Testimonials
Jane Margolis
To prospective clients of Gail Leondar-Wright,
If you are considering Gail Leondar-Wright as your publicist, I would like to share with you some of my experiences and impressions. By the way, I recommend her whole-heartedly. I credit her with making our book tour the success and the blast that it was!
I guess it began with Gail's enthusiasm for our book. I have since learned, but sensed from the beginning, that Gail will not take on a book unless she fully endorses its message. I think this makes a world of difference. Gail successfully helped us distill the talking points in a way that remained true to the nuances of our research (about the gender gap in computing), and our goal for the project (to create institutional and social change in the world of computing, to increase parent/teacher/student awareness of women's importance to the world of technology).
You probably know by now, that Gail's "schtick" is radio. She has that large radio-world rolodex, having built up genuine relationships with the radio world all over the country. Wherever we went radio people would say, "You are working with Gail, the very best." Yet, ironically, radio is a medium I had dreaded, and I didn't have much faith or knowledge in its ability to "spread the word." I was fearful of live interviews. I dreaded saying the wrong thing, convinced I was not able to think quickly on my feet. But, with the combination of Gail's "training," her preparation of questions for the radio show, and lots of practice, I came close to conquering my demon. Gail thinks about her clients comfort level and training, planning out which interview should be the first one, the second one etc. So very quickly, Gail actually got me to where I thought I would never land — enjoying the medium of radio, over my fear of live interviews, and mastering a skill that will be useful in many other endeavors. I also saw how radio spread the word. I don't know why, but it always amazes me when people said they heard us on the radio. And, we saw the Amazon rating spikes.
Gail is a "straight shooter." She lives by the contract and gives her full commitment. There are no fuzzy boundaries being crossed, no unclarities left to develop into festering sores. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the clarity, for when you are in this book publishing world, you need a grounding rod, and this is Gail. She is always steering the ship, consulting you on your preferred route, getting you through the storm — all with good humor and cheer. She doesn't throw you out there with the sharks. And she foresees most every rock ahead in your course. (Forgive me for all these sea-bearing metaphors!)
Promoting one's first book is a once in a lifetime experience and I am so appreciative of all that Gail did to make it such a memorable and wonderful experience. Despite multiple clients happening at one time, I always felt like Gail's full attention was on promoting our book. I think that is something most first time authors can appreciate — needing to know that someone was giving it her undivided attention. Without fail Gail was meticulously organized, brought a sharp intelligence, keen warmth, and enthusiasm to our promotion campaign. And she stayed true to the values of our project. Gail is really gifted in her craft and you are lucky to have found her.
Best of luck with your endeavors!
Jane Margolis
Co-author of Unlocking the Clubhouse: Women in
Computing (MIT Press, 2002)
Email Jane Margolis for a recommendation.