Ashley Alberico is the Sales and Marketing Director for the Crown Publishing Group, a subset of Penguin Random House. In this episode, Ashley discusses what happens behind the scenes in sales and marketing meetings, and how experts boil down your book to pithy marketing jargon that appeals to booksellers and readers.

Having worked with the likes of Michelle Obama and Ina Garten, Ashley explains how Amazon categorizes books, the difference between Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and what you should tell friends when they ask you "Where should I buy your book?" (The answer: it's complicated!) Ashley also dishes about the role of authors in the marketing and sales process, and the calendar for when important decisions are made. Also, learn practical advice like the difference between announced print runs and actual print runs, and what can of ads or publicity actually sell books.

Dive deep into the world of agenting with our guest, Cherise Fisher, who shares her unique insights from a 25-year career in publishing.

In this episode, Cherise delves into the relationship between a writer and editor, from page to bookstore shelf, dispelling common misconceptions, like whether an agent “edits” a book proposal, their role in the business side of writing, and sharing her do’s and don’ts for authors. Plus, find out how she became an agent to New York Times bestsellers, like Sadiqa Johnson and Tia Williams, and what attributes she looks for in clients.

She also talks about her career, from graduating college to her first job in publishing, how she became an acquiring editor at Simon & Schuster, and eventually Editor in Chief of Plume, an imprint of Penguin Random House. And what prompted her to change her career trajectory and leave the editorial side of publishing to become a literary agent.

In addition to sharing personal anecdotes and inside stories, Cherise dispels common misconceptions in the non-fiction market and discusses the economics of publishing. Learn the various strategies publishers utilize to maximize profit amidst slim margins, what are 'comp titles', and the calculated exaggeration of print runs, not to mention what it really means to ‘earn out’ your advance. If you're a seasoned author, an aspiring writer, or even just a curious reader, this episode will enrich your perception of the book publishing world.

In this episode of How Books Work, Executive Editor at Crown, Libby Burton joins co-hosts Julie Satow and Alice Robb for an enlightening conversation about gatekeeping in the publishing industry, her passion for poetry, and important ways editors and writers can improve the system.

Libby, who has edited award-winning authors like Stacey Abrams, Katie Porter, Mariah Carey, and others, talks about her personal journey into publishing, and how being a poet influences her editorial role. She also discusses what types of writers appeal to her, and her mission to create a more inclusive industry. The conversation also delves into the importance of authors' platforms, the relevance of publicity, marketing, and sales in corporate publishing, and the influence of public opinion on platforms like Goodreads.

Libby also advises Julie and Alice about how authors need to balance their careers and writing, the importance of choosing the right agent, understanding the market for their work, and the critical role of meeting deadlines in the publishing process. It’s a comprehensive dive into the changing landscape of the publishing industry that will provide invaluable insight for aspiring writers, industry enthusiasts, and avid readers alike.