Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Sonnenberg.
Hi Jackie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Chicago, IL where I have a background in journalism, but also in the haunted house industry. I came to Florida with a group of co-worker friends to open a year-round haunt attraction we previously had as a seasonal place. It was on I-drive called “Zombie Outbreak” and ran for a few years, while I worked there as an actor of different roles, I was also working on my writing and published a few books.
It didn’t take long for me to brainstorm a unique way to merge my two worlds together to build my platform and my brand:
I incorporated being a haunt “scareactor” and my love for costuming and brought my book characters to life by dressing as them. I went to conventions and events in character to help promote the stories they were about, and this started my run with conventions.
I have since been invited to conventions as a guest where I do book signings along with sales. I have also entered in costume contests and placed 2nd three times and won “Best Craftsmanship” one year.
To this day, I continue this as my main source of marketing and even expanded to shows and events in Tampa and St. Augustine.
I have been nominated by Orlando Weekly for their “Best of Orlando” feature under “Best Local Author” two years in a row.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have experience with both traditional and independent publishing, though the bulk of my main book collection has been all independent. In that case, you are wearing every hat and doing absolutely everything yourself, which needless to say is stressful and a large work burden. I do everything myself and pay for everything myself including hiring my editor for manuscript work and graphic design company for my covers and collection logo.
That also goes for any travel for going to conventions and hotel stays. While I love going to conventions, I actually don’t like traveling and have to plan far ahead in advance for going anywhere that not in my immediate area. I know I need to travel to other cities and other states in order to expand my market and know that I need to pace it to do only a few at a time so it is not a hindrance on my time and my wallet.
Marketing is the most challenging part for both traditional and independent authors, Publishing is the most subjective industry in the world, and while the times have grown and there are more resources and ways to get something done, the bottom line is no writer’s job is ever done, and the most successful authors are the ones who are active in selling themselves and their work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I have a standalone collection of books I call “semyhR yresruN.” This of course is Nursery Rhymes backwards and they are stories inspired by the classics but retold as horror stories. Currently, I have three published titles while working on the next two and plan for more down the line.
As mentioned, I am known for my unique style of marketing with the character costuming and interactions. I enjoy bringing them out and posing for pictures and seeing them appear in social media! People that buy my books will ask how I will do a certain character, and also get a good idea of what they look like before reading.
I actually went Trick-or-Treating in character one Halloween! People were not expecting something like that and naturally asked questions, which prompted literature materials.
I love that I turned my favorite things into a career and it’s only from here that I can see it grow.
Aside from books, I seek growth in the haunted house industry and continue to have involvement in something every Halloween season. I have been a scareactor and next want to be in set design, and just perhaps I can bring my book worlds to this part as well.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
All books are on Amazon as ebook or paperback!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jackiesonnenberg.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sonnenbooks
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjackiesonnenberg
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/sonnenbooks
- THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Dog-Laughed-Jackie-Sonnenberg-ebook/dp/B084VHYPBM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2DZRO782H0M60&keywords=jackie+Sonnenberg&qid=1638858038&sprefix=jackie+sonnenberg+%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-3
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Jackie-Sonnenberg/e/B004L5Q8VA?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1636855318&sr=8-1
