Have you ever dreamed of publishing the Great American Novel but don’t know where to begin? How do you start writing? How do you navigate the publishing process? And, in today’s crowded market, how do you ensure your book stands out? Is it even worth pursuing?

To answer these questions, I sat down with industry veteran Lynda M. O’Connor, co-owner of O’Connor Communications, who has been a trusted expert in the publishing and public relations world for over 30 years.

Lynda’s journey began as a teacher before launching a successful PR career at Edelman Public Relations in Chicago. Before joining O’Connor Communications in 1993, she spent eight years managing special projects, events, and publicity for the Chicago International Film Festival. During her tenure, she worked closely with legendary directors and stars, such as Sophia Loren, Martin Scorsese, Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, James Earl Jones, and Dennis Hopper, ensuring their visits to Chicago were memorable and impactful.

Her expertise extends beyond the silver screen—she has a passion for working with authors, offering the personalized support they need to achieve success. From arranging interviews and book tours to consulting on strategies to make their work shine, Lynda is deeply committed to helping writers build their careers.

Lynda’s portfolio also includes conducting publicity for the Field Museum of Natural History’s $20 million fundraising campaign and co-founding the Children’s Legal Clinic, where she served as publicity director.

When she’s not helping authors achieve their dreams, you can find Lynda on the tennis court, hitting the golf course, reading, or whipping up unique dishes in the kitchen. A graduate of the University of Southern California, Lynda takes immense pride in delivering exceptional results and maintaining strong relationships with her clients throughout their campaigns.

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