Introducing Jodi Hockinson--Publisher, Author, Voice Actor, Producer
Soon it became obvious to me that Jodi is a multi-talented author of fiction and nonfiction publications. I soon learned that she makes excellent trailers (promotional videos) for books. As she and I continued to work together, I discovered she has a vast amount of knowledge about publishing and electronic production. Her educational background is astonishing. She makes few errors in whatever she does and always has a positive attitude. On the other hand, she tactfully points out the mistakes I make. Every writer needs someone like Jodi!
Jodi has a rare combination of qualities, both personal and professional. She is always pleasant, always enthusiastic, friendly, and ambitious to succeed. She has a high standard of quality. Jodi always looks on the positive side. It is my pleasure to share her with you here in the Collard Patch. If you are a writer, you'll be amazed to find a small, but rapidly growing publisher, who is willing to look at the submissions of authors working in various genres. If you enjoy reading or listening, you'll delight in the various trailers she has produced, which are entertaining simply to watch.
Here is an interview in which she tells about her business.
What is Southeast Media Productions?
Southeast Media Productions is a video production and book publishing company located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
What is your website address (URL)?
What is your physical address?
401 E. Louther St., Suite 216, Carlisle, PA, 17013
What services do you offer?
Locally, we offer video production and podcast services. This can be anything from a video trailer to a broadcast commercial, promotion video, instructional video or even a documentary.
Nationally, we offer book publishing services - that's my department! We are a zero-investment publisher. As an author myself, I understand the need to focus on writing, and not on all of the other things needed to get a book published. When we accept a manuscript for publication, we work on editing, cover design, Kindle layout, paperback interior layout, and even a video trailer as well as posting a dedicated author page.
How long have you been publishing books?
Wow - I had self-published my first book back in 1998 and kept going from there! Over the years, I have published 7 books that are currently in print. We started adding on additional authors early in 2019. I'm honored to say that Mary Lou Cheatham was the first one!
You say you do traditional publishing. Why do you consider yourself a traditional publisher?
We don't require any investment from the author in order to publish. We publish through Amazon, which offers a print-on-demand service. Once we enter into a publishing agreement with an author, we edit, layout the interior and design the covers for a professional, quality product that can be ordered as a Kindle or paperback through Amazon or through expanded distribution (depending on trim size).
We understand how much work the author has done to get to the finished manuscript. After writing that manuscript, there is still a ton of work to be done, and that's what we're here to do.
How do you get paid?
We keep one-half of the royalties paid by Amazon. The author gets the other half.
What are some of the unique benefits for a writer publishing with your company?
Although anyone can self-publish through Amazon, there are a lot of benefits to using our company.
- No charge for professional editing and proof-reading
- No charge for professional cover design
- No charge for videos made with stock footage and images
- More time to spend on writing
- You can promote your book any way you like
What types of books do you publish?
We are open to works of all genres. We have published special interest diet books (for gout and ulcerative colitis), tutorials, self-help, poetry, and an assortment of novels from historical fiction to fantasy, to cozy murder mystery, and even a suspense thriller.
Who are some of the authors who have published through Southeast Media Productions?
- Dallas Monroe
- Mary Lou Cheatham
- Jonni Rich
- Lyn Morgan
- Debi King
- Stephanie Basco Sullivan
- Larry Jorgensen
- Stormy Chalmers
- Jodi Hockinson
We provide some publicity, such as posting in our newsletters and on Facebook, and we create a professional video trailer that is provided to the author. We also create a dedicated author page that the author may use as a media kit page. Since there are a lot of ways the author can promote via social media that are low cost, we leave that to the author. In addition, we continuously conduct assorted promotions via YouTube, Amazon, etc. We also provide a podcast interview for our authors, also free of charge.
Besides publishing books, what else do you do?
I write, play piano, exercise, host a podcast show, and work as an audience development specialist for a B2B publishing group.
What are your long range goals in the publishing business?
My goal is to reach 200 authors - and when we reach that goal, we'll set a new one!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Houston, Texas. I was surrounded by elegant, southern ladies who always had a smile. I still say that Texas has the most polite people I know.
Where did you go to college?
I have three degrees - a BA in social sciences/history from Thomas Edison State University in New Jersey, an AA in liberal arts through Polk State College in Florida, and an AS as a dietetic technician, registered, through Central Arizona College. I also attended USF (in Florida) and Chaffey College (in California). I am a CDM (Certified Dietary Manager) and NDTR (Nutrition and Dietetics Technion Registered), as well as CFPP(Certified Food Protection Professional).
When did you become interested in writing, publishing, and voice acting?
I wanted to write ever since I can remember! I grew up in a Methodist family, and sang in the church choir since I was in kindergarten. I performed in musical productions at least twice a year, often playing leading roles. I also attended the High School of Performing and Visual Arts in Houston. I always loved singing and performing, so it seemed natural when the opportunity arose to begin narrating and recording voice-overs. Publishing became a new love - I have great fun in copy editing and project management, so publishing, for me, is the perfect outlet.
What are the various subjects you have studied and how do these help you in your publishing business?
I have studied nutrition, which has been instrumental in my special interest diet books (so far, gout and ulcerative colitis). I have also studied history, public speaking, social sciences, literature, ethics and mass communications. I have interned as a newspaper reporter and as a dietetic technician, registered. I also once worked as a weather anchor. I feel like anything I read, learn or experience helps increase my understanding of the publishing business and my role within it.
How does your husband help with your publishing business?
My husband, Craig, has years of video production experience, dating back to the days of linear editing, which could be excruciating! He has always been supportive in helping me achieve my goals, and he is constantly helping out with video and still shots, artistic design, and even as a sounding board for ideas.
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