
Mary Shafer
Member, Area 6 The Word Forge
Social
Biography
Technological innovations have created undeniable synergies between marketing and publishing, and there are more to come. My marketing clients have often expressed interest in writing their own books or other publications, so I offer services such as ghostwriting, editing and custom publishing to help get their messages out in a format that complements their other channels. I also own Word Forge Books, my marketing firm's publishing division, so it's not a far leap to perform similar services for clients who want or need them.
My publishing colleagues often need help in the marketing arena, so I consult with them from the sympathetic standpoint of another publisher and author who understands the unique pressures they face in an industry currently undergoing incessant, significant upheaval.
Goals:
• Continue guiding indie authors and publishers to success in the most exciting era publishing has known in 500 years.
• Continue publishing my own books and e-books, including those under our SavvyBiz! imprint, which support and help explain the marketing and promotional techniques I espouse.
• Continue developing successful techniques to help small and micro-businesses once again become the economic drivers they have always been in America.
Background:
I worked in a small press as an art director, editor and proofreader in the early 1990s, and as a marketing and public relations professional for 35+ years. I've written three published books and contributed to two published anthologies. I've taught marketing, copywriting, commercial art and illustration in a formal college setting and I continue to teach informally because I enjoy it.
Industry Expertise
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
First Keynote Speech
2008-10-17
Gave the keynote address to the English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities (EAPSU) Conference at Kutztown University
Launched my Public Speaking Career
2005-08-15
In support of my first self-published book, began booking speaking presentations on the deadly flood of 1955 in the Delaware Valley. Added more topics with each new book, then added our SavvyBiz! imprint in 2009, to address the fact that I speak regularly on marketing, promotion and social media, especially as it relates to being and author and/or publisher.
The Word Forge Anniversary
2011-11-01
Celebrated ten years of working words into results for our clients.
Launched Word Forge Books, my publishing company
2004-06-01
Began with a single self-published title. Now four titles in the marketplace in print and eBook, with several more in development currently
The Word Forge
2001-11-01
Launched my freelance writing business/marketing consultancy as a full-time venture
Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Studio Art
1980
I had the extreme good fortune to be taught by Orazio Fumagalli, who introduced me to the life and work of Georgia O'Keeffe, for which I'll always be grateful. And by Gery Laine, who gave me my first confidence and encouragement as a real writer. Thanks, Gerry. You still rock. And I'm still writing. :)
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Associate of Applied Science
Commercial Art
1990
I went on to teach at this alma mater a few years later.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Studio Art
1981
Affiliations
- Pennwriters
- Independent Book Publishing Association (IBPA)
- Sisters In Crime (SinC)
- Cat Writers Association (CWA)
- New York Center for Independent Publishing (NYCIP)
- Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN)
- MidAtlantic Book Publishers Association (MBPA)
Links
Sample Talks
Takin' It To The Tweeps: Social Media Marketing for Small Business
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Moderator
- Panelist
- Workshop Leader
- Host/MC
- Author Appearance
- Corporate Training