Jessica Jonap is a veteran of the publishing industry for more than 25 years, creating strategic, custombook publicity campaigns for a diverserange of authors. While developing collaborative relationships with her clients, she works closely with publishers and writers around the world on a wide range of titles across genres, including parenting, wellness, education, science, pop culture and reference.
Recent projects include memoir and topical non-fiction by the Emmy-nominated creator of The New Adventures of Old Christine, Kari Lizer; acclaimed environmental journalist, Beth Gardiner and James Beard award-winner, Elissa Altman. As the designated publicist for the New York Times bestselling author, Harriet Lerner, PhD., Jessica spearheaded campaigns for THE MOTHER DANCE and THE DANCE OF CONNECTION. Supporting female voices outside of publishing, Jessica is a member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), aleadership organization that includes thousands of diverse and accomplished women worldwide. In addition, she served as a mentor for the Strong Women Strong Girls’ “Mentor-to-Mentor” program, empowering young women by providing role models.
Jessica has also publicized many health and psychology books in past years, including AN EMOTIONAL EDUCATION and THINKING & EATING, lead titles fromThe School of Life, a renowned global organization and publisher, as well as DIABETES RISING and SMARTER by NewYork Times science contributor, Dan Hurley. Jessica has worked with literary organizations across the country, including The Miami Book Fair, the nation’s premier literary festival,where shewas part of the programming team for several years, arranging events for distinguished authors such as Derek Walcott, Wally Lamb, Terry McMillan, and hundreds more.She collaborated with organizations including PEN America, Ashoka and foreign consulates across the globe, creating panel discussions with Book Fair authors, and alsoarranged a booksigningevent with The Rock bottom Remainders–a rock band comprised of bestselling writers Dave Barry, Amy Tan, Mitch Albom and others–followed by a live concert performance for attendees.
In the early part of her career at Pocket Books (Simon & Schuster) and HarperCollins Publishers, Jessica orchestrated the publicity launch of Gregory Maguire’s, WICKED, which was later made into the blockbuster Broadway musical. In addition, she publicized three of Olivia Goldsmith’s titles, including the paperback of THE FIRST WIVES CLUB, which was adapted into a popular movie. After moving from New York to Miami and establishing JJPR, Jessica was retained as the sole publicist for the Random Houses Reference & Information Group, publicizing the imprint’s diverse range of titles for several consecutive seasons.A lifelong photography enthusiast, Jessica coordinated gallery exhibitions and receptions coinciding with book releases for several authors. She also created national book publicity campaigns for renowned photographers, including Ellen von Unwerth, Michel Comte and Jean-Baptiste Mondino.
Jessica has been a guest speaker for literary organizations, including The Center at Miami-Dade College, where she presented a two-part Book Publicity 101 workshop. A self-described tropical New Yorker, she lives in Miami Beach with her family.