Sandra Brannan, author of the Liv Bergen Mystery series, In the Belly of Jonah and Lot’s Return to Sodom

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

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

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

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

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 Schoreke 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.

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

A public relations expert with more than 25 years experience, Schoerke built her business with a wide variety of corporate clients and high-profile individual clients and events before narrowing her focus to literary publicity. Prior to that she was a not-for-profit executive.

Her firm’s clients – authors with Harper Collins, Random House (and its subsidiaries), Beacon Press, Wiley & Sons, Sourcebooks, Boyds Mills, B & H, Westside Books, Greenleaf Book Group and Thomas Nelson – have enjoyed strong launches and premiere placement on television and radio shows, throughout North America, in print and online around the world. Authors hail from more than 25 states and three foreign countries.
Julie speaks at the Alabama Book Festival.

Julie is frequently interviewed on radio, literary blogs and asked to speak at literary conferences throughout the United States.

She holds a B.J.S in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations from the William Allen White School of Journalism, University of Kansas.

Before specializing in book publicity, Schoerke spent 20 years in general Public Relations, providing services to the following sectors, which has enabled JKSCommunications to utilize strategic partnership concepts to enhance book promotion.

Also on the JKSCommunications team:

Marissa DeCuir, Managing Director, formerly a journalist who has worked for USA Today and Gannett Enterprises now specializing in media relations;

Elly Kelly, Publicity Manager, formerly Publicity Manager at Grand Central in New York with more than twelve years experience in book publicity with
major publishing houses

Samantha Lien, formerly in artist management now specializing in book tours

Jennifer Halligan, Social Media, formerly anaerospace systems engineer and former NASA contractor as well as a book blogger, now specializes in social media platform building;

Ginger Nalley, Distribution Manager, former marketing manager for a large indepedent bookstore chain, now directs distribution of ARCs.