What National Publishers Day Means to Me: Empowering Authors to Publish Well

Today is National Publishers Day, and I want to take a moment to reflect on what publishing means to me and why I do what I do at KLR Literary Management.

Publishing isn’t magic—it’s mastering seven essential processes: editorial, design, production, distribution, marketing, promotion, and rights licensing. As someone who’s been in the publishing and entertainment industries for more than three decades, I’ve seen how overwhelming these steps can be for writers. That’s why I’m passionate about empowering authors to take control of their publishing journey and become author-publishers.

My Journey in Publishing

My love for storytelling started early, leading me to begin my career at The Walt Disney Studios. But I knew my true passion lay in publishing, so I moved to New York City to pursue a Master’s degree, writing my thesis on the publishing industry.

In 2000, I took my first step into the world of publishing, working at one of the most prestigious literary agencies in the business. There, I learned the intricacies of representing authors, negotiating contracts, and advocating for creative voices. It was a dream job—but I knew there was more I could do to support authors.

In October 2008, I took a leap of faith and started KLR Literary Management, with one goal in mind: to give writers a space where all they do is write while I handled the complexities of the publishing process. Sixteen years later, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless authors bring their stories to life.

The Seven Steps to Publishing

At its core, publishing is about getting these seven processes right:
1️⃣ Editorial: The foundation of any great book. A polished manuscript is where it all begins.
2️⃣ Design: Your book deserves a cover and interior layout that demand attention and reflect its soul.
3️⃣ Production: From formatting to final proofs, this is where your book becomes real.
4️⃣ Distribution: Ensuring your book is available on the platforms where readers can find it.
5️⃣ Marketing: Crafting a strategy to connect your story with your ideal audience.
6️⃣ Promotion: Building buzz and keeping your book in the spotlight.
7️⃣ Rights Licensing: Unlocking opportunities for translations, film adaptations, and beyond.

Why I Do This Work

Over the years, I’ve seen too many writers waste time, money, and energy trying to figure out these steps on their own. Publishing can feel like a maze, but it doesn’t have to be. My goal is to simplify the process, guide you through it, and empower you to become not just a writer, but a confident author-publisher.

When you work with me, you’re not just getting a publishing partner—you’re gaining an advocate who believes in your story and understands the emotional rollercoaster that comes with publishing.

Ready to Start Your Publishing Journey?

If you’ve got a book in you but don’t know where to start, I can help. My Publishing Cohorts are launching soon, designed to guide you through each step of the process while saving you time, money, and your sanity.

💡 Interested? Drop a comment or reach out to me directly. Let’s make your publishing dream a reality.

Here’s to the power of storytelling and the incredible journey of publishing. 🖤

#NationalPublishersDay #AuthorPublisher #KLRLiteraryManagement