Include names, phone numbers, email addresses, etc. - Add release date or FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Summarize story in headline Read more here on writing a press release: https://lnkd.in/gPXEiAHA #pressrelease #writing #freelancewriting #writingtips

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Not getting responses from journalists? Try pitching stories about these topics: 💡 Lessons learned from failure 💡 Industry viewpoints that are surprising or controversial 💡 Data only you can provide Do that and journalists will start to care about what you have to say.

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This article from Columbia Journalism Review is fascinating, and an argument for the importance of a reputation management communication plan. There are volumes authored by PR pros advising against ignoring reporters inquiries, yet this article documents how frequently it happens. Throughout my career, I can count on one hand the number of times I have made a calculated decision not to respond to a media request, and 99.9% of the time it was after multiple engagements with a reporter who repeatedly misrepresented or distorted information (even if not intentionally). I suspect, more often than not, reporters get ghosted because the brand is caught off guard. They haven't planned how they will respond in a reputation crisis. Or haven't socialized the planned response with stakeholders. If the PR team is haggling with executives and lawyers on what to say or how to say it when the reporters' questions start rolling in, the opportunity to frame the narrative is quickly lost. Thanks for sharing the article Jennifer Johnson Avril! https://lnkd.in/gYmTA9CW

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Communications executives need to understand reporter lingo and be capable of translating it for their C-suite and other spokespeople.   “A Reporter’s Glossary: Journalistic Terms of Art” helps fulfill that mission by revealing definitions for a cornucopia of insider journalistic expressions (link to full paper in Comments). The publication sheds light on such jargon as: · The distinctions among clarifications, corrections, and retractions · What to do with an IFB when participating in an SMT · How to accommodate TV reporters who say they need B-roll · Why media training needs to be a comprehensive series of events, not a one-off, check the box situation · The peculiarities of off the record, on background, and not for attribution   My hope is that this resource will make the job of communications and government relations executives just a bit easier. It’s yours for the taking. No subscriptions. No nags. All I ask: If you find it useful, share it with colleagues and support it with a 👉 Comment 👈 here on LinkedIn.   💭 Once you’ve taken a look, don’t be shy about suggesting additional terms of art that might make it into future revisions. #mediarelations #reporters #journalism

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