The Hosts
Rita Mills
An Advocate for Literacy and
Champion of the Indie Author
Rita Mills is a luminary in the world of independent publishing, known for her innate ability to forecast trends and envision the "big picture" of the literary landscape. A staunch advocate for literacy, Rita has been at the forefront of the movement to put power in the hands of the writers versus the publishers, ensuring their stories reach an audience. Her dedication to the indie author community is evidenced by her involvement in five nonprofit boards, including the Texas Writers Guild, Storytime, and the Authors & Publishers Association, where she was instrumental in shaping the direction of independent publishing.
With a 20-year career at The Houston Post, a major metropolitan newspaper, ink set up residence permanently in Rita’s veins. She solidified her credentials in the book publishing world as the Managing Editor of Arte Publico Press at the University of Houston, the largest publisher of Hispanic literature in the U.S. There she managed a half-million dollar print budget and oversaw the launch of their bi-lingual children’s book imprint, Pinata Books.
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In 1996, Rita founded The Book Connection, a consultancy dedicated to teaching small presses and indie authors the complexities of the publishing industry. Her role as a print broker has seen her collaborate across the US, Canada, Italy, and Hong Kong, packaging over 700 books since 1992 and cementing her position as a leading figure in the global publishing arena.
With her newspaper background, Rita ventured into digital publishing with The New Era Times, an online newspaper that blended her traditional and digital media expertise. Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to launch The ABC’s, a children's book imprint, further contributing to the tapestry of her endeavors.
Rita Mills' unparalleled vision and relentless advocacy for literacy and indie authors have made her an indispensable part of the publishing community, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of books.
Sandy Lawrence
Publishing Visionary and Marketing Guru
With over two decades of entrepreneurial spirit fueling her journey, Sandy Lawrence stands at the forefront of the independent publishing world as a bright light for authors and publishers alike. As the founder of Perceptive Marketing, a distinguished marketing and public relations company, Sandy has dedicated her career to amplifying voices within the literary community and transforming untold stories into celebrated narratives that captivate and inspire.
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Sandy's expertise spans a vast array of genres, from the intricate plots of mystery and suspense to the imaginative realms of science fiction and fantasy. However, Sandy's ability to connect with audiences is not confined to fiction alone. She has skillfully navigated the depths of non-fiction, guiding authors as they explore themes of inspiration, faith, health, financial independence, and more.
Throughout her career, Sandy has been an instrumental part in the success of countless authors, many of whom have achieved bestseller status, thanks to her strategic marketing and PR initiatives. Her work has not only launched literary careers but has also been pivotal in bringing life-changing, personal stories to the forefront, enabling authors to share their journeys with the world.
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At the heart of Sandy's success is her unwavering commitment to helping authors tell their stories. She believes in the power of the written word to connect, heal, and transform. With Sandy Lawrence, authors don't just find a marketing and PR expert, they discover a partner in their storytelling journey, dedicated to bringing their visions to life and sharing them with a global audience.
