Alexa Nazzaro is the founder of Axel Author Group, a publishing services company with the memorable tagline "we won't let you publish crap." With a background in writing and business communications, Alexa transitioned into author services after helping a client with an ebook project. Her passion for the creative process led her to support authors across various genres, offering everything from editing and formatting to comprehensive launch strategies. While running her publishing services company, Alexa also works on her own fiction writing, giving her unique insight into both sides of the author journey—as both a service provider and a working writer.
In this episode:
- Effective book launch strategies from planning to execution
- The 90-day pre-launch marketing timeline
- Building and mobilizing a street team
- Getting advanced reviews through NetGalley
- Optimizing Amazon categories and keywords
- Running successful bestseller campaigns
- Author networks and newsletter swaps
- Post-launch review generation tactics
- Staggered format releases (ebook, paperback, audiobook)
- Special considerations for children's books
- Full-service publishing vs. DIY approaches
Resources mentioned:
- NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/
- Kirkus and Forward Reviews: http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
- Independent Book Publishers Association: https://www.ibpa-online.org/
- Story Origin: https://storyoriginapp.com/
- Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/
Book Recommendations:
- "Gasping for Air, Choking on Shame" by Dana S. Diaz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6WBCWNG?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
- "Summer's Blood" by Adele Royce: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4VZYCPX?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
- "The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharp: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743235274?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
- "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143129252?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pubperf-20&linkId=400c65572fa1761b41f901ed6233057c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Connect with Alexa Nazzaro:
- Axel Author Group Website: https://aaxelauthorgroup.com/
Connect with Teddy Smith:
- @teddyagsmith
- Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
- Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
- Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
- Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
- Linkedin -
Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/
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