CLIENT COMMENTS

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On Public Relations...

A book tour can be both exhilarating and exhausting. The SIMPLY FRENCH tour was a totally positive experience; appointments were well coordinated, escorts delivered all that was promised, and considering the potential for human failure, I don't know how things might have gone better. I'd sign up with you any day!
Patricia Wells
Cookbook Author

After having been on book tours organized by Lisa Ekus and her staff, I wouldn't ask for anyone else to take me on the road...Thank You! I hope we can do it again!
Joyce Goldstein
Chef and Cookbook Author

What a pleasure it is to work with such a polished, effective organization. Lisa's hard-working, highly professional staff knows the market and uses a broad range of creative techniques to develop a tailor-made campaign for each book they represent.
Sharon Tyler Herbst
Cookbook Author

Previously I had done a lot of my own book promotion, primarily relying upon my publisher's in-house publicity staff. The differences were extraordinary. The thoughtful attention to detail, the high professionalism of her staff, and the extensive coverage of my book in the press and on television and radio, resulted in extremely good sales. The Lisa Ekus staff concentrates solely on books having to do with food, and thus, has credibility with the media that no in-house publicist could possibly have.
Paula Wolfert
Cookbook Author

It is with great pleasure I tell you how much I have valued your firm's participation in whatever success AMERICA EATS OUT enjoys. Thanks to the indefatigable efforts of your staff, my publicity was always done with efficiency, graciousness and good taste. Your choice of venues for publicizing my book was sound, your handling of the media professional, and your willingness to work with me, take my calls, hear my woes, and share in my delights was simply the best support I have enjoyed on any of the four books I have written.
John Mariani
Cookbook Author

The Lisa Ekus Group has made a tremendous difference to the success of my books. She has put me where I want to be professionally by drawing exactly the right media attention to my work...Her press kit is superb and skillfully designed to simplify the work of media writers and interviewers. I recommend her wholeheartedly, and will not do another book unless she is part of my contract.
Susan Purdy
Cookbook Author

One of the comments I have heard most frequently has been 'Michele, I see your name everywhere.' Lisa Ekus and her staff have done a terrific job of publicizing THE ANIPASTO TABLE. Network TV, key radio programs, major newspaper, magazine coverage, as well as in-person appearances at booksignings and fund raisers were all part of her well-orchestrated plan to publicize my book.
Michele Scicolone
Cookbook Author

In the competitive world of cookbooks, successful promotion and publicity requires much more than creative author and vigorous publisher. The Lisa Ekus Group is an essential third partner.
Anne Willan
Cookbook Author

When I give Lisa Ekus' name as my public relations agent, the response is always the same, 'She is the best!', and I cannot agree more. Lisa and her team make sure that the author gets wonderful publicity. Hurrah for Lisa.
Lydie Marshall
Cookbook Author

Lisa is energetic, enthusiastic and effective. Lisa's ability to encompass a large range of creative approaches to a job is as remarkable as her complete follow-through and attention to details. I do believe she dreams up inventive connections for each of her projects even as she sleeps.
Elizabeth Schneider
Cookbook Author

Constant attention to details, a great sense of organization, a network of useful contacts, and personal touches are the trademark of Lisa Ekus.
Anna Teresa Callen
Cookbook Author

While on the media tour for my book, GREAT CAKES, the fine name of The Lisa Ekus Group had immediate recognition nationwide with the food media and culinary world. I was very fortunate to have had the outstanding services of this highly respected professional organization.
Carole Walter
Cookbook Author

I want to thank you formally and informally for the way in which you conceived and executed my book tour. Having done a number of these tours, I'm particularly aware of the courtesies and efficiencies of yours. With Ekus, I have the welcome feeling that it's a human person who comes first.
Betty Fussell
Author

Working with Lisa and her associates has been uncomplicated and joyful. Without their help in organizing my appearances and life I don't know where I'd be. I truly hope our relationship lasts many years.
Bernie Siegel, M.D.
Author

To be handled by The Lisa Ekus Group is to know everything will get done. It's to know that when you walk into the TV studio the show manager will say with a smile, 'Oh, yes, you're from Lisa Ekus, she's so wonderful to work with.' It means that Lisa and her staff will take time to think of small approaches as well as large, that they will never be ruffled, never caught unawares, always supportive, hard-working, and enthusiastic down to the last hurrah - and even beyond."
Maggie Strong
Mainstay

Lisa Ekus has the reputation as being the best in the business of food-related public relations, and for good reason. She's thorough, conscientious, unfailingly cheerful and obstinately persistent in getting the most and best attention paid to your work. It's like having a second mother.
Jenifer Harvey Lang
Cookbook Author and Editor

When Prentice Hall Press designated the task of publicist for SIMPLE ART OF VIETANMESE COOKING to Lisa Ekus, little did I know what a priceless gift I was about to receive. Besides all of the professionalism and craft that is necessary from an outstanding publicity agent, I found myself acquainted with a great teacher and loyal guardian. Lisa's agency maintains a nest of masterful and dedicated mentors not unlike herself, who with their warmth and personal attention to details bring fourth the new author and book, breaking the shell of doubts. Under their artful direction and enthusiastic nurturing, this novice found new confidence, tried new wings, experiences worlds, and will forever be grateful.
Binh Duong
Cookbook Author

I just wanted to let you know how pleased I have been with all the great coverage that is coming in on my new book. Your staff has been wonderful to work with - I was amazed at how they always managed to squeeze in another couple of interviews at the eleventh hour - and made phenomenal efforts to make each segment of the tour a success.
Nick Malgieri
Cookbook Author

After working so hard on a book and anxiously awaiting its promotion, it is so reassuring to be in the hands of such a competent agency as The Lisa Ekus Group. They have been there for me every step of the way, and I am continuously impressed by their thoroughness and professionalism. In the morass of the immense publishing world, it's nice to feel taken care of.
Jeanne Lemlin
Cookbook Author

Lisa Ekus is the answer to an author's prayer. She has boundless energy, a fine mind, charm, wit and grace and all the skills and connections her business demands. What publishers can't, won't or just plain don't do - Lisa can, will and does do for her authors.
Judith Arcana
Author

It is unusual to find the combination of qualities that make Lisa Ekus and her associates so effective: creativity and an openness to new ideas PLUS tenacity and organization.
Dr. Jacqueline Plumez
Author

I am of the opinion that Lisa Ekus is some sort of super human who requires no sleep. This is the only way I can account for the extraordinary attention she generates for her clients.
Jean Brody
Author

On Literary Agenting...

Lisa Ekus knows everybody who's anybody in the food publishing and marketing industries. She's flexible, honest, hard-working and discreet. There's no one else I would want as my agent.
David Joachim
Cookbook Author

Within four months of signing on with Lisa Ekus Public Relations, Lisa had sold my seventh book...for five times the advance I'd experienced with my prior literary agent. She also encouraged me to set up a website and to update my television tape, and has helped me to grow in other ways and with various professional organizations, thanks to her incredible networking capabilities. Although I had heard that "big name" agents were often slow to get back to clients, Lisa responds immediately, via both e-mail and phone.
Braiden Rex-Johnson
Cookbook Author

Lisa Ekus is my career partner. She connects me to new career prospects - helping me use each new book to make connections with related industries and media opportunities - that have taken my food writing career in directions I never would have imagined.
Andrew Schloss
Spokesperson, Instructor, and Cookbook Author

Lisa Ekus and Associates is the premiere, full service agenting and public relations group. They are the one-stop-shopping source for cookbook contracts and beyond! It can be difficult for authors to flourish financially in a competitive cookbook market, but Lisa and her staff go the extra mile to help make the most of every opportunity. (And often bring those opportunities to you!) We can't say enough!
Karen Adler and Judith Fertig ("The BBQ Queens")
Cookbook Authors

You are an agent in a million, and Mark and I feel so lucky and privileged.
Anne Willan
Cookbook Author

I have known Lisa Ekus for at least 15 years, and have watched her grow her business from cookbook publicity and media training to a full-service literary agency. It is not just her professionalism, talent, and business acumen that has made her successful and a leader in the industry, but her energy, caring, accessibility, and passion for her clients. She's the best in her field.
Diane Morgan
Cookbook Author

Lisa Ekus and her team are perfection. Years of experience in the food business pay off for their clients in creative, intuitive strategy building. Their attention to detail means they never miss a step. And, they're just plain fun to work with. This is an agency that gets it and gets it right.
Sherri Brooks Vinton
Cookbook Author

Lisa Ekus and her staff are not only true professionals, they are creative and imaginative. Lisa leads a group of dedicated problem-solvers who know how to achieve positive results for authors. No detail is too small and no project too complex for Lisa to handle. She represents the best interests of her clients during contract negotiations, and is able to promote positive consensus.
Steven Kolpan
Wine Book Author

As a first time cookbook author, I was unsure of just about everything involved in getting a book published. Lisa fine-tuned my proposal, sent it to the publishers she knew would be interested, and, within several months, found the right publisher for my children's cookbook. My first cookbook was published in 2004, my second in 2005, and my 3rd will be released 2006. Thank you, Lisa!
Barbara Beery
Culinary Instructor and Cookbook Author

Working with The Lisa Ekus Group has been a stroll in the park. Dealing with the office staff is akin to a sunny, breezy, day on a picnic blanket under the speckled shade of a cherry blossom tree. Being under the protective watch of Lisa Ekus makes you feel like a soft-bottomed baby swaddled in worn flannel safe in mother's arms. If I had known that getting a book published would have been this easy, the environment this supportive, the choices so clear, the representation so trusty, I would have written this book years ago. Of course, years ago, my book would have probably been a post-adolescent, angst-ridden collection of stories, but you get the point!
David J. Ansel
Restaurateur and Cookbook Author

Colleagues often ask me if Lisa is a good agent. She's a terrific agent, I tell them, but more important to me, she's a good person. She gives time and money to good causes - from feeding the homeless to medical research. I like knowing that every time she sells my work to a publisher some of the earnings from both her end and mine go to doing good for others. When that happens, every book is automatically a success.
Kate Heyhoe
Cookbook Author

Not many agents are willing to take on first-time authors, yet Lisa embraced the opportunity and guided us through the terms of the contract and negotiated for us a deal which, for first time authors, was very reasonable. Throughout the development of the book - both the writing and editing process - Lisa was there to answer all of or questions and to advise us when we had concerns.

She is true to her word, she is responsive, she is supportive, she is extremely knowledgeable, she is insightful, and she is supremely wise. She is also an absolute pleasure to work with. Every step of the way, we felt that Lisa had our best interests at heart. In short, she met and exceeded our expectations. She is a consummate professional, informed by years of experience with a substantial knowledge base to offer her clients. Best of all, Lisa's proactive style, high energy level, and good serotonin flow, make every working encounter a joy!
Maxine Efferson Chuck and Beth Gurney
Cookbook Authors

Lisa Ekus is the best...Her close contacts in the publishing industry and her consummate knowledge of food, I believe, is the foundation of her success. Lisa has also been my media trainer, preparing me subsequently for seven appearances on TV...What I appreciate most about her is that she believes in me and what I write.
Stuart Chang Berman
Cookbook Author

I loved every minute of working with Lisa. She's personable and doesn't mess around. She kept me focused and motivated and realistic.
Ana Sortun
Restaurateur, Chef, and Cookbook Author

I wrote four books and did not have an agent. It was painful trying to figure out how to hire an agent, much needed by the time I was beginning my fifth. Like others, I interviewed and no one was quite right for me. I did media training with Lisa Ekus, and when she started agenting for authors, there was no hesitation - I realized I had finally found my agent.

Her connection to that which is right and good: Sustainability community, family values coupled with nurturing and sensible business ethics are a part of both a personal and professional relationship that I value with Lisa.
Jesse Ziff Cool
Restaurateur, Chef, and Cookbook Author

Lisa Ekus is the consummate professional literary agent. Lisa is strong, savvy, smart, sensible and seductive. She understands the business very, very well, and handles her clients with the highest degree of respect. It is a total honor and pleasure to be represented by Lisa. She helps me believe that I am the most important client on her list, and encourages me to dream big. Lisa has trained her staff with the same attention to quality. I know when I contact Lisa Ekus Public Relations that all my needs will be met in style.
Jacqueline B. Marcus, MS, RD, LD, CNS, FADA
Food and Nutrition Consultant

It has been my good fortune to be represented by Lisa Ekus on several cookbook projects. She has a broad network of contacts and is always developing new ones, plus she understands the publishing business from both sides of the desk. A conscientious and adept negotiator, Lisa never loses sight of her client's interests or the importance of clarity in communication. She returns phone calls and goes the extra mile to keep in touch and be accessible even when she is traveling or away from her office. I've been impressed by the professionalism of everyone on her staff.
Georgia Orcutt
Cookbook Author

Lisa Ekus is a unique agent. She also has the rare talent of surrounding herself with caring, intelligent, and helpful people who are there to help a writer cross the "i's" and dot the "t's". I highly recommend her and her staff.
Lynn Nusom
Cookbook Author

I have written over 25 books since my first book in 1989 and worked with several agents during this time. The Lisa Ekus Group staff has been supportive and professional at all times - working hard to find the optimal publisher for each project. It's been a pleasure working with them over the past few years, and I look forward to many more years to come!
Elaine Magee, MPH, RD
Cookbook Author

One of the most intimidating aspects of the writing process can be the initial stages of an author/agent relationship. Because most reputable agents are inundated with clients and queries from hopefuls, many of them tend to exhibit a snippety demeanor toward aspiring authors. That's why working with Lisa Ekus has been such a pleasant experience. From day one, she and her company have treated me with the utmost professionalism and respect. They have applauded my proposals when they warranted it, and have said "no" gently to the queries that weren't in sync with the literary path that I initially mapped out for myself. I get the impression that Lisa is concerned about my literary career in five, ten fifteen years from now; and not just about me, one book at a time. In an industry that appears so cold and void of good intentions, I feel as though I have found a needle in a haystack.
Patty Pinner
Cookbook Author

Just a quick note to let you know how impressed I was with Lisa Ekus and her representation...Her extensive knowledge of the culinary market I required for my publication, her persistency in finding the right publisher for my book, and her consistent follow up on our progress ensured the successful start-to-finish approach that defines her outstanding professional performance. She has always been most helpful and available for any questions I have had before, during and after publication. Lisa was truly a pleasure to work with.
Jacques Rolland
Cookbook Author

Lisa Ekus is a fabulous culinary agent and I am pleased to have her represent my work to the publishing world. Her professionalism, diligence, and creativity make her a joy to work with. I can't imagine taking this journey with anyone else.
Carol Fenster, PhD
Founder & Owner, Savory Palate, Inc.
Cookbook Author

On Media Training...

I cannot tell you how invaluable this was for me...I now have a different perception of what makes for good PR and great PR. I really don't think that the media coverage could have been any better, unless maybe we did an air drop of propaganda over all the major cities in New England... It has been my great pleasure to work with people as full of enthusiasm, as competent and as professional as Lisa Ekus and her entire staff."
Jasper White
Chef, Restaurateur, and Cookbook Author

I couldn't have been more impressed with the two days that I spent with you and your staff. I came back to Chicago psyched about my book, the tour, and the media! I appreciate your enthusiasm and hospitality...Thank you.
Charlie Trotter
Chef, Restaurateur, and Cookbook Author

I can think of no more important investment for any publisher than your media training program. Coming to Hatfield for media training was the most profitable 48 hours I've spent in years. It reaps rewards every time I step in front of a microphone or camera, talk to a producer or journalist, and every time I must dream up yet another enticing angle. You gave me the ability to focus, communicate, and prepare. There is no possible price tag for this knowledge - it changes the very core of how you approach publicizing a book.
Lynne Rossetto Kasper
Cookbook Author and Radio Show Host

Lisa Ekus-Saffer's skills as a media trainer should be franchised and shared with all culinary professionals who wish to shine in today's media. She is dynamic, knowledgeable, and connected - a class act!
Raghavan Iyer, CCP
Cooking Instructor and Cookbook Author

You are amazing! The intensely exhilarating day I spent with you will pay off big time. You've given me the confidence, tips, and techniques to face any interview. Many, many thanks.
Judy Bart Kancigor
Cookbook Author

Lisa's friendly and energetic training was a real confidence-booster. I took away a lot of specific pointers for the kind of television I'm going to do. The practice and camera time were invaluable.
Susie Middleton Editor, Fine Cooking Magazine

This class is a "must-take" for chefs that love media and enjoy being in front the camera. It's high energy and lots of fun. A great learning tool!
Billy Strynkowski
Executive Chef, Cooking Light Magazine

The media training course helped me to make that difficult leap from expressing myself on the page to expressing myself efficiently and coherently in an interview. I would have been lost without it.
Amanda Hesser
Food Writer and Cookbook Author

I loved the training and found it valuable in many ways. I was especially helped by learning what skills are necessary to present a real recipe in unreal time and space. ... Having a list of clear-cut goals and message points was key! ... All in all, both Ten Speed Press and I feel that working with Lisa Ekus PR was worth every penny and then some! The book sales have been astronomical, due in no small part to all of you.
Mollie Katzen
Cookbook Author

I want to thank you all for one of the most informative and enjoyable days I've spent in a long time...It was great to be humbled, uplifted, educated and praised in one day! You are VERY good at what you do. It was, is, and will be, invaluable.
Bob Bowersox
QVC Television Host

It was a tremendously positive experience and has given me so much more confidence about my upcoming tour.
Catherine Cassidy
Editor-in-Chief, Taste of Home magazine

Toques off to the Ekus Media Training Course!
Susan Purdy
Cookbook Author

My experience with the media training was nothing short of exceptional...For me, the results have been significant, if not dramatic. Without exception, every media appearance since my Hatfield experience has been extremely positive. No matter the circumstance, my training has allowed me to prevail and put the chocolate passion spin on every appearance.
Marcel Desaulniers
Restaurateur and Cookbook Author

Thank you for an exhausting and exhilarating workout in your fabulous kitchen...Thanks for easing the way.
Mary Ann Esposito
Cookbook Author and Television Host

I cannot put a price on this invaluable experience. I recommend a pilgrimage to Hatfield for anyone anticipating media work, from seasoned professionals looking to fine-tune their talents to novices searching for security in facing the camera or microphone. Fantastic!
Rick Rodgers
Cookbook Author

What a pleasure it is to have finally met and worked with you [Lisa]. Everyone who has ever written a cookbook should have a Media Godmother, and you are ours! The day we spent together was intensive, hard work, and lots of fun. To say we learned something is an understatement. You took two roundish ladies in their sixties and turned them into food show hopefuls in a matter of ours. Any success we have with HEIRLOOM BAKING will be the result of your expert coaching...Thank you for sharing your experience and passion with us.
Marilynn and Sheila Brass ("The Brass Sisters")
Cookbook Authors

I feel focused, trained and motivated. Your vigorous enthusiasm and helpful criticisms [have] given me the savvy to turn events to my (and the book's) favor!
Norman Van Aken
Cookbook Author

The training was awesome. Lisa is gentle, but informative, and a great coach. I learned so much...on many fronts.
Carlyn Berghoff
Restaurateur, Caterer, and Author

Media training was very helpful, informative, exciting, and fun. From defining message points about my new book to learning how to control an interview, the day was wonderful. Everything I expected.
AJ Rathbun
Editor, Author

The training was intense, but just enough. Lisa amazed me constatnly with her insight and suggestions! And, aside from the actual training, the packet of handouts was very informative and will be a great resource for years to come.
Janice Daciuk, MS, RD
Dietician, Healthy Baking Expert

I have done dozens of TV and radio interviews since working with Lisa, and I honestly couldn't have done them without her. She taught me to effectively and smoothly take control of interviews and how to efficiently budget my interview time to get the most out of each segment. If you are serious about your media career, don't even think about doing cooking demonstrations on TV without this kind of training.
Ralph Felder, MD
Physician, Chef, and Author

I finally had the chance to put my media training to use...[during] a four-minute cooking segment on the local CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C. The day that I spent with you back in June made all the difference. The segment went fine with no major glitches...and I even got them to mention [where] the book is sold.
Domenica Marchetti
Cookbook Author

Very helpful!
Mark Miller
Restaurateur, Chef, and Cookbook Author

I was impressed by your professionalism and knowledge.
Eileen Dolente
Executive Producer, Discovery Channel's "Epicurious"

The Ekus Media training session is invaluable. Media drill sergeants par excellence, they are just tough enough, and kind enough, to prepare you for that strange experience called the "media tour." I dub them my media gurus and silently thank them every time the camera starts to roll.
Marie Simmons
Cookbook Author

Your training techniques have been well thought out and are obviously based on years of experience dealing with the media...Let me add that your teamwork and nonstop pace in conducting the training is phenomenal...Thank you for making a tough learning experience enjoyable, and fun, and for sharing with me a whole battery of media tools.
David Ricketts
Cookbook Author

I felt like a sponge soaking in all the expert information, advice, and direction you provided. You packed so much in the day without skipping a beat. You're a real pro.
Kathy Isoldi, MS, RD, CDE
Author

The Media Class you conducted was truly sensational ... I think you orchestrated it in such a fashion that everyone received a lot of excellent and valuable information ... You have really identified a need and found a marvelous way to satisfy it.
Arlene Feltman Sailhac
Cooking School Instructor and Author

What an exciting and professional training I had!
Hiroko Shimbo
Cookbook Author

It was a very full day, but a great experience. I especially appreciated Lisa's positive, non-judgemental attitude.
Debbie Moose
Cookbook Author

The initial impact on me was well beyond my expectations and I can definitely see using the information throughout my career. Thanks again for igniting my "PEF" [Passion, Energy and Fun].
Bill Bradley
Restaurateur and Chef

Thank you so much for all of your training and help. I'm telling you, Lisa, I wouldn't have made it on (or through) without you.
Carla Williams
Cookbook Author

I can't begin to thank you for two very exciting, fun-filled, educational days. The information that I left with is invaluable, and the amount of confidence that I came home with is immeasurable. The learning was in a loving and nurturing environment that enabled me to take in both the complements and criticisms.
Sharon Lebewohl
Restaurateur and Cookbook Author

Steadily and tactfully, you raised my consciousness of my own behavior and brought about a powerful transformation that I could never have achieved on my own...Your media training seminar fosters growth...by helping people express their intrinsic talents in a way that works in the world.
Deborah Friedson Chud, MD
Cookbook Author

Thank you for such a great learning experience. I had heard you were the best, and you lived up to your billing.
John Taxin and David Cunningham
Restaurateur and Chef (respectively)

I think that media training is an experience all first time authors on tour should indeed have.
Melanie Barnard
Cookbook Author

If I were to give the best advice I could think of to a cookbook author about to go on the road, it would be media training! Don't leave home without it.
Mitzi Perdue
Cookbook Author

Without a doubt, I feel much more prepared. It's a must for food service professionals.
Cary Neff
Chef and Cookbook Author

I've been paying a lot more attention to the cooking segments on the local and national morning news shows, and I really feel way ahead of the curve. Thanks so much for all your help and insight.
Jason Girard
Chef and Cookbook Author