Laura Bastian

Laura Bastian - Marketer

Durham, United States

As an experienced marketer, I work with authors to optimize their digital marketing, create branding/strategy, and build their platforms.

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Overview

I'm a book marketing professional with an MBA in marketing as well as an MA in Publishing from University College London. I have years of experience in all aspects of marketing, including content marketing, email marketing, market research, social media, and communications.

At this point, I am mostly available for help with marketing plans, including recommendations for strategy and optimization.

I have a special focus in nonfiction genres including business, self-help, and memoir. I also have experience in multiple fiction genres (YA, children's, and women's fiction among them).

My approach is non-traditional, as I worked in marketing and sales for years in various industries before moving into the dynamic book publishing world several years ago. I've found many skills translate well to publishing: client relationship management, project management, online marketing, content marketing, etc.

Overall, I strive to bring a fresh and innovative perspective to my work with each and every client.
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Management
Career Guides
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
Health & Wellbeing
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Travel
Fiction
Middle Grade
Women's Fiction

Certifications

  • MBA, Marketing
  • MA, Publishing

Work experience

President/Marketing Consultant

Self-employed
September, 2013 – Present (over 9 years)

I am a freelance consultant to authors and small publishers, with a focus on digital marketing, social media, communications, platform building, and market research. I am also a book coach who can provide recommendations on the most optimal publishing routes for authors looking to optimize their sales and visibility. Experience includes roles as:

--Marketing and Communications lead for an independent publishing house
--Book Marketing Manager for multiple authors under contract with a hybrid publishing company
--Book Publicist/VA with a book publicity firm, serving as lead publicist and relationship manager for one of its largest partners

Projects

Independent Publisher

Work in partnership with an independent publisher as the lead relationship manager. Assigned as relationship manager by Aurora Publicity, with whom I'm under contract. Advised 6 authors. Provided branding and platform building recommendations, social media guidance, and assistance with email marketing.

The Paris Effect

Helped launch bestselling women's fiction novel THE PARIS EFFECT with hybrid publisher Booktrope. Worked with author KSR Burns on cover selection, book description, influencer/blogger outreach, and the execution of promotions.

Startup Wealth

Helped launch bestselling nonfiction title STARTUP WEALTH with author, investor, and entrepreneur Josh Maher. Worked with author to write book description, select Amazon categories and keywords, select book cover, identify influencers and opportunities for exposure, and execute promotions.

Portfolio (5 selected works)

The Jaguar and the Cacao Tree (Max and the Code of Harvests Book 1)

Birgitte Rasine

If you liked "The Golden Compass" and "The Chronicles of Narnia," be prepared to fall in love with mythic fantasy all over again. "The Jaguar and the Cacao Tree" pulls you into a mesmerizing world that blurs the lines between science, mythology,and the hidden magic of nature most adults find all but impossible. One of the world's authorities on chocolate, the C-Spot, calls the book "a strong c... read more

If you liked "The Golden Compass" and "The Chronicles of Narnia," be prepared to fall in love with mythic fantasy all over again. "The Jaguar and the Cacao Tree" pulls you into a mesmerizing world that blurs the lines between science, mythology,and the hidden magic of nature most adults find all but impossible. One of the world's authorities on chocolate, the C-Spot, calls the book "a strong c... read more

Startup Wealth: How the Best Angel Investors Make Money in Startups

Josh Maher

Startup investors are achieving 20%, 40%, and higher rates of return. Whether you’re investing in early-stage companies, raising capital for your startup, or just interested in how angel investors really make their money, Startup Wealth will unravel the mystery surrounding startup capital. STARTUP WEALTH delivers engaging interviews with early- stage investors in Google, Invisalign, ZipCar, Ub... read more

Startup investors are achieving 20%, 40%, and higher rates of return. Whether you’re investing in early-stage companies, raising capital for your startup, or just interested in how angel investors really make their money, Startup Wealth will unravel the mystery surrounding startup capital. STARTUP WEALTH delivers engaging interviews with early- stage investors in Google, Invisalign, ZipCar, Ub... read more

Baby Fat: Adventures in Motherhood, Muffin Tops, & Trying to Stay Sane

Pauline M. Campos

It’s a memoir. Please don’t call it a mom-oir. That sh*t’s just patronizing. This is the book that wrote itself in Pauline M. Campos’ head when she realized that her baby had become a toddler and the expiration date on her socially acceptable baby weight had worn out. The Latina Magazine #Dimelo advice columnist and Aspiring Mama blogger gave herself a one-year-or-bust deadline, then embarked ... read more

It’s a memoir. Please don’t call it a mom-oir. That sh*t’s just patronizing. This is the book that wrote itself in Pauline M. Campos’ head when she realized that her baby had become a toddler and the expiration date on her socially acceptable baby weight had worn out. The Latina Magazine #Dimelo advice columnist and Aspiring Mama blogger gave herself a one-year-or-bust deadline, then embarked ... read more

The Paris Effect

K. S. R. Burns

Friendship, loss and a tantalizing trip to Paris in this highly praised #1 Amazon Best Seller in Women's Fiction that Kirkus Reviews calls a "can't-put-down-book" and an "absorbing adventure."When Amy loses her best friend, Kat, to cancer, she knows their dream of a secret trip to Paris will never come true. Yet Kat’s words haunt her, urging her to embark on the Paris trip alone and shed the d... read more

Friendship, loss and a tantalizing trip to Paris in this highly praised #1 Amazon Best Seller in Women's Fiction that Kirkus Reviews calls a "can't-put-down-book" and an "absorbing adventure."When Amy loses her best friend, Kat, to cancer, she knows their dream of a secret trip to Paris will never come true. Yet Kat’s words haunt her, urging her to embark on the Paris trip alone and shed the d... read more

The Next Step: Guiding You From Idea to Startup

Luni Libes

Nine out of every ten startups will fail. Want to avoid their mistakes and become part of the 10% that succeed? THE NEXT STEP is the first series to take entrepreneurs step-by-step through the process from raw idea to operational startup. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to make a change, a new college graduate with a big idea, or a small business owner in need of more structure,... read more

Nine out of every ten startups will fail. Want to avoid their mistakes and become part of the 10% that succeed? THE NEXT STEP is the first series to take entrepreneurs step-by-step through the process from raw idea to operational startup. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to make a change, a new college graduate with a big idea, or a small business owner in need of more structure,... read more

Laura has 1 review

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Kathryn J. Bain
Laura is very easy to work with. She's also a go getter. She contacted several podcast sites which were a good fit for me to promote my books. I'd definitely recommend her to anyone needing help with marketing.

Kathryn J. Bain, September 2017

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