October Employee Spotlight: Myles Schrag, Senior Production Editor
(Posted on Saturday, October 7, 2023)
At Amplify Publishing Group, our unwavering dedication to achieving the highest standards of quality is exemplified by our proficient and committed team, who collaborate seamlessly across every aspect of our organization to bring remarkable books to life.
In this month’s featured profile, we are delighted to introduce Myles Schrag, our esteemed Senior Production Editor. With a rich background spanning over two decades in writing and editing, Myles possesses a remarkable talent for assisting individuals in sharing their stories and crafting books that have the power to inspire transformation.
We are grateful to have Myles as an integral part of the APG team, and we invite you to learn more about him below.
Describe your role at Amplify Publishing Group.
Myles: The boring way to say it is: I manage the production process for my authors. The more exciting and accurate explanation is that I collaborate with my authors and the APG team to make sure we have the best possible product to show the world when we complete the production process.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your position?
Myles: I’ve been in book publishing for 23 years, but the bulk of that has been editorial and acquisitions work—conceptualizing, developing, and refining content. The number of details required to complete any given book and then to promote and distribute it effectively is astounding. It requires a professional, problem-solving team on all fronts, and fortunately we have that at APG.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Myles: Anytime I open that package with the actual physical book I helped an author create, I feel proud because I know all the decisions, hurdles, and brainstorms it took to get us to the place we believed in. I am grateful to be in this industry.
What are you currently reading?
Myles: My partner and I are slow-reading Nixon and Dovey: The Legend Returns whenever we’re on road trips. The novel is by her uncle, Jay W. Curry, and set in early 19th century North Carolina. It’s based on true accounts of his ancestor, Nixon Curry, who was one of the most notorious criminals in early U.S. history. It’s a compelling and well-researched read.
What is something you’ve learned in the last week?
Myles: I didn’t know the precise definition of enclave, which is a country entirely enclosed within another country. I discovered this by talking to somebody who had been in the Peace Corps in Lesotho, which is one of only three countries in the world that are true enclaves. Do you know the other two? Neither did I. They are San Marino and the Vatican City. As someone who loves maps, this gap in my knowledge was humbling.
Describe one of your favorite APG memories.
Myles: I just returned from Paul Epstein’s Better Decisions Faster book launch at a SoFi Stadium suite before an Ed Sheeran concert. Talk about epic! I challenge all APG authors to beat that. Well done, Paul. #WinMonday
August Employee Spotlight: Will Wolfslau, Editorial Director
(Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2023)
At Amplify Publishing Group, our commitment to excellence is epitomized by our dedicated and skilled team, working seamlessly across all facets of our organization to give life to exceptional books.
In this month’s spotlight, we proudly introduce Will Wolfslau, our remarkable Editorial Director. Boasting an impressive career journey through renowned institutions such as Gotham Ghostwriters, Penguin Random House, and Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Will brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to both our team and the authors we serve.
We are grateful to have Will as a member of APG and look forward to having you get to know him better below.
Describe your role at Amplify Publishing Group.
Will: As editorial director, I work with prospective authors to hone their book concept and develop their publishing plan. Some authors come to us with a manuscript more-or-less ready to print; with others, we develop their idea through a months-long collaboration.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your position?
Will: A big part of my role is educating people about the publishing industry and the economics of selling books. But I’m continually surprised and delighted to see how book-savvy many of our authors already are.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Will: For anyone in publishing, the ultimate satisfaction is seeing finished copies of a book that’s been months or even years in the making. I only joined the team a few months ago, so I’m eagerly awaiting the publication dates of the first authors I’ve worked with here.
What are you currently reading?
Will: I just finished James Clear’s Atomic Habits, which is terrific! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many concrete, actionable tools and techniques in one book.
What is something you’ve learned in the last week?
Will: I’ve learned how to change a diaper while a child is upright and moving away from you. (My daughter is learning to walk and will no longer countenance the changing table.)
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Will: Don’t focus on what you need but on how you can serve others. It sounds like an exercise in self-sacrifice, but when you’re truly helpful to others – your clients, your boss, your colleagues – you quickly become invaluable to them.
July Employee Spotlight: Emily Willett, Administrative Assistant
(Posted on Monday, June 19, 2023)
At Amplify Publishing Group, we pride ourselves on having a dedicated and talented team working behind the scenes to support our operations. Today, we spotlight Emily Willett, our exceptional administrative assistant. With her attention to detail and passion for the publishing industry, Emily plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our office and bookkeeping department. Get to know the heart and soul of Amplify Publishing Group as we introduce you to Emily Willett, a driving force behind our daily operations.
Describe your role at Amplify Publishing Group.
Emily: I assist with the day-to-day operations of the office and, more specifically, the bookkeeping department. If you’ve ever called our main phone line, you’ve likely spoken to me!
What’s one thing that surprised you about your position?
Emily: The variety of authors that we publish. We work with people from so many different places who all have unique perspectives and stories to share.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Emily: I’ve become familiar with a variety of new systems, programs, and publishing processes since I first joined APG. It’s cool to be behind the scenes and learn more about the ins and outs of the industry.
What are you currently reading?
Emily: Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery. This is the first book in the series and came out more than a decade after Anne of Green Gables.
What is something you’ve learned in the last week?
Emily: I learned there was an Indiana Jones TV show that dropped in the ’90s. It was recently added to Disney+, and it’s now on my watchlist.
What movie have you seen the most?
Emily: Galaxy Quest—it’s my favorite movie.
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.
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Phone: 703-437-3584|
Fax: 703-437-3554|
info@amplifypublishing.com
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