Interview With Author & Publishing Consultant Evan Swensen

1. What inspired you to write this book?

The Power of Authors began as a weekly campaign that ran for more than one hundred weeks. Every Monday, a message went out to remind writers of something essential: words carry power. Over time, those messages became a movement, reaching authors from every corner of the country. After four decades of publishing, I had seen what happened when writers used their words for good—how a simple story could bring understanding where anger once lived. The book grew naturally out of that experience. It’s an invitation for authors to write to heal, not hurt.

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?

The book explores the responsibility that comes with writing. It’s for those who understand that every word shapes something—an idea, a belief, a heart. Drawing from years of publishing experience, The Power of Authors shows how writers can choose purpose over popularity and truth over trend. It’s written for anyone who wants to use storytelling not just to entertain, but to make the world gentler, wiser, and more humane.

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

I hope readers find courage to write with conscience. The world is full of loud voices, but not all of them heal. My hope is that this book helps authors remember why they started—to bring something good into the world. When a writer chooses to build rather than break, they fulfill the highest calling of authorship.

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

The title was proven through the campaign—it spoke for itself. The cover design reflects the quiet strength of good writing: simple, honest, and enduring. It doesn’t shout; it speaks softly, like a trusted friend. It mirrors the kind of books we publish—clean, clear, and created with integrity.

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

Write with kindness. Words are tools, and in the right hands, they heal. Never forget the influence a single sentence can have on a young reader or a weary heart. Avoid language or themes that tear down what’s sacred in others. The best writing holds a mirror to truth, but it never forgets compassion.

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?

The strongest movement I see is toward sincerity. Readers are looking for writing they can trust—books that don’t rely on shock, profanity, or cruelty to make their point. Technology may change how stories are shared, but integrity will always be the foundation of meaningful publishing. The future belongs to authors who write with conviction and publishers who uphold standards of decency and respect.

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?

Every author I’ve worked with has been a teacher. I’ve seen writers struggle through rejection, doubt, and fear, only to produce something beautiful. I’ve watched their books reach readers who needed hope more than entertainment. Those moments shaped this book. The campaign—and the publishing years that led to it—taught me what words can do when used for good.

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

My writing style is plainspoken, reflective, and guided by respect for the reader. It’s built on clear sentences and steady rhythm—never clever for its own sake. say it’s closer to a neighbor’s voice across a kitchen table. It’s meant to encourage, not impress.

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

The greatest challenge was staying focused on purpose over polish. After so many years in publishing, it’s easy to think in terms of markets and mechanics. I wanted this book to speak from the heart—to feel as personal as the campaign that inspired it. It meant setting aside the technical side of publishing and returning to what started it all: a belief in good words, well written, used well.

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

Because The Power of Authors asks something more of both reader and writer. It challenges writers to lift rather than wound, to leave the world better than they found it. It also reminds readers that what they choose to read matters too. This book stands for wholesome, purposeful storytelling—the kind that endures because it heals.

About The Author: Evan Swensen has published books in Alaska and beyond since 1978. Through Publication Consultants, he has guided thousands of writers through every step of the journey—from the first spark of an idea to a book that sits proudly on a shelf. His approach to publishing has always been rooted in ethics, family values, and trust. He believes books should do more than sell—they should heal, uplift, and build a better world. The Power of Authors reflects that lifelong philosophy, inviting writers everywhere to use their words to strengthen, not divide.

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 5,000,000 page views. With 5,400+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum