The economy snuck up and took a bite out of us today
The economy took a bite out of us today. And, it left some nasty teeth marks in my department. I had to say goodbye to my very special colleague, Paola Fernandez Rana, the one who’s been my partner in publicity crime for the past six years.
It’s a terrible loss and I’m still sitting in front of my work pc in shock. Which can’t even be a fraction of the shock and sadness Paola’s experiencing.
Here in the HCI publicity department it was always Paola and I against “the world.” Thank goodness our self esteem was inordinantly high because we were often shielding ourselves from the prevailing mistrust of our craft. Intangibles are not the most favored aspects in this house of hard numbers, bottom lines, and books. Not able to be qualified is our smoke and mirrors publicity magic, but its effectiveness is a certainty.
The important thing is/was – we know that.
So, off I go into the netherlands of bookdom without my counterpart and double are the tasks that I must perform. The good news is that my loss is your gain and the fine publicity skills of one Paola Fernandez Rana are now up for grabs in the free and public marketplace.
Paola’s worked with the best. Tavis Smiley comes to mind. Even more impressive bestselling authors. Names escape me. An employee of Doubleday, and numerous other prestigious NY publishing houses, she knows how it’s done.
If you’re thinking about increasing the exposure or launching your book, I highly recommend you get a hold of Paola and get her to represent you. She’s tremendously respected in the field and has the skills and contacts that you want in a publicist.
Take my word for it. I know her. I worked side by side with her. She’s the creme de la creme.
Paola, I’m going to miss you too much. If tears could stain a computer screen, then you’d see my sadness.
May your new freedom bring you to higher heights than you ever imagined.
And, for the rest of out there, contact me and I’ll hook you up.
Have a good weekend.
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Wow. I just found out. Paola was my publicist for THE WORRYWART’S PRAYER BOOK, and PURR MORE, HISS LESS: HEAVENLY LESSONS I LEARNED FROM MY CAT, and she couldn’t have been nicer, more patient, efficient, and gracious. When I emailed wanting a gazillion books to send to Oprah, she didn’t laugh and say, “get real.” She sent them to me, giving me the address and even proferred a “good luck,” to boot.
I will certainly miss her.
Sad news, indeed.
How can I get ahold of Paola regarding her services? Best, G.
Oh! Oh! Oh! Sad news for everyone. Paola is so wonderful. I’m sorry about this… please give her a hug for me. I’ll keep my ears & eyes open for her.
Kim & Paola … (teary-eyed, too) … your shared foundation of trust, respect, and friendship will support you both through today’s tribulation … Paola, take time to regroup, plan your strategies, and discover the new avenues now open before you. HCI’s loss is your gain!