Jerry D. Simmons
A a 32-year veteran of publishing, 25 in New York with Random House and the former Time Warner Book Group as Vice President, Director Field Sales. His sales division generated hundreds of millions of dollars in book sales across the United States and Canada and helped launch many talented writers as well as dozens of new publishing imprints.
Over the years Jerry has worked on thousands of New York Times bestselling titles and hundreds of New York Times bestselling authors including James Patterson, David Baldacci, Sandra Brown, Nicholas Sparks, Nelson DeMille and Michael Connelly.
Jerry is the founder of www.WritersReaders.com which has become “THE” source for information about publishing. His eNewsletter TIPS for WRITERS from the PUBLISHING INSIDER is read by thousands of writers in over 24 foreign countries. He is the founder of the online marketing platform for writers and authors www.NothingBinding.com. In 2009 Jerry launched the INDI Publishing Group, establishing a new publishing model while creating opportunities for writers choosing to publish independently. He speaks around the country and his articles have appeared in Writers Digest and across the Internet.
As founder of the INDI Publishing Group Jerry’s goal is to change the perception of independent publishing by delivering quality content to the marketplace that can compete with any title produced by the largest New York publishers. He brings tremendous experience to independent authors and the INDI Publishing Group’s quest for publishing the highest quality independent books.
Diane O’Connell
Worked at Random House for six years where she edited and acquired fiction and non-fiction books. She discovered many previously unpublished writers and worked intensely with them to become successful authors.
Following her stint at Random House Diane became editor for Harlequin Books new Intrigue line, where she brought on board new authors, working closely with them to develop books for this innovative imprint.
Diane then took a job as senior editor at Sesame Street Magazine and it’s newly created Parents’ Guide. This position led to the opportunity help develop Family Life magazine. Diane took the challenge and saw this successful magazine through its launch and first few issues.
After 12 years working as a staff editor, Diane decided to make her own way in the publishing world. She quickly developed a niche in health, writing over 200 magazine articles for such national publications as Woman’s World, Good Housekeeping, Parents, Bride’s, Inside MS, and First for Women. Her writing and editing earned her awards from the Educational Press Award for Excellence in Journalism, the National Health Information Silver Award, and the National Writer’s Voice New Voice Award in Fiction. She is also a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Eventually, Diane returned to her first love: books. To date, she is the author or co-author of five books. Her co-authored book, Divorced Dads:Shattering The Myths, landed her a coveted segment on 20/20.
In 1999, Diane founded Diane O’Connell Literary Services, with her primary goal of helping first-time authors succeed in the publishing world. In addition to her work individually with authors, she has traveled the country speaking at writers’ conferences, and teaches a number of successful on-line writing courses.
Diane expanded her services to help entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. With that in mind, she launched Write to Sell Your Book. Diane brings all these passions and the belief that all dreams are attainable to her work with authors. It is her mission to help her clients find their voice in order to achieve their dreams.
Jackie Merri Meyer
A nationally recognized award winning graphic designer located in Williamsburg Brooklyn. She was the former Creative Director of Warner Books, a position she held for 18 years. Jackie designed and directed book jackets for some of the biggest bestselling books of all-time such as THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY.
Jackie has worked with authors such as Brad Meltzer, James Patterson, David Baldacci, Sandra Brown, Nelson DeMille, Nicholas Sparks, Rosie O’ Donnell, Madonna, Sidney Sheldon, Jackie Collins, Michael Korda, Elmore Leonard, Bill Gates, Randi Taraborelli, Harold Bloom, Susan Miller, Berry Gordy, Dan Simmons, Donald Westlake, Ed McBain, Evan Hunter, Carol Higgins Clarke, Fran Drescher, Kirk Douglas, Larry Bond, Richard Simmons, Alexander Haig, Brian Haig, Erma Bombeck, Maria Shriver, Patti LaBelle, Scott Turow, Jack Welch and Harry Beckto name a few.
Jackie graduated from the prestigious Cooper Union in NYC and her design work is in the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum.
Barry Porter
Award-winning marketing and sales executive with an extensive background in creating and implementing innovative marketing and merchandising promotions for high-profile clients. He has generated hundreds of millions in sales revenue through distinctive marketing programs for major publishing companies throughout his career. His passion for the publishing business is evident in his work with hundreds of bestselling authors and New York Times bestselling books.
He has served in several facets of the publishing business for more than 25 years including: Executive Director of Marketing, Director of Sales and Merchandising, and Key Accounts Manager for publishing powerhouses, such as Simon and Schuster, Random House and Warner Publisher Services.
Throughout his publishing career Barry has enjoyed developing and executing integrated marketing strategies specifically designed for distinguished authors including: John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King, Vince Flynn, Danielle Steel, Sandra Brown, Tami Hoag, Iris Johansen, Kresley Cole, Jude Deveraux, Glenn Beck, Mark R. Levin, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Paula Deen. He prided himself on the personal relationships that he developed with many of these authors while promoting their latest ventures through his marketing insights.
He successfully collaborated with high profile entertainment industry clients including: motion picture companies (Sony, Paramount, and Universal Pictures), gaming companies (Blizzard Entertainment, Ubisoft, Marvel Enterprises), television production companies (CBS, HBO, Lifetime, MTV, Showtime, USA Networks, TLC), and World Wrestling Entertainment.
Barry is one of New York’s foremost marketing experts in the publishing industry, and he has built his reputation on conceiving profitable marketing and promotional programs across hardcover, trade paperback, premium, eBook, and mass market publishing formats. His successful marketing programs heightened brand awareness and developed strategies for increased sales and distribution.
He collaborated with online and corporate partners to help sell new and upcoming authors with cutting edge publishing programs. He devised online marketing plans, developed extensive blog outreach, created demographic lists, and developed customized marketing strategies for a multitude of book genres. As a long time food aficionado and wine collector, Barry particularly enjoyed his chance to develop successful marketing campaigns for the Robert Parker Wine Library and the Williams-Sonoma cookbook line.
Barry offers new and established authors comprehensive and strategic marketing plans that can help elevate the visibility of their published work. He can be retained to consult on your publication and implement one of his marketing and promotion campaigns specifically designed to increase the platform of your book.
As a marketing professional, Barry is a member of the Publishers Advertising and Marketing Association, the Tools of Change for Publishing, and the Author and Publisher Association.
As owner of BGP Consulting, LLC, he offers new and established authors comprehensive and strategic marketing plans that can help elevate the visibility of their published work. Barry can be retained to consult on your publication and implement one of his marketing and promotion campaigns specifically designed to increase the platform of your book.As a marketing professional, Barry is a member of the Publishers Advertising and Marketing Association, the Tools of Change for Publishing, and the Author and Publisher Association. Contact: barrygporter@gmail.com, or you can visit his profile on http://www.linkedin.com.
