Publicity Assistant Spotlight: Jessica Netterstrom

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Friday Night Writes! As always, our goal is to shine a spotlight on members of the book community and introduce readers to awesome authors, narrators, event hosts, influencers, and more.

This week, we'd like to introduce our featured guest, publicity assistant Jessica Netterstrom!

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role in the book world?

My name is Jessica, though most people know me as Jess. I’m known on social media as Booktokqutiepie, and I currently work as a Publicity Assistant for author Sadie Hunt and a Publicity Manager for indie author C.W. Smidt.

While I am not an author myself — yet — I play a critical behind-the-scenes role in helping independent authors bring their books to readers. It’s a job I never imagined I’d have, but one that has truly become a dream career.

Can you share a bit about your background and personal life?

I’m a 43-year-old wife and mother of one. My husband is a retired military service member, and we currently live in the Augusta, Georgia area. I was born near Savannah, Georgia and earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I originally planned to pursue a Master’s degree in Marine Science, but life had other plans.

After meeting my husband, we began traveling extensively due to military life, which reshaped my career path in the best way possible.

When did your love of reading begin?

Although I always enjoyed books, I truly became an avid reader once I entered college and began reading purely for enjoyment. That love never faded, and it eventually led me to the indie book community, where I discovered not only incredible stories, but also how much work independent authors take on themselves.

Being part of that process has been incredibly eye-opening and rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about your work with indie authors?

What I enjoy most is helping authors get the word out about their books. There’s nothing quite like hearing that something I did, whether it was marketing, outreach, or reader engagement, made a meaningful impact. Knowing I’m a trusted and critical part of the team is deeply fulfilling.

Tell us about the authors you currently work with.

The two authors I work with write in very different genres.

Sadie Hunt primarily writes dark why-choose romance. Sadie currently has twelve indie-published books, with her most popular to date being Bleed the Shadows. She also has two additional pen names: Michelle St. James, under which she wrote several mafia romances, and Michelle Zink, under which she has a traditionally published YA series.

C.W. Smidt writes YA dystopian fantasy. She currently has one published book, Chaos and Curses, which is also her most popular title. She is actively working on book two in her Shadow and Strength series and a romantic suspense novel (currently untitled).

Both authors are independently published and very happy with that choice.

What can readers look forward to in 2026?

While there are some projects I can’t yet discuss, there’s a lot to be excited about.

Sadie Hunt will be launching Blackwell Hollow, a brand-new series, in March of 2026, followed by Blackwell Hawks in April 2026.

C.W. Smidt will continue work on book two of her YA dystopian fantasy series, along with progressing her romantic suspense project.

Do you have aspirations to become an author yourself?

I like to say that I’m not an author… yet.

My eight-year-old daughter, who has special needs, has expressed a strong desire to write a children’s book about autism and emotional feelings, and she wants my help bringing that story to life.

In addition, I’ve begun outlining my own dark fantasy / romantasy novel. I’ve only started developing these ideas within the last year, but perhaps one day I’ll join the ranks of the authors I currently support.

What are your passions outside of books and publishing?

Outside of reading and writing, my biggest passions are crafting and cooking.

I grew up in a Southern household where the women in my family gathered in the kitchen, so cooking has always been more than a hobby — it’s a tradition and a skill I’ve nurtured. While we were stationed in Spain, I even ran a small cooking business for a time.

As for crafting, while I can’t draw (my sister inherited that talent), I love creating something from nothing — taking random pieces and turning them into something meaningful and beautiful.

What genres or activities do you enjoy recreationally?

In addition to reading, I’ve spent many years enjoying MMORPG-style role-playing games, which I believe has influenced my love of immersive worlds and character-driven stories.

To unwind, I enjoy light exercise, reading, swinging on my porch, and indulging in spa days.

As a reader, what do you gravitate toward?

I prefer series over standalones.

My favorite characters from Sadie Hunt’s books are Neo, Jace, Rafe, and Bram, while my least favorites include Rock, Otis, Jude, and Remy.

From C.W. Smidt’s work, my favorite characters are Lena and Braeden.

My most recent five-star read was Bleed the Shadows by Sadie Hunt.

Can you share a few fun facts about you?

I collect dolphin-themed paraphernalia. I strongly dislike yard work and interacting with rude people. If I were a shifter, I would absolutely be a wolf or a dragon.

Thank you so much for joining us, Jessica! It's been a pleasure chatting with you!

To all of our readers, thanks for spending some time with our guest publicity assistant this week! We hope you've enjoyed this interview! In the meantime, be sure to check out Jessica's links so you can keep up to date with her P.A. journey. Building a better, stronger community is what Friday Night Writes is all about!

Be sure to join us next week when we talk to author Peter Gribble!

See you soon!

The Friday Night Writes Crew

Evie Black & Samantha Moran

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