Interview With Author Steve Turner
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I recently completed my first book, PR THAT WORKS-Real Strategies. Real Campaigns. Real Results. I am an award-winning public relations executive and the owner of Solomon Turner PR in St. Louis, MO. My background includes over 30 years in public relations and marketing communications. I have worked with many celebrities, corporations, and small businesses, including Tony Robbins, Brian Tracy, Steve Forbes, Coldwell Banker, HealthSouth, and Northwestern Mutual. Our firm has been named one of top PR firms in St. Louis for 17 consecutive years by Small Business Monthly. I was named a Rockstar Publicist by Authority and Medium magazine, and won an industry award for best local PR coverage for Daniel Schmitt Classic Cars in 2024. I have served on the board for many nonprofits and assisted with many organizations, such as the YMCA.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I often network with other business owners and PR colleagues. The subject continually turned to books about public relations. Several asked me if any books could offer insights into building a PR campaign: ones that were not expensive, bulky textbooks, or confusing research-based publications. I said I couldn’t think of a title that would meet their needs. So I decided to write one. PR THAT WORKS-Real Strategies. Real Campaigns. Real Results. focuses on the successful strategies we have used over a three-decade career in PR. They are easy to understand and digest. Included are 28 strategies, 14 actual campaigns we have worked on with the results generated, and four interviews with some of the top public relations professionals in the business. It brings a great perspective to any business owner, PR pro, or student who wants more depth and information on the actual art of public relations.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual they are, but I like to start early in the day. I find my best writing occurs early in the morning, well before the busyness of the day kicks in. I will also read a well-written book before I sit down. It’s great to get your mind and your fingers flowing. And, I will let a new chapter sit overnight, then come back to it in the morning to see if it conveys the intended message in the right manner.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of nonfiction, and Shoe Dog by Nike Founder Phil Knight is an excellent memoir. The acclaimed writer J.R. Moehringer was involved in that book, as he was with Spare, written by Prince Harry. Anything Moehringer “ghosts” is going to be good. Bad Blood by John Carreyrou from The Wall Street Journal is excellent. Finally, On Writing Well by William Zinsser is a must for anyone wishing to improve their writing skills.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a second edition of PR THAT WORKS. One that will be more interview-focused with insights from a number of industry leaders.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am in public relations and have promoted other authors, and I can say it isn’t really one thing that gets the book moving. It takes a comprehensive effort to include online promotion, frequent social media postings, podcast interviews, radio and TV interviews, print articles, speaking, guest webinars, personal appearances, and some ads on Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to budget twice as much time to write your book as you may think. It takes a long time to get it altogether and read properly. Also, hire an editor. As good a writer as you may think you are, an experienced editor will give it the extra know-how to turn the book from good to great.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hire an editor and seek outside help to make sure your book reads and looks the way you intend it to be.
What are you reading now?
The Snowball: Warren Buffett and The Business of Life.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As mentioned, the next edition of PR THAT WORKS and perhaps one or two after that to continue the series.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring the Bible-Old Testament, since I am a writer and would think I would be writing again- On Writing Well, and something on solitude, hope, and fulfillment.
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