7 Questions For: Public Relations Expert Fauzia Burke

Fauzia Burke is the founder and president of FSB Associates, an online publicity and marketing firm specializing in creating awareness for books and authors. She's the author of Online Marketing for Busy Authors (Berrett-Koehler Publishers). Fauzia has promoted the books of authors such as Alan Alda, Arianna Huffington, Deepak Chopra, Melissa Francis, S. C. Gwynne, Mika Brzezinski, Charles Spencer and many more. A nationally recognized speaker and online branding expert, she has contributed to Fast Company, Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen and more.

For online marketing, book publishing and social media advice, follow Fauzia on Twitter (@FauziaBurke) and Facebook (Fauzia S. Burke). For more information on the book, please visit: www.FauziaBurke.com

And Now Fauzia Burke faces the 7 Questions:


Question Seven: What are your top three favorite books?

The entire Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo


Question Six: Could you give us your take on a strategy to market one of your three favorite books if it were being published this year?

I would have loved working on Wonder, one of my favorite books and one that is getting a nice bump with the upcoming release of the movie starring Julia Roberts. FSB specializes in online marketing and publicity, so I would work to target blogs/websites for reviews and features, specifically in the middle grade, parenting, and education communities. I’d ask author R.J. Palacio to write several guest posts we could shop around for coverage, and I’d also pitch her to podcasts for increased reach.


Question Five: What are the typical services you provide and what results can an author reasonably expect?

My company, FSB Associates, is a digital marketing firm specializing in creating online visibility for books and authors. Leveraging over 20 years of experience, we provide a complete solution for our clients, from executing organic and customized online publicity campaigns, to designing websites, to developing social media engagement strategies. I also do consulting work with authors to help them build their online platforms.

My hope is that any author working with my team sees an increase in their online exposure. And that this exposure leads to more sales!


Question Four: What sort of author and/or project(s) would you most like to work with?

I love working with authors who are motivated and want to be a partner.


Question Three: What is your favorite thing about what you do? What is your least favorite thing?

I am so lucky to say that I truly love my job! I get to work with smart, interesting people on a daily basis and help bring their great ideas and words to a large audience. There is really nothing better.

My least favorite thing is delivering bad news—when a less than stellar review comes in for a book, it breaks my heart.


Question Two: What one bit of wisdom would you impart to a writer marketing their book? (feel free to include as many other bits of wisdom as you like)

Start early! Many authors come to me seeking advice a few weeks before publication, but I recommend authors begin building their online platforms (social media, blogging, website, etc.) at least 18-24 months before their book releases. It sounds like a long time, but you need that time to build your audience and cull your superfans.


Question One: If you could have lunch with any writer, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

George R. R. Martin because I want all the spoilers and I have so many questions :) Can you tell I’m a Game of Thrones fan?

FauziaBurke.com