Kudos

“Stephanie Barko is a powerhouse of activity and the most competent professional I have ever worked with. I first received a detailed account of the campaign in a written platform designed specifically for my book during its first year of life. This included pre-publication review targets, like libraries, that need early release notice because of their purchasing cycles. Stephanie influenced significant last minute changes to all parts of the book jacket, and she taught me to navigate the unfamiliar course of social media so that I interact daily with my following. This is my second book and Stephanie is my third publicist, yet the most efficient and reasonably priced. I dreaded promoting myself and my book, but Stephanie has made it seem like fun. The bonus is that I like her a lot–lucky me!”

Betty Auchard, The Home for the Friendless (Stephens Press, 2010)

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“Stephanie Barko was a pleasure to work with–professional, friendly, creative, connected and tireless. I’d recommend her to any author planning a publicity trip to Texas.”

Paul Schneider, Brutal Journey: The Epic Story of the First Crossing of North America (Henry Holt, 2006)

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“Stephanie Barko is amazing in what she can accomplish and I consider myself fortunate she took me on. In less than one month she obtained an audio interview for me, a magazine interview, a spotlight feature in a national magazine, and had my book accepted for review by a well-known radio personality in Salt Lake City. I consider that moving mountains.”

Sandra Worth, Winner, Romance Reviews Today Book of the Year

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“Stephanie worked diligently to obtain reviews for my debut novel. The first day that one of these reviews appeared in print, a publisher offered me mass market rights for my books. From that offer, I acquired an agent. A prominent review can open doors for an author, and Stephanie has keys to those doors.”

Mike Kearby, 2008 Spur Award Finalist

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“I’m not only very pleased, but very impressed with Stephanie’s work on this campaign. She’s stayed on top of the situation all along, and opened many doors for me that I never knew existed…the exposure the book has had would not even be 10 % of what it is without her expertise and leadership.”

Don Miles, Cinco de Mayo: What is Everybody Celebrating? (iUniverse, 2006)

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“Although my book was in the publisher’s catalog, libraries weren’t stocking it until I found Stephanie. In five months, the book went from being in one library to being in 50 all across the country.”

Bob Fussell, Unbridled Cowboy (Truman State University Press, 2008)

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“By arranging a Virtual Tour, Stephanie put me in touch with hundreds of readers who had never heard of me or my book, at more than a dozen websites and blogs that attract committed readers. I and both of my publishers (Beacon Press and Brilliance Audio) were very pleased with this outreach tool and the tremendous amount of work Stephanie did to make the tour a big success. I very much look forward to working with her in the future.”

Thomas N. DeWolf, Inheriting the Trade: A Northern Family Confronts Its Legacy as the Largest Slave-Trading Dynasty in U.S. History (Beacon Press, 2008)

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Stephanie Barko is a dream of a publicist. She’s sharp, energetic, insightful and takes the initiative, lending her wisdom and expertise in ways that can make your book fly off the shelves. She arranged interviews and signings that I could not have known about. She and I worked together in a synergistic manner that enhanced my book tour experience. Her advice along the way, both before, during and after my book tour, was priceless. I highly recommend her to anyone–publisher or author.

T. Jensen Lacey, Amazing Texas (Jefferson Press, 2008)

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When I first got in touch with Stephanie, I was skeptical that she would be able to assist me long distance. How wrong I was! Stephanie has been great to work with and has assisted me not only with representing my book, but also with pointing me in the right direction, helping me polish my image and offer my story to the public. Thank you Stephanie, you are a remarkable individual.

Rosalie Hollingsworth, Destruction of Innocence (iUniverse, 2009)

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“Stephanie Barko is the best there is at thinking outside the bookstore. She booked me at a bar and grill, of all places. When I walked in and saw people drinking and dancing, I had my doubts, but it led to boo-coo sales. By the way, she’s good with Texas bookstores and book reviewers, too.”

Woody Falgoux, Rise of the Cajun Mariners: The Race for Big Oil (Stockard James, 2007)

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“Stephanie Barko is a real fireball in the publishing industry. My book has been promoted far beyond anything I could have imagined in places I would never have thought to approach. She is such a delight to work with and so enthusiastic about what her ideas might do for an author.”

Mary Lou Midkiff, Lillie Davenport (Oleo Publishing, 2008)

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Stephanie, you have been helpful in getting me on the road with my first effort using a publicist. Wish I’d run into you a couple of books ago!

Lee Aaron Wilson, Billy Killdeere (Treble Heart Books, 2008)

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Our book was languishing for lack of a marketing plan but when we enlisted Stephanie’s help, things turned around in a hurry. The book was soon in libraries, widely reviewed in high profile periodicals, and featured in major newspapers. Stephanie also increased our visibility on the internet, which resulted in a dramatic upswing in sales. Our personal appearance schedule also grew, all thanks to her hard work and tenacity. Stephanie was a pleasure to work with every step of the way!

Jim Boylston, David Crockett in Congress (Bright Sky Press, 2009)

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An attorney/friend recommended Stephanie, and his high opinion of her was confirmed as I worked with her during a two-month virtual tour for my novel, A Savage Wisdom. Her expertise and energy contributed to the increased web presence of the novel, which four times hit #5 in its Amazon Kindle category, “Murder & Mayhem,” so I’ve hired her again this fall for a ground tour of the book in Texas and Louisiana.

Norman German, Switch-Pitchers (Bluewater Press, 2010)

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Stephanie is extremely knowledgeable about publicity on the internet. She responds promptly and is an easy work-partner. I highly recommend her.

Ruth Rymer, Susannah, A Lawyer (Langdon Street Press, 2009)

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Stephanie’s knowledge, experience and approach to the launch of my first book have been invaluable. Hiring her was a great decision on my part.

Daniel Dinges, Get Out of the Way (Tate Publishing, 2009)

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Stephanie Barko was referred to me by a nationally known author. She did an outstanding job creating a platform for my material to include with the book proposal I’m sending to agents. I can’t imagine ever hiring anyone else to be my publicist for Ruby’s Prayer.

Ron Keyser, Historical Fiction Writer

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