Robin Spittal

Robin Spittal – Marketer

Launch strategies/production planning available & coaching to help you DIY. 11 yrs in the industry, 5 of those in the indie sphere.

Overview

I bring over 10 years of experience in various aspects of the publishing industry to the table. I’ve worked for a traditional publisher as a publicist, spent four years managing the production and marketing of the works of 2 million+ bestselling author Glynn Stewart, and since 2024, I have been assisting authors on a freelance basis. I’ve worked with authors at all stages of their publishing journey.

My focus is on giving you actionable advice based on solid industry experience. I can help prep you for a successful launch and offer strategies and advice on how to start your debut off on the right foot. I can streamline your production and help you decide where to put your time and energy. I can also help you set yourself up for success for book 2 and beyond.

I am an author-focused marketer (who is also a writer!) who will never suggest you do anything I wouldn’t do myself. I spent four years at a writer services nonprofit, offering unbiased advice and access to resources for all aspects of the publishing process. I bring this same perspective to my freelance consulting.

I’m also a huge nerd who genuinely loves genre fiction. If you need someone who knows their Sindarin from their High Valyrian and why Spice is the most valuable substance in the universe, I’m the marketer you’ve been looking for.

Specialties:

* Launch plans tailored to you, your experience and your genre.

* Review and analysis of your current presence and book setup with suggestions for improvements and new opportunities.

* To self-publish or try the traditional route? I can advise you on the pros and cons of each and help you decide which path to take.

* Consult calls with comprehensive follow-up notes on anything on your mind.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Robin has been an absolute lifesaver when it comes to managing all of the details that go into publishing a novel! From creating step-by-step plans to prepare for upcoming launches, to supporting those plans with expert marketing assistance, she has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. Robin’s attention to detail, organizational skills, and creative marketing strategies have helped drive successful book launches, allowing me to focus on writing with confidence. I truly couldn't recommend her enough—if you're looking for someone reliable, dedicated, and genuinely invested in your success, Robin is the perfect choice!"

-Luke Chmilenko, author of Ascend Online, Starbreaker, Immortal's Ascent, and more.

Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management
Fiction
Epic Fantasy Gaming & LitRPG Military Science Fiction Space Opera Urban Fantasy
Awards
  • Winner of the James DeMille Prize for Short Fiction
  • Winner of the University Medal in Creative Writing, Dalhousie
Certifications
  • Degree in English and Creative Writing, Dalhousie University
  • Diploma in Applied Communication, Camosun College

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2024 — Present
Freelance book marketer, production manager, consultant and designer.

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Nov, 2019 — Jan, 2024 (about 4 years)
Managed the production flow for prolific genre author Glynn Stewart. Designed graphics, created launch strategies and laid out book interiors as well as cover typography.

Formac Publishing

Sep, 2018 — Oct, 2019 (about 1 year)
Successfully pitched authors to media outlets to increase the profile of both non-fiction and fiction titles. Managed ad buys and wrote copy to promote titles in a variety of publications. Built creative and effective strategies for book promotion and arranged signings and events.

Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia

Dec, 2013 — Jan, 2018 (about 4 years)
Organized and ran professional development sessions, workshops, contests and a mentorship program. Front-line contact for member services to answer questions from writers of all levels.

Projects

Launch of A Darker Magic, Starship's Mage Book 10 by Glynn Stewart

I spearheaded the launch of this marquee title in my role as production manager. I shepherded this title from typo hunters through to ARC readers and file upload. I assisted with blurb optimization and laid out cover flats.

Tasks I completed on this title:

🔸 Email marketing, including graphics
🔸 Bookfunnel upload and distribution for ARC and Patreon readers
🔸 ARC and Patreon management/updates
🔸 Social media marketing and engagement on Facebook/X
🔸 Website updates to feature the title and announce release
🔸 Launch day and preorder "mission control" including hitting go on email marketing and day-of social media posts.
🔸 Cover reveal 1 month before launch
🔸Optimized metadata and connected to core series
🔸Website book release announcement
🔸Paperback upload and cover proofing

This was one of dozens of titles I worked on for Glynn Stewart with the same duties. This title was one of a half dozen extremely successful (top #100 trending.) Most releases averaged in the top #2000 on Amazon in the week of release, even with a new series or standalone book.

Email Newsletter Management for Luke Chmilenko and Glynn Stewart

I am well-versed in MailChimp (with transferrable skills to other email management software). I have designed and sent dozens of email newsletter and marketing emails over the course of my career.

I have written copy and created graphics, along with A/B testing and copywriting. Sometimes I will write the copy wholesale for clients, other times I will create the framework for their own content.

I have also done extensive list management, including segmentation strategies and clean-up.

Launch of the LitRPG serial, Starbreaker by Luke Chmilenko

In the lead-up to the release of the first volume of a six-part serialized LitRPG epic, I offered promotional advice, graphic support and general administrative support (including scheduling chapters) for author Luke Chmilenko.

The initiative was very successful and volume 1 launched to large amounts of traffic on the website, on Royal Road and in driving new patrons to Patreon. In the attached chart in black, you can clearly see the bump for Patreon subscribers around the launch of the serial.

After volume 1 finished serializing, I assisted with promo and launch for the ebook version and advised on backlist and reader retention strategy. Volume 1 debuted at #1553 on Amazon and trended high in several competitive categories.

The read-through and backmatter strategy (along with the creation of Facebook reels and other general promotion) allowed Volume 2 of the serial to climb the ranks and debut at #659 and trend in the top 5 of competitive categories.

The attached Starbreaker images are stills from video reels that were fed across Facebook and Instagram to promote the launch of the free serial and the ebook version.

Website Content Strategy for author Luke Chmilenko

Designed a website wireframe and content strategy for a highly successful LitRPG author. The guidance was given to a web developer in the complete overhaul of the author website.

This was a communications and marketing project rather than a web design one. Industry best practice experience was applied to offer advice on how to best structure the content. A web designer implemented the advice in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Special care was given to give prominence to the author's Patreon and also the subscription platform for the timed release of his LitRPG serial.

The last two images are a before and after of the website redesign.

A+ Pages for Author Luke Chmilenko

Design and creation of A+ pages for a bestselling LitRPG author's A+ pages for the series, Ascend Online and Starbreaker.

These A+ pages were created based on pages by authors writing in a similar genre and aim to communicate the sell prospect of the series at a glance.

Portfolio

Starbreaker: Volume 2

Chmilenko, Luke

Aetherworld Productions Inc.

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing
Blood and Gold (Immortal's Ascent Book 4)

Chmilenko, Luke

Aetherworld Productions Inc.

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing
Marketing Strategy
50 Things to See on the Moon: A Stargazer's Guide

Read, John

Stellar Publishing (Kindle & Paperback) Formac/Lorimer (Hardcover)

Marketing Strategy
50 Things to See with a Telescope: A young stargazer's guide

Read, John

Stellar Publishing (Paperback) Formac Publishing (Hardcover)

Marketing Strategy
Starbreaker: Volume 3

Chmilenko, Luke

Aetherworld Productions Inc.

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing
Screening for the One: How to Gain An Edge In Your Hiring

Britton, Marty

Ingenium Books Publishing Inc.

Marketing Strategy
Marketing Strategy Email Marketing
Threads of Fate (Ascend Online Book 5)

Chmilenko, Luke

Aetherworld Productions Inc.

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing
Starbreaker: Volume 1

Chmilenko, Luke

Aetherworld Productions Inc.

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing
Shadows of Hope: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Blue Lancer: A Superhero Short

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Wardtown (Teer & Kard Book 1)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
City in the Sky

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Blood Ward (Teer & Kard Book 2)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Conviction (Scattered Stars: Conviction Book 1)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Evasion (Scattered Stars: Evasion Book 1)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Equilibrium (Scattered Stars: Conviction Book 3)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Deception (Scattered Stars: Conviction Book 2)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Absolution (Scattered Stars: Evasion Book 3)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Prodigal (Scattered Stars: Conviction Book 6)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Huntress (Scattered Stars: Conviction Book 5)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Fortitude (Scattered Stars: Conviction Book 4)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Pulsar Race: A Starship's Mage Universe Novella

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Mage-Queen's Thief: A Starship's Mage Universe Novella

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Drifter's Folly (Peacekeepers of Sol Book 4)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Balefire: A Dark Fantasy Novella

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Remnant Faction (Peacekeepers of Sol Book 5)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Raven's Flag (Peacekeepers of Sol Book 6)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Raven's Course (Peacekeepers of Sol Book 3)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
The Peacekeeper Initiative (Peacekeepers of Sol Book 2)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Raven's Peace (Peacekeepers of Sol Book 1)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Beyond the Eyes of Mars: Starship's Mage Book 12

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Nemesis of Mars: Starship's Mage Book 13

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Chimera's Star (Starship's Mage Book 14)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Unbroken Faith (Castle Federation Book 9)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Nine Sailed Star (Aether Spheres Book 1)

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization
Icebreaker: A Fantasy Naval Thriller

Stewart, Glynn

Faolan's Pen Publishing

Marketing Strategy Email Marketing Advertising Metadata & Blurb Optimization

Robin has 12 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jeremiah F.

Jeremiah F.

Dec, 2025

Pinned
Robin's been a huge resource for me, helping me sort out what needs to be done as my debut novel approaches its launch. She was kind enough to give me insight and feedback from other Royal Road to Amazon authors she's worked with, and that perspective has been invaluable. Maybe more than anyth...
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Orysia R.

Orysia R.

Feb, 2026

Robin was easy to work with, especially considering my lack of knowledge in marketing. She provided a solid guide to how to position and promote my books, as well as responded to all of the follow-up questions that came afterward. Great working with her and hope to work with her again in the near...
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Todd D.

Todd D.

Jan, 2026

Robin is extremely knowledgeable and provides insightful, actionable advice.
David J.

David J.

Jan, 2026

Great experience working with Robin. Highly recommended.
steven S.

steven S.

Jan, 2026

Robin's report has been incredibly helpful. I have previously self published my books, and struggled. Robin's detailed report has given me clarity on what is required to self publish successfully and made future publishing much easier for me. She has been communicative and very helpful. I can rec...
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Most recent contributions

How do book marketers identify an author’s audience and market positioning?

A marketer helps an author find the market positioning for their book through a combination of industry knowledge and research. There are two types of comparables I look for when doing a market positioning report. The first is popular titles in the traditionally published world that has an audi...
Read more

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