Plymouth, MI, USA – August 24, 2026 – A self-published author with no agent, no traditional publisher, almost no social media presence, and virtually no marketing budget has demonstrated how grassroots publicity can propel a book to extraordinary heights.
Allen Levi, a former lawyer, judge, and singer-songwriter from Georgia, was nearly 70 when he completed his debut novel, Theo of Golden. He originally wrote the book as a personal challenge with no intention of publishing it. Encouraged by friends, Levi and his niece self-published the novel in 2023.
Instead of launching an expensive advertising campaign, they relied on intentional, grassroots publicity by reaching out to personal networks, churches, book clubs, libraries, and Facebook groups; building a simple website; responding personally to reader emails; and steadily encouraging word-of-mouth recommendations.
The results were remarkable. Initial sales of a few thousand copies continued to grow as media attention and reader enthusiasm increased. Oprah featured Levi, Simon & Schuster acquired the book, and Theo of Golden went on to sell millions of copies, appear in more than 40 languages, and reach bestseller lists around the world.
Tom Hanks is now in talks to star in and produce the Warner Bros. film adaptation.
“The story serves as a powerful example of what effective publicity can do for a first-time author with no industry connections,” says book publicist, Scott Lorenz of Westwind Book Marketing. “The success did not begin with a massive advertising budget or influencer campaign. It began with consistent outreach that connected the book with readers. Those readers became advocates, creating momentum that led to extraordinary opportunities.”
A great book needs readers. But first, readers need to know the book exists.
• Publicity creates awareness.
• Awareness creates discovery.
• Discovery creates readers.
• Readers can then create momentum that carries a book far beyond an author’s expectations.
For more than 30 years, Scott Lorenz has helped authors secure media coverage, increase visibility, and connect with readers. The success of Theo of Golden reinforces the importance of making publicity a core part of every author’s marketing strategy. A great book is only the beginning. Getting it in front of the right audiences through media exposure, relationships, and strategic outreach gives it the opportunity to succeed.
The story also delivers an encouraging message to independent authors who may believe self-publishing limits their opportunities.
The bottom line says Lorenz, “Theo of Golden demonstrates that a self-published author can compete at the highest levels of publishing. The right publicity campaign can help books gain visibility, attract readers, generate reviews, secure media coverage, interest publishers, and sometimes even attract Hollywood attention.”
Lorenz concluded, “I am so happy for Levi and his niece and all of their success. They have done a terrific job in making this book all that it can be. They are an inspiration to self-published authors everywhere.”
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator – A Proven System in Naming Your Book (www.BookTitleGenerator.net). His newest book for Christian authors is called Book Title Bible: How to Name Your Christian Book with Faith and Inspiration.
Media Contact
Company Name: Westwind Communications Book Marketing
Contact Person: Scott Lorenz
Email: Send Email
Phone: 734-667-2090
Country: United States
Website: https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com
