Angelle Barbazon, publicist extraordinaire, works tirelessly to promote my book. Angelle is personable, prompt in all correspondence, and fun. I truly enjoy working with her and often refer to her as the ‘angel’ on my shoulder.” – Donna O’Donnell Figurski, award-winning author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver’s Tale and winner of the Hope Hero 2019 Award by Hope Magazine
“Working with Angelle has proven to be way beyond my expectations. As a debut novelist, I had lots of questions. Angelle answered all of them with unparalleled professionalism, enthusiasm, and warmth. She is a true gem.” – Julie Maloney, author of A Matter of Chance and Founder/Director of WOMEN READING ALOUD
“With Marissa, I knew from the moment we met that I was in good hands. She definitely has my best interest in mind. I love how she thinks outside the box to come up with ideas that will make me successful. She values her clients and loves what she does.” – S.B. Alexander, author of Dare to Kiss and other Maxwell Series books
“Marissa zeroed in on the intent of my book with the precision of a brain surgeon, then focused her intuitive skills on getting to know me, the author–my vision, concerns, and strengths. I knew right away I was not only in good hands, but my debut nonfiction would be championed in an enthusiastic, uniquely personal manner.” – Kate Kaufmann, author of Do You Have Kids? Life When the Answer is No
“I have interviewed hundreds of guests, and by far Books Forward 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, Chicago AM 560
“Hannah did an excellent job on my campaign, working hard to connect me with units that successfully publicized the first book in my new series, Murder Knocks Twice. She was very prompt, professional, courteous, thoughtfully connecting me to industry professionals, book stores and readers.” – Susanna Calkins Author of the Speakeasy Murders and other mysteries
"They have good connections, work hard for their clients, and take time to add a personal touch to their work, something that is rare."
Cheryl Rainfield
Author of Scars, a #1 American Library Association Top 10 Quick Pick
“They were always helpful and somehow you got the feeling that you were the only author they were working with.”
—Charles Salzberg
Author of the Henry Swann detective novel series
“Working with Julie and Marissa, and Sami has been an amazing experience. Not only are they extremely knowledgeable in the publicity field, but they also have fantastic out-of-the-box ideas. Their belief in me and my novel, Pieces of Us, has meant so much to me and made me feel like I’m not only their client, but a friend as well. They definitely go above and beyond.”
– Margie Gelbwasser, author of PIECES OF US
“The 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!”
– S.E. Green, award winning author
“I have worked with Books Forward (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
“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
“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
“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
“Hannah did an excellent job on my campaign, working hard to connect me with units that successfully publicized the first book in my new series, Murder Knocks Twice. She was very prompt, professional, courteous, thoughtfully connecting me to industry professionals, book stores and readers.” – Susanna Calkins Author of the Speakeasy Murders and other mysteries
“Julie is an energetic ball of fire who ignites the best in everyone 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
“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
“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.
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