Meet Melanie Herschorn | Book Marketing Strategist for Nonfiction and Children’s Book Authors

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Herschorn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
After I shuttered my former business, I was at a crossroads. I knew I wanted to support entrepreneurs with their marketing, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like. For about a year, I was a copywriter for small businesses, and then I moved into marketing strategy. But soon authors began calling me to ask for marketing strategy. After the 3rd author, I realized that the universe was trying to tell me something. That’s when I niched down to offer marketing strategy to nonfiction and children’s book authors.

What should our readers know about your business?
In my career I have always helped amplify the stories of others. my first job out of college was as a publicist in Hollywood walking A-list and B-list celebrities down red carpets, attending movie premieres and writing press releases to secure their media coverage. I then earned a master’s in journalism and worked as a radio news anchor and reporter. As a journalist, I found that my favorite stories were those which allowed me to give a voice to the voiceless – from children who attended bereavement camp to military veterans whose stories were almost lost. Their stories moved me and deserved to be shared with the world (or at least the listeners in Central Pennsylvania). When I was laid off from my radio job at 5 months pregnant, my mission shifted. Entrepreneurship came calling and I resolved to design and manufacture clothing for breastfeeding moms that was fashionable and functional. So in a way it was giving clothes to the clothesless. I grew the company each year and sold my designs on Nordstrom.com, Amazon and in boutiques across North America. Then in the 7th year of business, I hired a so-called “marketing expert” and that was the beginning of the end of Udderly Hot Mama.

The marketer belittled me, berated me, and took my money to the tune of $25,000. It became too hard from me to continue the business. My heart was no longer in it. I couldn’t even open the door to my home office without getting a sinking feeling in my stomach. Within the year I had closed up shop.
It took a bit for me to I had some decisions to make. Should I go back to the 9-to-5 or continue the entrepreneurial journey?

The latter won by a long shot when I did some soul searching. I realized that my new venture would be to help entrepreneurs with their marketing in a supportive way. Within a year, I niched down even further. Now I solely help nonfiction and children’s book authors develop a customized marketing strategy to build a business with their book as the foundation.

I’ve helped hundreds of authors, just like you, develop a successful book marketing strategy and get peace of mind, knowing they have a trusted way to attract their ideal readers and clients.

My unique combination of entrepreneurship, award-winning journalism, and PR experience gives me a 360º view of what it takes to promote a book effectively. I’ve been a guest on more than 50 podcasts, spoken on dozens of summit stages, and published books.

Your book has the potential to make a big impact in the world. But if you don’t know how to create brand awareness and build your authority and credibility, it can feel so overwhelming…

Authors are told that writing the book is the hardest part. But they soon realize that they need effective messaging and a book marketing strategy to truly make an impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I cannot get enough of the amazing resorts we have around here. The Westin Kierland is perfect for a lazy day on the lazy river. Dinner and drinks at the JW Marriott in Desert Ridge, The Fairmont Princess, The Omni, and The Four Seasons!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The group I would love to acknowledge is called The Dames. This is a fabulous group of successful women who work to support, inspire, and lift each other up.

Website: https://vipbookmarketing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vipbookmarketing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vipbookmarketing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vipbookmarketing

Image Credits
Karianne Munstedt Photography