Suzanne Balaban

Suzanne Balaban – Publicist

Publicist, Jeannette Walls' THE GLASS CASTLE. 20+ years in media and publishing. Expert in impactful PR and marketing strategies for authors

Overview

As the Simon & Schuster record holder for publicizing simultaneous New York Times best sellers, I’ve proudly championed some of the most impactful memoirs and non-fiction of the past two decades.


Partnering with me means working with a dedicated professional who genuinely cares about your success. With more than 20 years in media, publishing, and PR, I offer a unique mix of creativity, strategic insight, and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you need compelling content, expert publicity, or innovative marketing strategies, I deliver top-tier results with enthusiasm and precision. Expect clear communication, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for making your project shine.


Let’s get your book noticed and celebrated.


Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Health & Wellbeing History Judaism Parenting & Families Political Science & Current Affairs Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Literary Fiction
Awards
  • Television and Radio Industries Award
  • Lord Hartwell Journalism prize

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2011 — Present

Book publicist at my own New York literary development house that works with leading publishers, authors, literary agents, and author stakeholders.

Clients include W. W. Norton & Company, St. Martin's Press, Regnery Publishing, The Azrieli Foundation, agent/author Betsy Lerner, #1 New York Times bestselling author, Eric Metaxas, former View co-host Jedediah Bila, Stanford University historian Steven J. Zipperstein, and Critica co-founders, Drs. Jack, and Sara Gorman.

Scribner

Sep, 2004 — Dec, 2006 (over 2 years)

As VP, publicity at Scribner, I set the record for most concurrent New York Times Best Sellers in Simon & Schuster history. This included breaking out Jeannette Walls and The Glass Castle, launching Lisey’s Story and rebranding Stephen King, looking after Pulitzer Prize winner Frank McCourt, and putting together An Evening With Harry, Carrie & Garp at Radio City Music Hall - J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and John Irving reading from their works. I was fortunate to also work closely with Annie Proulx, Susan Isaacs, Linda Fairstein, Anita Diamant, Jeannette Walls, Dr. Mark Hyman, Temple Grandin and The Joy of Cooking team.

Projects

Pogrom: Kishinev and the Tilt of History

I was hired to take an academic writer to mainstream trade market success. We did so and even got author, Steven Zipperstein on stage at The Cooper Union with Bari Weiss.

“The Balabans are early-21st century magicians. And I’m immensely grateful that I fell under their spell. I came to them after having published several books, all with academic presses, and with my latest coming out under the Liveright/WW Norton imprint. I sensed the potential for its somewhat wider reach, and meeting the Balabans I quickly recognized that the word “somewhat” wasn’t one they ever used. Theirs is a universe of expansiveness, of marquees -- none of these ungainly, but all far larger than I would have anticipated on my own.

Charming they are, and connected in ways that help both overtly and less than obvious but whose contribution to the birth of a book is undeniable.”

- Stephen J. Zipperstein, Daniel E. Koshland Professor in Jewish Culture and History at Stanford University and author, most recently, of Pogrom: Kishinev and the Tilt of History (Norton/Liveright).

In Sickness - a memoir

A shocking memoir from one of our most esteemed cancer scientists.
As first reported in The Boston Globe, and heard on NPR:

“A compelling story that we found unbelievable but it is true… a page turning memoir about a secret that one spouse kept from another - a secret that would end their life.”

— Robin Young, NPR, Here & Now

“When I first heard about this book I wanted to read it. tragic, terrible and sad. It’s different from any other cancer book that I have read. it made me cry and that was awesome."

— Pamela Paul, New York Times

The Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner

Worked with agent and author, Betsy Lerner to secure national and local broadcast, print and online opportunities for this wonderful memoir.

“Creative, tireless, connected, collaborative. A pleasure to work with on every level."
- Betsy Lerner, poet, agent and author of The Bridge Ladies (HarperCollins)

Denying to the Grave by Dr. Sara Gorman and Dr. Jack Gorman

Released into the 2016 election, this book made news by tying the chapter on Charismatic Leadership to candidate Donald Trump. This small OUP title was then featured at TEDMED, The New Yorker, The Guardian, The Atlantic, BBC, NY mag, The Atlantic, TIME, WNYC, Scientific American (Oxford University Press)

DENYING TO THE GRAVE
by Dr. Sara Gorman and Dr. Jack Gorman

The Complete Works of Primo Levi (W.W. Norton)

12/23/15 Called "This season's publishing blockbuster" by Edward Rothstein at the Wall Street Journal, I was hired by Robert Weil at Liveright Press to secure national and local media for this three-volume set.

Portfolio

The Glass Castle: A Memoir (book)

Walls, Jeannette

Scribner

Press Coverage
Press Coverage
In Sickness: A Memoir

Rollins, Barrett

Post Hill Press

Lisey's Story

Stephen King

Scribner

Press Coverage
Press Coverage

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