Chic, Steady and Publisher-Ready: A Conversation with Meryl Moss

By Madison Terrill, Apollon editor Spring 2021

Meryl Moss

“Books matter today more than they ever have,” Meryl Moss, founder of Moss Media Group, told Fairfield University’s Quick Center on February 24, 2021 As a digital media mogul, Moss curates publicity and marketing campaigns for published authors to launch their books into the public spotlight. In her professional career, Moss has landed authors’ spotlights on television programs such as USA Today, Fox and Good Morning America, and print features in Rolling Stone, The New York Times and others.

Moss was not always a publishing mogul. After starting her career in the communication field, Moss transitioned to publishing during the 1980s, when she realized her communication career was quickly turning into a computer science role. Enter Chronicle Books, a mid-size publisher specializing in newspaper article archives and compilations. Moss’s experience at a publishing house opened her eyes to the publishing world, and in 2004 Moss began Book Trib, a platform for book recommendations and reviews. Moss grew her presence in the book industry and now heads Moss Media Group, a marketing and publicity organization for authors. 

Moss recognizes COVID as a challenging time for many industries, although books are selling more than ever as people exhaust their streaming options on Netflix and Hulu. Growing sales means more authors, and Moss offered aspiring authors some tips for launching their career. 

Authors should have a strong social media presence for a publicity team to build off of. Additionally, a strong elevator pitch is essential to landing a literary agent or publicist. Encouraging reviews is another highly recommended action item. Moss is open to first-time authors, but all of her clients should have a pre-existing social media and marketing presence.

When asked about the future of the book industry, Moss was hopeful. The death of the book has been projected countless times, but print’s steady success proves the industry’s resilience. Moss encouraged the undergrads listening to keep up to date on new inventions in the publishing world—such as media groups—and find their breakthrough wherever possible. 

You can watch Meryl Moss’s discussion with the Quick Center here: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8009355/video/516010661

You can read more about Moss Media Group here: https://www.merylmossmedia.com