Who is Martha Bullen?

Martha Bullen has loved books since she first learned to read, so she feels fortunate to have been able to build a career around her passion for reading and writing. Martha has worked in the publishing industry for over 30 years in a wide variety of roles, and enjoys mentoring and guiding new and experienced authors and publishers on their publishing journey.

After graduating summa cum laude from Carleton College with a B.A. in English (which included a life-changing year abroad at Durham University in the U.K.), she began her career as a copywriter and marketing assistant at Scott, Foresman and Company, where she wrote back cover copy and press releases for over 100 professional and trade books.

Martha went on to work as marketing manager at Chicago trade publisher Bonus Books (best known for publishing Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka’s bestselling autobiography).

Martha founded her consulting company, Bullen Publishing Services, 30 years ago. She has gained great satisfaction from guiding hundreds of authors through the writing, publishing and book marketing process. Martha calls her work “a continuous liberal arts education” because as well as sharing her own knowledge, she is always learning something new from her clients.

Martha previously worked as the publishing and book marketing coach for Steve Harrison’s Quantum Leap program, as a publicity consultant for The National Publicity Summit, and as managing editor of The Bestseller Blueprint program with Jack Canfield.

Martha coauthored three books with Darcie Sanders, including Staying Home: From Full-time Professional to Full-time Parent and Turn Your Talents into Profits. She and Darcie appeared on “The Today Show,” “The Early Show,” “Roseanne,” CNN, PBS, NPR and many other TV and radio shows. Her books have been featured in Time, The New York Times, USA Weekend, Working Woman, Ms. and Parents.

Martha is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association and the Nonfiction Authors Association and is a Writers Boon Recommended book marketing expert. She is available to speak to community groups, authors and publishers, professionals and entrepreneurs who are looking for expert advice on navigating the publishing process and learning proven strategies for effective book marketing and publicity.