Q&A With Tatiana Merced-Zarou 

It’s always a pleasure doing a Q&A with different people whether they are authors or agents, publicists and many different people in the publishing industry. It is because of agents, publicists, editors, marketers etc. that we have so many wonderful books out in the world. This next Q&A is with publicist Tatiana Merced-Zarou! Tatiana was so kind enough to send me a copy of Elle Tesch’s gothic fantasy debut What Wakes The Bells. 

Q: Tatiana, when did you know that being a publicist was your calling in life & where did your love of reading and books come from?

A: When my family moved from Puerto Rico to New York, that’s when my journey into books really began. The public library quickly became our favorite weekly spot — my mom found it as a free escape for us when we didn’t have much to do or money, especially in the winter. That’s where I realized how amazing books were, a vital escape from daily life (as so many book lovers have said). Even as a kid with a packed schedule, going with my mom to her job (as a cleaner) every weekend, my books were always there for me, a constant source of excitement, comfort, and a reliable ally.

Wanting to be a publicist wasn’t something I thought of initially! I wanted to be an editor, another Maxwell Perkins in modern day publishing. But after a professor sweetly talked about my “bubbly” personality and mentioned how she can see me as a publicist like she once was, I was curious, so I took my first internship as a lifestyle publicist, and it was honestly such a blast. I felt like something clicked, but of course I wanted to focus on only books and not so much on the entertainment side.

Q: Over the years from the Q&As I’ve done with publicists and agents, I have learned the difference between the two, that agents secure the publishing deal for the book and submit the manuscript. The publicist helps the authors get the media coverage for their books once they are published. What is your favorite part of being a publicist?

A: The most rewarding part of being a publicist, for me, isn’t just snagging that exciting media hit, like a New York Times review for one of my favorite MG titles. It’s truly the whole author’s tour process, from start to finish. I love sending out a tour proposal to an author, then working with booksellers to set up public events and/or school visits, nailing down the itinerary, and finally sending the author off on tour. Seeing the results and the readers’ excitement? That’s the best! It’s even better when I get to tag along and see it all firsthand. Seriously, watching kids/readers react to an author is such a highlight of this job, and I know so many of my colleagues feel the same way.

Q: I want to know your personal journey of becoming a publicist. I know some publicists said they’ve been to college and others said they applied for internships. Did you go to college, apply for an internship or do a combination of both?

A: Oh gosh, I feel like I did it all! I got my Masters in English and Publishing. I went on numerous internships (I even begged a freelance publicist to give me a chance, and she did), while also working at a bookstore on Long Island. I’m not saying do exactly what I did. I think what impressed my employer the most was working at a bookstore, which taught me so much, including allowing me to get some experience with coordinating a book event. While I didn’t spend too much time there before it sadly closed, it gave me a leg up on what I needed to expect as a publicist working in a publishing company.

Q: How long have you been a publicist for? What wisdom have you learned over the years as a publicist that you would want everyone to know, especially those wanting to become a publicist like you?

A: I’ve been a publicist for almost four years. For anyone hoping to make this their profession, my advice is to get a job at a bookstore. You’ll learn so much about events, social media marketing, and how to publicize events by reaching out to local media. It’s a total win-win! Also, don’t be afraid to network. I know a lot of book lovers are introverts (I was too!), but seriously, don’t stress about getting out there and meeting new people. Research publicists and reach out to them for informational interviews. Trust me, they love to hear from you and really do want to help, because they were once in your shoes.

Q: Can you give a list of authors who you represent? I love asking publicists this question because it’s amazing seeing the names of authors you represent famous and upcoming! 

A: Yes! Mikayla Bridge, author of Of Flame and Fury, an anticipated read that’s pubbing next month. CG Drews, author of NYT-bestseller Don’t Let the Forest In and upcoming Hazelthorn. Allie Millington, author of Once for Yes and NYT-bestseller Olivetti (you must pick this one up! It had such a special place in my heart the moment I read the opening chapters). I am also on the Stinetinglers series team by none other than the master of horror for kids, R.L. Stine. I can keep going on and on – I’m so lucky to be working with so many talented writers. 

Q: If you were to become an author yourself, would you write a nonfiction book for future authors on publicists and why they’re important or would you write fiction? Would you be your own publicist or have someone else do it for you? 

A: I want to write fiction if I have the courage, inspired by my mom’s childhood in Puerto Rico. I’m hoping to make these stories a fun escape for readers, especially those who might resonate with my mom’s experiences. There isn’t a lot of Puerto Rican literature out there, so I’d love to add to that in the future.

When it comes to publicity, I’d be ready to roll up my sleeves for myself, but I’d really love to team up with another publicist. It would be great to get some hands-off experience and look afar as they help my work reach a wider audience. A lot of publicists I know are brilliant, and I love how many angles they can think of so it would be fascinating to see my work in their eyes and how they could pitch it in different ways.