Amplify Publishing Group Welcomes Mel Robbins to Board of Directors
(Posted on Monday, June 12, 2023)
We’re thrilled to share some incredible news with our community of authors, readers, partners, and supporters: Mel Robbins has joined Amplify Publishing Group’s board. As a hybrid publisher committed to empowering authors and revolutionizing the industry, we couldn’t be more honored to have Mel join our executive leadership. Her remarkable achievements as a podcast host, bestselling author, self-publishing phenom, and expert in mindset and behavior change make her a valuable asset to our organization. With Mel’s unique insights and expertise, we’re confident Amplify Publishing Group will reach even greater heights in supporting our authors and delivering exceptional content to readers worldwide.
“Amplify is the leader in disrupting the traditional publishing business model, and I’m here for it! I love our mission of empowering authors to own and control their intellectual property while still leveraging traditional retail distribution. I am excited to align with an organization that upholds my own values as a thought leader, entrepreneur, podcast host, and innovative author.”
—Mel Robbins, host of The Mel Robbins Podcast and New York Times bestselling author with millions of books sold
A World-Renowned Expert, Accomplished Author, and Entrepreneur
Mel Robbins’s name resonates across the globe, and we’re privileged to have her on board. Her widely acclaimed podcast, The Mel Robbins Podcast, has captured the hearts and minds of millions of listeners, and we are truly humbled to have the opportunity to collaborate with a trusted authority on personal development and self-improvement. Mel’s expertise in mindset and behavior change has made a profound impact on individuals worldwide, and we are excited to leverage her knowledge and experience to further enhance our books and offerings.
Beyond her podcasting success, Mel is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have transformed the lives of countless readers, guiding them on a path toward personal growth and fulfillment. We admire Mel’s ability to connect with and motivate her audiences through various mediums, as evidenced by her millions of books sold worldwide, seven #1 audiobooks on Audible, and the billions of views her videos have garnered.
Empowering Authors with Amplify Publishing Group
At Amplify Publishing Group, we are dedicated to empowering authors and supporting their creative endeavors. We believe that authors should retain ownership and control over their intellectual property while benefiting from traditional retail distribution. Mel’s passion for empowering others aligns perfectly with our core values. Her extensive experience as a thought leader, entrepreneur, podcast host, and innovative author will undoubtedly strengthen our mission to revolutionize the publishing industry.
A Promising Future
We’re thrilled to have Mel join our executive leadership team at Amplify Publishing Group. Her appointment to our board reinforces our commitment to excellence, innovation, and author success. With Mel alongside Amplify CEO Naren Aryal, chairman and New York Times bestselling author Josh Linkner, and editor-in-chief and former CEO of Inc. and Fast Company Eric Schurenberg, we’re confident that we have an exceptional group of leaders guiding us. We’re excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead and believe that Amplify Publishing Group will continue to lead the way in the ever-evolving publishing landscape with Mel’s invaluable support.
Join Us in Welcoming Mel Robbins
On behalf of the entire Amplify Publishing Group team, we invite you to join us in extending a warm welcome to Mel Robbins. Together, we are poised to shape the future of publishing, provide unparalleled support to authors, and deliver exceptional content to readers across the globe.
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About Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins is the host of one of the top-ranked podcasts in the world, a New York Times bestselling author, and a trusted expert in mindset and behavior change. She has seven #1 audiobooks on Audible, millions of books sold, billions of views of her videos, and her globally renowned The Mel Robbins Podcast is syndicated in 194 countries.
About Amplify Publishing Group
Amplify Publishing Group is a leading independent hybrid publisher dedicated to amplifying voices, elevating brands, and supporting ideas that change minds and shape conversations. APG has over twenty years of experience acquiring, producing, marketing, and distributing books, and is home to six imprints, including #AmplifyPublishing and #RealClearPublishing.
May Employee Spotlight: Meet Heather Orlando-Jerabek, Senior Marketing and Publicity Manager
(Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2023)
At Amplify Publishing Group, we believe that behind every successful book is a team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure its visibility and success. Today, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Heather Orlando-Jerabek, our Senior Marketing and Publicity Manager, who plays a vital role in making our authors’ voices heard.
Heather’s role at Amplify revolves around marketing and public relations, where she utilizes her expertise to ensure that each book receives the attention it deserves.
We are grateful to have Heather on Team APG and invite you to learn more about her below:
Describe your role at Amplify Publishing Group
Heather: I’m in marketing and PR, so my job is to make sure that a book is visible. I work to secure media coverage, book events, create advertisements, websites, and other marketing assets. I work with graphic designers, production, and acquisitions to make sure the last stage of an author’s publication process goes smoothly.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your position?
Heather: Something I love about this job is how each title is different and it takes a lot of creativity and problem-solving. So I’m constantly being surprised and challenged—things are always changing and evolving.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Heather: I would have to say getting a book placed in a large publication is always a triumphant moment. But the biggest reward is probably an author’s reaction to the news that their book is a bestseller.
What are you currently reading?
Heather: I am currently reading this incredible literary fiction title called White on White by Aysegu Savas. I’m also listening to the audio version of Outlive by Bill Gifford. I recommend both!
What is something you’ve learned in the last week?
Heather: Don’t ask me how this came up in conversation, but I recently heard that Alfred Hitchcock was terrified of eggs.
What is the #1 item on your bucket list?
Heather: Visiting every single continent—I’m almost there. I just have to go to Antarctica and Australia/Oceania.
April Employee Spotlight: Caitlin Smith, Senior Graphic Designer
(Posted on Sunday, April 23, 2023)
We are excited to spotlight Caitlin Smith, our Senior Graphic Designer hailing from Roanoke, Virginia.
Caitlin is a proud overachiever and a firm believer in the transformative power of good design. She first fell in love with print media and letterforms during a college typography course, which gave her the opportunity to design her very first book.
The experience changed her life and would (eventually) lead her to Amplify Publishing Group, where she gets to put that same passion to use every day.
We feel fortunate to have Caitlin on our Amplify team, bringing with her exceptional design abilities, enthusiasm, and motivation. We invite you to learn more about her below.
Describe your role at Amplify Publishing Group
Caitlin: As Senior Graphic Designer, I spend my time bouncing back and forth across the production process: mocking up book covers, typesetting and laying out interiors, reviewing proofs, and creating marketing materials. There’s of course a lot of creativity involved, but strong technical and communication skills are also needed to create quality products that reflect each author’s vision.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your position?
Caitlin: Every project is a new and exciting challenge, and I love the variety of subject matter that I get to work with. No two books are the same, and finding the right solution for the problem at hand is what the job is all about.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Caitlin: Getting a book to the finish line (aka the printer) always feels like a triumph.
What are you currently reading?
Caitlin: I’ve been listening to the audiobook for I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. I grew up watching her on TV, and learning about what her life was like as a child actress has been fascinating (and depressing). It’s the kind of book that makes you appreciate having a quiet life.
What is something you’ve learned in the last week?
Caitlin: At a high enough temperature and with a steady stream of fresh ingredients, the same pot of soup can be kept cooking for years. It’s called perpetual stew, and it’s been around for centuries!
What is the #1 item on your bucket list?
Caitlin: I’ve wanted to see the Northern Lights for a long time! I went to Iceland once in hopes of catching them, but unfortunately, the weather didn’t pan out, though there was plenty of beautiful scenery to make up for it. The next time I make an attempt, I think it’ll be in Norway.
March Employee Spotlight: Jenna Scafuri, Senior Production Editor
(Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2023)
This month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on one of our senior production editors, Jenna Scafuri, who brings nearly fifteen years of experience in editing and publishing to our team.
Jenna’s passion for the written word is evident in her work, where she advocates for authors and ensures that their unique voices are reflected in their prose. At Amplify, Jenna enjoys guiding authors through every step of production and demystifying the publication process along the way.
Describe your role at Amplify Publishing Group:
Jenna: You can think of me as a project manager. Once an author has officially signed on to publish their book with APG, I step in to guide them through every step of the production process. I oversee everything from writing and editing to design and layout, and eventually printing.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your position?
Jenna: Every day is different! Every book is unique and every author has their own perspective to offer. Some days I may be more focused on editing dust jackets or reviewing printer proofs, while other days are spent brainstorming creative cover designs and working with illustrators. This position truly requires you to wear all the hats, which is endlessly engaging.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Jenna: During my nearly three years at APG, I have personally guided more than 130 books through production. Seeing my authors succeed and encountering their books out in the world is just pure joy. Every time I hold a newly printed book in my hands, I’m reminded that our books are the author’s dream come to life—an accomplishment I get to experience over and over again.
What are you currently reading?
Jenna: Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab. I love poetry and have been captivated by Amanda Gorman since her inauguration reading. I think Addie LaRue is truly a modern classic, and I’m actually reading it for the second time! I’m currently in a bit of a fiction rut, and whenever that happens, I love returning to my favorites.
What is something you’ve learned in the last week?
Jenna: There are many bakers who claim to make authentic French macarons, but there’s currently only one person in the world who holds the right to manufacture the original Saint-Emilion recipe that dates back to 1620—Nadia Fermigier—and I’ll be visiting her famous shop in France this summer!
February Employee Spotlight: Ben Simpson
(Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2023)
Meet Ben Simpson, the acquisitions director at Amplify Publishing Group. With six years of experience in the book industry, he brings invaluable knowledge and skills to Team APG and to our authors. Get to know Ben a little better in this month’s employee spotlight.
Describe your role at Amplify Publishing Group.
- When authors submit their work to APG, I’m one of the first pairs of eyes to see it. I review manuscripts, concepts, and even outlines to determine the author’s best publishing path, including making recommendations around the level of editing and design work that is needed.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your position?
- I thoroughly enjoy the multitude of genres and types of projects that come to us. Over the years, I have been able to pick up bits and pieces of knowledge from our authors and discover stories I had never heard before.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
- While most projects tend to move from the initial review into the production process in a timely manner, there occasionally are authors who need more time and discussion before taking the next step. I have had a few authors that I spoke to years ago and kept in touch with who are finally ready to move forward with publishing. Those projects sometimes bring the most satisfaction due to my never-ending belief in the work.
What are you currently reading?
- Last year I set a goal of reading 100 books. Though I fell a tad bit short and ended up completing around 87 books instead, the goal helped me continue stoking my love of reading and discovering new projects. My current read is “Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty” by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe.
What is something you’ve learned in the last week?
- That my daughter—she’s almost 2—quite enjoys it when I slip and fall.
What’s something that people don’t know about you?
- I am an avid consumer of music and run a successful YouTube Channel, “The Music Rabbit Hole,” about music that has accumulated close to 3,500 subscribers.
Announcing Our Next Chapter
(Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2022)
We’re thrilled to announce the next chapter of Amplify Publishing’s story: for the first time, our six imprints have been brought under the umbrella of Amplify Publishing Group (APG). With this rebrand comes fantastic additions to our leadership team, a comprehensive new website dedicated to the APG mission, and upcoming initiatives that further our commitment to providing the best author services in the industry.
Joining our board as chairman is Josh Linkner. Linkner is the founder and CEO of five tech companies, an internationally recognized expert on innovation, a New York Times bestselling author, and the founder of ImpactEleven, an industry-leading keynote speaker training organization. With significant contributions and experience in business development, Linkner is looking forward to helping shape the next generation of APG authors.
Eric Schurenberg will also be joining APG’s board as editor-in-chief. Schurenberg is a media executive, award-winning journalist, and the former CEO of Mansueto Ventures, which owns Inc. and Fast Company media properties. Dedicated to fighting misinformation and polarization, Schurenberg has a vested interest in acquiring business, politics, and other thought-provoking titles.
From humble beginnings to our new leadership team, we’ve come a long way. We were founded in 2003 with the publication of a single book by our CEO, Naren Aryal. In the twenty years since, we have published bestselling titles by thought leaders, changemakers, and subject matter experts; secured coverage in major news outlets such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Time, Business Insider, and Good Morning America, among others; and established ourselves as a premier hybrid publisher.
Through our evolution, APG has been and continues to be dedicated to amplifying voices that need to be heard. We’re proud of the books we’ve published and the authors we’ve supported over the last twenty years, and we’re looking forward to the decades to come.
Our new website is home to information about our publishing process and comprehensive services, our six imprints, and our many exceptional authors. The new APG bookstore includes Amplify Publishing, RealClear Publishing, and Tagged Publishing front and backlist titles, while our Mascot bookstore includes titles from Mascot Books, Mascot Kids, and Subplot Publishing.
To join us on this new chapter of our journey, follow us on social media or explore our website.
From the Publisher
(Posted on Friday, April 5, 2019)
By Naren Aryal
Welcome to Amplify.
At Amplify Publishing, we produce top-quality nonfiction titles. Specifically, we’re all about business books, thought leadership topics, political and policy-related works, and current affairs issues that are starting conversations. That’s it. Nothing else.
We launched our first book in October 2018, but we’re not new to the world of publishing. Amplify is the first imprint of a company I co-founded fifteen years ago, Mascot Books. Mascot is a multi-genre house, publishing everything from children’s titles, to cookbooks, to fantasy/science fiction novels, to memoirs—and everything in between. But even book people have favorite genres, and, as CEO, I wanted to establish a new imprint focusing on the genres I enjoy most and where we’ve had growing success. In the last five years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with some really impressive authors in the nonfiction space: CEOs, subject matter experts, innovative thought leaders. A new imprint would give these authors and their big ideas a unique space in the publishing landscape and set their work apart. Amplify was born.
Amplify’s first release was Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football, a controversial look at CTE research and the way it’s represented in the media, by former NFL star and ESPN commentator Merril Hoge. In several ways, it embodies the core of what we look for in an Amplify title, beyond being well-written and thoroughly researched. Some agree with the stance Brainwashed takes, some disagree, but one thing is clear: it’s gotten people—journalists, players, and readers—talking. Brainwashed started a new thread in one of sports’ longest and loudest conversations. That’s what good books do.
In 2019, we’re continuing the momentum with The Age of Intent: Using Artificial Intelligence to Deliver a Superior Customer Experience by P.V. Kannan, the cofounder and chief executive officer of Silicon Valley-based [24]7.ai, a leader in AI-driven customer experience software and services. Slated for release on May 28, 2019, the book shares P.V.’s take on how AI is helping the world’s leading businesses attract and retain customers through personalized, predictive, and effortless customer experience by redefining the way companies interact with consumers.
At Amplify, we believe content is king. Here, you can expect to find books from leading figures in business like Tae Hea Nahm and Bob Tinker; subject matter experts like Melissa Agnes (Crisis Ready); and budding thought leaders like Dave Frankland and Nick Worth (Marketing to the Entitled Consumer). With the 2020 general elections a little over a year away, we’ll rise to meet the slew of political titles hitting the market with some of our own from both sides of the aisle. We’re looking forward to new voices, growing partnerships, and great books in 2019. I’m glad you’re here and hope you’ll come along for the ride.
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