PR Spotlight: Brenda Dempsey, Book Brilliance Publishing

Tell us about yourself and Book Brilliance Publishing

I am an award-winning publisher, international best-selling author, master coach, and speaker with an invaluable 25-year background in education that provides me with the expertise and skills to support business owners to write, publish, and grow their businesses beyond their books. Being and knowing how to create bestselling books as an author is also a distinct advantage. Book Brilliance Publishing was born during COVID-19 when a great opportunity landed on my path. As the great Richard Branson says, “If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you are not sure you can do it, say ‘YES’ and learn how to do it later.”

What made you set up Book Brilliance Publishing?

I compiled two anthologies and contributed to five others, and as a result, I worked alongside my publisher as their Educational Expert for children authors and business mentor. I had business owners approach me to ask if I could help write their books, which, of course, I said I could. But then they asked if I would publish their books as they had grown to know, like, and trust me as I walked my talk. COVID-19 struck, and that business changed course. Having worked as a team with that publisher, I was fortunate to have two brilliant editors and production experts available. As we had worked well together, I pitched the idea of beginning my own publishing house. It was an instant YES. It took us a few months to get our foundations and operations set, but by June 2020, we began the Book Brilliance Journey. As Richard Branson suggests, we hadn’t everything figured out, but we had enough to get going.

What is your mission?

We are on a mission to deliver simple success strategies to passionate business owners, empowering them to build their book brilliance and create extraordinary lives and businesses. Part of that mission is to bring out the brilliance in business owners infused in their definitive book so they can create ripples of brilliance and make an impact in the world.

How does Book Brilliance Publishing help entrepreneurs and business leaders?

We empower entrepreneurs and business leaders to write and publish their definitive bestselling book through our Author Authority Accelerator. They embark on the Author’s Adventure, and by their driving and us navigating, we journey through the challenges of the landscape and terrain in six stages. These stages include Brand, Writing, Marketing & PR, Publishing, Business, and Beyond Your Book Author Brilliance. We implement tried and tested frameworks, blueprints, and strategies that make their publishing journey easy.

What has been your biggest success since founding Book Brilliance Publishing?

As a young fledgling company, we have achieved several great successes that sustain our motivation to change more lives for the thought leaders and action-takers we are privileged to work with.

Gaining recognition from the publishing industry (Independent Publishing Guild IPG) made us a finalist in their awards’ Diversity and Inclusion category in 2023 alongside Bloomsbury, Publisher of JK Rowling. The following year, 2024, we gained recognition by the business industry Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for our work in Diversity and Inclusion.

We have steadily grown and have over 200 clients in 22 countries. This year, we are making a more significant impact with our presence in Dubai, USA, and our office in India. The Indian office looks after our Brilliance Magazine. Despite the above achievements, the most considerable success has been seeing the transformation in our clients.

You have worked with several high-profile clients; can you share a case study of a successful client project?

At Book Brilliance Publishing, we helped elevate a Privacy Pro Expert to Global Success in the last twelve months. He came to us with a vision and mission of becoming the go-to expert in GDPR, aiming to simplify complex legal language for students and professionals.

After months of dedication, his book was ready. Understanding the importance of marketing, he built a launch team, upgraded his website, and invested in promotion. The result?

His book hit #1 in five countries within a week, earning him the title “King of GDPR” in the UK media, including appearances on BBC and SKY. His book remained #1 for one year and remains on the bestsellers list.

Despite facing online bullying, he rebounded, launching a flagship program and 10X-ing his return on investment. His influence has since expanded to the Middle East, hosting events in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

This case exemplifies how strategic publishing can transform experts into global authorities, proving that incredible success is possible with the proper expert support.

Why should every business owner/entrepreneur publish their own book?

Every entrepreneur and business leader should write their definitive book because it’s a powerful tool that can transform your brand and elevate your authority.

A book cements your expertise, packaging your knowledge and insights into a compelling narrative that sets you apart as a thought leader. It opens doors to new opportunities—media, podcasts, and speaking engagements—allowing your voice to be heard on a larger stage.

Your book becomes a legacy, leaving an enduring impact by turning your journey into a blueprint others can follow. It’s also a dynamic marketing tool, helping you attract your ideal clients by demonstrating exactly why they should work with you.

Most importantly, a book accelerates your global reach, allowing you to influence audiences beyond your local market. At Book Brilliance Publishing, we publish books and help leaders amplify their voices and boost their business worldwide. Every leader has a story worth telling, and we ensure yours makes the impact it deserves.

Why should writing your own book be integral to a long-term PR strategy?

We believe writing your own book should be a cornerstone of your long-term PR strategy. Why? Because a book is more than just a product—it’s a powerful platform. It showcases your expertise, builds your authority, and puts your voice in the spotlight in ways no other medium can.

You instantly set yourself apart from the crowd when you publish a book. Do you know only 3% of business owners and leaders write and publish their books? Your book establishes yourself as a thought leader with authority and a key person of influence. It gives the media a reason to feature you; podcast hosts a reason to invite you, and event organizers a reason to put you on stage. A book isn’t just content, it’s your brand, message, and story.

In today’s world, PR is about standing out, and nothing does that better than a definitive book. It’s the key to driving your message forward and ensuring it sticks for the long run.

How do you measure the success of a book launch?

Measuring the success of a book launch goes beyond sales figures. It’s about impact, amplifying your authority, attracting media attention, and opening doors to new opportunities. Success is seen in how your book elevates your brand, generates meaningful conversations, and connects with your target audience. Look for increased visibility—media features, podcast invitations, and speaking engagements. Monitor audience engagement, reviews, and social media buzz. A successful launch positions you as a thought leader and sets the stage for long-term business growth, making your book a lasting asset.

What are the biggest trends in publishing in 2024?

In 2024, the publishing landscape is rapidly evolving, with AI playing a pivotal role. AI is transforming how books are written, marketed, and distributed. From AI-powered tools that help authors streamline their writing and editing processes to personalized marketing strategies driven by machine learning, the entire journey of a book is becoming more efficient and data-driven.

Another key trend is the growing demand for diverse voices and stories. Readers seek authentic, inclusive narratives that reflect a broader range of experiences, pushing publishers to champion underrepresented voices and perspectives.

Hybrid publishing continues to rise, giving authors more control over quality, flexibility, and profits, while audiobooks and digital formats remain in high demand. Sustainability is another key trend, with eco-friendly publishing methods gaining importance.

What are your thoughts on using AI in the writing process?

We believe in embracing AI. We see it as a valuable tool in writing, offering authors innovative ways to stay ahead of the curve. AI can assist with everything from brainstorming ideas to refining drafts, making the process more efficient and freeing time for creative thinking. It’s a powerful resource that can help streamline the technical aspects of writing, such as grammar checks and content organization.

However, when writing your definitive book, caution is essential. A great book reflects your authentic voice, experiences, and insights—things AI can’t replicate. While AI can enhance your process, your book’s heart and soul should always come from you.

What are your top THREE tips for getting started with writing your book?

We believe getting started with writing your book begins with clarity, commitment, and creativity. Here are our top three tips:

First, define your purpose. Ask yourself, why are you writing this book? Whether it’s to share your expertise, inspire others, or grow your business, having a clear purpose will guide your writing and keep you focused.

Second, commit to a routine. Writing a book is a long journey, and consistency is vital. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write, even if it’s just a few hundred words at a time.

Finally, embrace your authentic voice. Readers connect with real stories and genuine insights. Write from your experience, infuse your personality, and don’t be afraid to let your passion shine through. Oh, and find a navigator to guide you through the challenging terrain and landscape of the publishing world.

How do you stay current with the latest industry trends?

Staying current with the latest PR, publishing, and marketing trends is essential for our authors’ success. We actively engage with industry webinars, follow influential blogs, and participate in online communities to gain insights into emerging technologies and strategies. We also believe in working with industry experts to continue to walk our talk.

One exciting development is using Shimmr AI for marketing books through Meta and Google Ads. This powerful tool allows us to harness data-driven insights for targeted advertising, ensuring our authors reach the right audience effectively. By leveraging Shimmr AI, we can optimise ad performance and enhance engagement, maximising our authors’ visibility.

What are your goals as a company for the next 5 years?

At Book Brilliance Publishing, we envision an exciting journey over the next five years, where we amplify the voices of even more authors while expanding our global reach. Imagine a vibrant community of business owners discovering the transformative power of storytelling, where each narrative becomes a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Our story begins with a commitment to educating aspiring authors on what it truly takes to succeed in publishing. We guide them through the process, helping them uncover their unique voices and harness the art of storytelling to connect with their audiences.

As we navigate this path, we embrace the potential of AI, using it as a powerful ally in our mission. Picture authors seamlessly streamline their writing processes and optimize their marketing strategies, backed by data-driven insights that enhance their reach.

With each new author we partner with, we create ripples of impact within their businesses and across cultures and borders. Together, we’re not merely publishing books but crafting stories that resonate and inspire. As we look to the future, our goal is to empower a diverse array of authors, transform their dreams into reality, and foster a community where storytelling knows no bounds.

https://www.bookbrilliancepublishing.com

Editor-In-Chief of Bizpreneur Middle East