Testimonials
“Writing a novel is an accomplishment, but knowing how to assemble a team of experts who will get those books on the shelves and into the hands of readers is the magic behind becoming a successful author. My publisher recommended several awesome publicity firms to help me market my books and after many interviews, Julie Schoerke quickly rose to the top of my list. The team Julie has assembled at JKS Communications emulates her amazing work ethic, her ‘never say never’ attitude, and her ability to open doors for authors in creative, professional, and unconventional publicity efforts. As a debut author, I’m humbled how after only one year so many people actually recognize my books and clamor for the next in the Liv Bergen series thanks to JKS Communications working so closely with me and my publisher.”
– Sandra Brannan, author of the Liv Bergen Mystery series, including In the Belly of Jonah, Lot’s Return to Sodom, Widow’s Might, and Noah’s Rainy Day
“Julie Schoerke is a wonderful book publicist. She is smart, savvy, aware of trends, has good connections–and she is friendly and kind, and takes time to add a personal touch to her dealings, something that is rare today. I think she can also see what’s coming in the book world, and can help guide an author in promotion. Julie also cares about the books and authors she represents. Everyone I’ve worked with in Julie’s company has also been smart, friendly, and aware of what works.
Julie got me on Fox25 and DayTime Toronto to help me promote SCARS–something I could not have done myself–and she’s gotten me interviews, reviews, and more. I trust Julie and highly recommend her.”
– Cheryl Rainfield, author of Scars, winner of numerous awards including the ALA 2011 Top 10 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers and Hunted, releasing fall, 2011
“When my book, The Gluten Free Fat Loss Plan, came out I knew I was facing very daunting odds: it was my debut book AND I self-published. Normally this would be the perfect formula for a big, fat publicity failure…..and then I met Julie and Marissa. Not only did they believe in my book, they believed in me as an author, and their relentless support and encouragement made me believe in myself as well.
Julie and Marissa’s connections combined with their thoughtful and fresh pitch ideas were what led to 4 major television appearances, 3 newspaper articles, 6 radio show interviews, and the biggest placement of all- my book being stocked by CostCo. And did I mention that they accomplished all this in the first 6 weeks of my publicity campaign?
I plan on publishing many more books, and while I have no idea what the subject of those books might be, I do know one thing for sure: JKS Communications will be the first call I make each and every time.”
– Allison Westfahl, author of The Gluten Free Fat Loss Plan
“I have worked with JKSCommunications for over a year now and I have yet to meet a more professional or hard working group in the promotional industry. I have enjoyed every moment of working with them and can honestly say that any author that has the good fortune of gaining their interest is blessed to have them backing their literary creations!”
– Kitty Bullard / GMTA Independent Publishing
“I loved working with you and your staff.”
– Dr. Scott Anderson, author of The Uncommon Thread
“Your team is TERRIFIC! It’s such a pleasure to work with everyone. I’d LOVE to continue working with all of you in the future! Thanks so much for everything.”
— Yael Levy, author of Brooklyn Love
“I am currently working with Julie and the team at JKS Communications to get the word out on my new book The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success: Kick start your Business, Brand and Job Search. I would recommend them highly, especially for us “newbies” to the world of authoring. I ask so many (first timer) questions and they not only answer them but help me understand the industry, way it works and how people think. That is invaluable counsel especially as I plan my next book.
– Wayne Brietbarth, author of The Power Formula For LinkedIn Success
“I wanted to thank all of you for your amazing attention to detail, your professionalism, and the hard work you’ve done on my campaign. I can’t express — and hey, I’m a writer! — how much I appreciate your team. Today is my debut novel, but soon, a new novel will be ready to go out — and I will look to JKS to help me with that one. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship for all of us!”
– Judy Walters, author of Child of Mine
“We used JKSCommunications to promote A.J. Scudiere and we couldn’t have asked for better publicists. The JKS team was on top of everything and they went above and beyond for us. We were in constant communication via e-mail and we had calls whenever we needed to brainstorm or work out an issue. The entire team was great to work with. We got television, radio, and tons of print interviews set up through JKS. Their rates are worth every penny! As a small, independent publisher, we found the perfect fit for our needs in JKS.”
– Eli Jackson, Griffyn Ink Publishing
“I have interviewed hundreds of guests, and by far JKSCommunications is the most organized and professional PR team I have worked with. Julie and Marissa not only are timely, their press kits are always complete and flawless. They are always on the top of my list when I am booking guests for the program. Working with JKSCommunications is amazing.”
– Kristin Tews, Personal Best Radio
Michael Lee West signs copies of her book for fans.
“Working with Julie has been a delight–and a smart career move. I will be working with her for all future books. She’s awesome. I’ve worked with some of the best publicists in the business, and she’s one of the best. Immediately I began to notice a difference, and by the time the paperback came out, a buzz had started. Mermaids and my entire backlist has shown a huge spike in sales–including a book that was published over 20 years ago. All 6 books have had a sort of revival. In this market, this is incredible.
She worked beautifully with my publicist, agent, and editor. More to the point, I’m really picky about whom I work with, and I absolutely adore her. When I was on the tour, I had a chance to see how other booksellers love her, too. Julie is very sincere, with a big heart, and this really comes through. Many times a publicist just goes through the motions, but Julie is thinking and working all the time. All the time!! When the new books come out, I’m giving Julie carte blanc. She went with me on the tour and made it so effortless that I relaxed for the first time ever and actually ENJOYED the book events.”
– Michael Lee West, best-selling and award winning author of Mermaids in the Basement, Crazy Ladies, Mad Girls in Love, Consuming Passions
“Hiring Julie and her crew was a foray into the unknown for me, an author with a 5th novel about to be published, and zero experience with an independent publicist. How shall I describe it? Let’s try “The pleasure was entirely mine.” She was indefatigueable in an era when catching anyone’s ear about any book is a Sisyphean task, running down blogs and book page editors and radio spots and columns and independent book store appearances all over the Southeast. And if I suggested one, she was on it instantly. Always available, always upbeat, always diplomatic, and always keeping my publisher and my agent informed as well. And, I should add, keeping at it via Google alerts and checking in with me even after all obligations were fulfilled. My only regret is that I don’t have the energy, contacts, and organizational skills JKS Communications demonstrated on my behalf.”
– Susan S. Kelly, award-winning author of By Accident, Now You Know, The Last of Something and Even Now
“Julie Schoerke’s willingness to promote Silent Sorority and to raise awareness and encourage dialogue on a complex and misunderstood topic is a testament to her character and to her professionalism. Her unflagging support and ideas have been invaluable. She’s a true gem.”
– Pamela Mahoney Tsigdinos, author of Silent Sorority
“Julie is an energetic ball of fire who ignites the best in every one lucky enough to bask in her glow. She handles book promotion with such joy, grace, charm and aplomb. She is a professional in every aspect of the business, a friendly workaholic wizard who turns challenges into celebrations. Simply put, Julie is a publisher’s, bookseller’s, and author’s best friend.”
– Charles Ghigna, author of Father Goose
Frank McNair signs copies of Golden Rules for Managers at Sherlocks Bookstore.
“I am working with Julie Schoerke on the launch of my book, The Golden Rules for Managers. Julie’s mastery of book publicity and promotion is a great asset — she has identified avenues for book promotion that I never would have uncovered. Her creativity is every-where-apparent in helping shape a book trailer that will “go viral.” She has chased publications to run my articles, assembled blurbs to promote the book and is helping me shape a website that will promote this and other books, as well as my speaking a consulting practice. I recommend her highly and hope you will use her for your next project.”
– Frank McNair, author of The Golden Rules For Managers
Senator Hagan gives her acceptance speech.
“Julie is one of the most informed, energetic, talented individuals I have had the privilege of working with closely. She is focused, does her homework, looks out for her clients with high professional standards and pursues her clients’ goals until they are met.”
– United States Senator Kay Hagan
“Julie beings energy, enthusiasm and real expertise to her projects. She has an intuitive sense of what is needed for your business development and creates deliverables that are usually only seen in large commercial firms. Her breadth and depth of knowledge in so many business areas is amazing. She is well connected with friends in many areas of influence yet brings common sense and pragmatic judgement to her consulting. Working with Julie in any manner is a delight. Don’t miss the opportunity to work with this real pro in the PR world.”
– Laura Musfeldt, Vice President, Integrated Healthcare Strategies
“[The] JKS team is not only knowledgeable, skillful, and experienced, but they bring to the table a hands on approach that makes the client feel as if she is the only one. I highly recommend JKS for publicity needs!”
– Shannon Greenland, award winning author
“Julie Schoerke is one of those rare people who combines creativity and imagination with expertise and intelligence. Her wide-ranging experience in public relations and event planning and management gives her a vision and the ability to ensure that the vision is implemented in a way that is classy, profitable for an organization and fun for all the participants.”
– Florence Gatten, Owner, Gatten Enterprises
“I laughed out loud when I saw the article and picture in the paper today. You are the BEST and only publicist I know who can get (this newspaper) to put anything you want in the paper.”
– Editor of a major metropolitan US newspaper
“Over the years, Julie Schoerke has proven to be a loyal and discreet professional. I trust her implicitly. When I need someone to communicate clearly with the public and work with me on a project, I call her. She is one of the most talented, energetic and efficient colleagues I have.”
– Gail Buchanan, CEO, Shamrock Environmental Corporation
“Julie is experienced, well connected and keeps her eyes open for all kinds of opportunities for clients. She thinks strategically and is a real joy to work with.”
– Amy Lynch, Speaker, Consultant, Author
“As host of an Internet radio show, I have worked with Marissa DeCuir for several years. I have found her to be a delight to work with. She is supportive of both me and her authors. She is kind, yet highly efficient. I can unequivocally recommend Marissa as a top drawer publicist.”
– Dr. Beth Erickson, Host of “Relationships 101″ on webtalkradio.net.
– Margie Gelbwasser, author of Pieces of Us
“I had the pleasure of meeting Marissa DeCuir at the ALA Conference in Washington, DC last summer and was immediately drawn to her openness and her professionalism. She was very attentive to her clients, and quick to offer assistance to others in the group as well.
I had communicated with Julie Schoerke about working with JKS Communications on several occasions both through telephone conversations and e-mail, and although my novel had been out for several months, I decided to sign on with her and her group. I am so glad I did.
Marissa makes her job look effortless, but after months of self-promoting my book, I fully understand how hard it is to do what Marissa does, and it makes me even more impressed with her commitment and success on behalf of her clients. Marissa was both relentless and knowledgeable about making contacts that would get the word out, showcase my book, and reach the audiences I hoped to reach. And she was tenacious in her efforts to make every suggestion I made happen. She set up a book tour that included books signings, book talks, radio, TV, and print interviews, and site visits with groups that represented the issues facing my target audience. And I am especially proud of the very creative, professional trailer Marissa produced that captures the issues at the very heart of my book.
Carol Larese Millward signs her book during a Baltimore TV interview
I am so grateful to Marissa, not only for her tireless efforts on my behalf, but also for her guidance, support and encouragement. I look forward to working with Marissa and JKS Communications on all future projects.”
– Carol Larese Millward, author of Star in the Middle
“I was so lucky to be able to land a publicity internship with JKSCommunications. I met Marissa at the Book Blogger Convention in New York and instantly clicked with her. We kept in touch through email, and she let me interview her for one of my Public Relations school projects. I learned so much and became really eager to try out book publicity for myself! So I was ecstatic when JKS accepted me into the summer internship program. I jumped right on the opportunity and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I’ve learned so much from such a great group of people. I have no doubt that I’ll be able to use the information I’ve learned for my future career in the book publicity field.” - Briana Bayer, JKS Intern
Interviews and articles featuring JKSCommunications:
Cheryl Rainfield Literary Blog
