Rachel Sarah Thurston
State of Sparkle — Branding, Marketing, and Social Media Coaching for Authors
During the conference, Rachel will offer complimentary consultations advising authors (no matter where they are on their author journeys) on defining their brands, expanding their author platforms, and marketing their books. Check out her sign-up list by the conference registration and help desk for more info.
Rachel is also looking forward to giving an engaging and interactive marketing seminar called “The Top 12 Magical Marketing Moves to Elevate Your Author Brand and Make Your Book(s) Sparkle, Stand Out, and Achieve Marketplace Success.” The second half of the marketing seminar will feature a hand-selected “Authors of the Round Table” who represent a range of genres and publishing pathways (self-published, hybrid, and traditionally published). These award-winning authors will share how they’ve leveraged their unique “Super Powers” to build their author brands and market their books. The marketing seminar will be held on Thur. June 13th from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom. Read more here: https://www.sbwriters.com/book-marketing-magic-authors-roundtable
As the owner of “State of Sparkle,” Rachel coaches her clients in defining their author brands, designing their branded author websites, building their author platforms, growing their email lists, connecting with their ideal readers through newsletters, articles and blogging, creating press kits, editing book trailers, developing short term and long term marketing plans, navigating which social media platforms are the most ideal for their audience, assisting with their book launches and signings, creating graphics for social media, promotional events, and fb ads, and marketing their books so that their author brands and their books can SHINE AND SPARKLE in the world!
Rachel has been involved with the SBWC for the past 22 years and holds a Master’s in Professional Writing with honors from the University of Southern California. Her feature articles and photography have appeared in esteemed publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Food and Home Magazine, Women’s Adventure Magazine, Santa Barbara Magazine, The Independent, and Destination Wine Country Magazine. She’s the author of the coffee table book Beautiful Santa Ynez Valley along with National Geographic photographer Chuck Place. Her humor travel stories have been featured in the award-winning Travelers’ Tales humor anthologies appearing alongside best-selling author Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief) and award-winning travel writer Tim Cahill.
As a renaissance woman, Thurston has a background of over 23 years in event promotion, website design, marketing, accountability coaching, writing, photography, video editing, social media, music & entertainment, and communications.
Known among her clients as being part mentor, part accountability coach, and part effervescent cheerleader, Rachel loves coaching authors so that their brands and their books can SHINE AND SPARKLE MORE BRIGHTLY in the world!
Website:
https://www.stateofsparkle.com
Testimonials:
“Rachel has helped me look at marketing in new and unexpected ways. She’s opened my eyes to so many new ways of getting more visibility and traction for my book. The dazzling, eye-catching graphics we’ve created for social media and Facebook ads have helped bring more traffic to my site, and my book sales have measurably increased.
She is the most enthusiastic, positive, and all-around knowledgeable marketing guru and delightful person who I’ve ever met! I no longer feel like I'm alone on this marketing journey. We’ve had so much fun working together! I can't wait to see what Rachel and I will create together next!
Most recently, we collaborated on a beautiful video book trailer which has received tons of positive feedback from fans online as well as at in-person events. I’m so proud of this compelling trailer. It has definitely set my book apart and added additional polish to my [public speaking] presentations. My agent loves it. She immediately suggested sharing it with the producers who’ve optioned the film rights for my book. And the producer, who is packaging it for production as a limited series on a streaming platform, immediately saw possibilities for leveraging the trailer telling me that my book trailer ‘will be super helpful as we continue to share our pitch!’”
Deborah Holt Larkin, author of the true crime memoir A Lovely Girl: The Tragedy of Olga Duncan and the Trial of One of California’s Most Notorious Killers
“If you're seeking a coach who can propel your author journey to new heights, I wholeheartedly recommend hiring Rachel. She's not only an expert in her field but also a genuine cheerleader for your success. With her by your side, your author brand and business will undoubtedly shine brighter than ever before.”
Holly Kammier, co-founder and owner of Acorn Publishing, LLC and author of 4 books including Six Feet Apart…in the Time of Corona
“I can’t sing the praises loudly enough for Rachel’s branding work. Rachel’s work has stood the test of time in my brand and I’m so grateful to her for coming into my world.”
Kris Oster, archetypal brand strategist, business coach and author of Return to Enchantment: Your Guide to Creating a Magical Livelihood
“Without [Rachel’s] guidance, I wouldn’t have been brave enough to take the next steps along my author journey. Throughout this entire process of expanding my author platform, Rachel’s been an intrepid and effervescent cheerleader in my corner. We make a powerful TEAM and I look forward to seeing what we will create in the future together.”
Connard Hogan, award-winning author of Barbwire, Brothels and Bombs in the Night: Surviving Vietnam and Once Upon a Kentucky Farm: Hope and Healing from Family Abuse, Alcoholism and Dysfunction
