By Lola Beth on July 28, 2024
Tampa Bay, FL – In the vibrant city of New Port Richey, just north of Tampa, Florida, Chelsea DeVries is making waves in the world of book and music publicity. As the owner of The Smart Cookie Philes, Chelsea has been helping authors and musicians build their brand awareness and reach their target audiences since 2016.
Chelsea’s journey into the world of publicity began with her lifelong love of reading and writing. A self-proclaimed bibliophile, she has been writing professionally since the age of 14, winning numerous book awards along the way, including the 2023 American Writing Award for Poetry for her collection Sticks and Stones: Full Story Edition.
Her passion for the written word, marketing, and desire to help others led her to create The Smart Cookie Philes, a unique business that combines book and music publicity with coaching services for indie authors.
“I’ve always felt like I wanted to help people,” Chelsea explains.
Her fascination with celebrity culture as a teenager inspired her to work alongside creative individuals, ultimately leading her to the field of publicity. “I wanted to make a difference in the industry, so that people feel like they have an ally or a friend. That’s why I wanted to become a publicist so that I can help people feel protected in their brand image or how they want to be expressed and not feel like they’re being judged.”
What sets Chelsea apart from other publicists and coaches is her personalized, individualized approach. Understanding the financial constraints often faced by indie authors, she works diligently to provide services that are reasonable for her clients’ budgets. This flexibility has allowed her to work with a diverse range of clients from all over the country and even internationally.
One of Chelsea’s most significant experiences came early in her career when she was chosen to be part of Rachel Platten’s Wildfire Tour crew in Orlando. This opportunity ignited a fire within her, strengthening her determination to succeed in the industry despite any challenges she might face.
Beyond her publicity work, Chelsea is committed to giving back to the community. Through her Cookies For A Cause merchandise line, she supports various charities related to literacy, advocacy, and mental health. One notable design, the Reading is Rad tote bag, benefits Adopt a Classroom, helping teachers fund their classrooms without having to pay for supplies out of pocket.
When she’s not busy empowering authors and musicians, Chelsea enjoys watching skateboarding at the local skatepark, finding inspiration in the athletes’ dedication and skill. She also provides media coverage for Tampa Pro, an international contest for professional skaters held annually at the Skatepark of Tampa.
Chelsea’s advice for those seeking a publicist or coach is simple yet profound: “Work with somebody that you trust that also shows knowledge in various areas of the industry. Look at the different clients they’ve worked with and if you feel comfortable talking with them. You need to have a really strong relationship with whoever you choose to be your publicist.”
As The Smart Cookie Philes continues to grow, Chelsea remains committed to her tagline, “Espresso Yourself,” encouraging her clients to authentically share their stories and music with the world. With her passion, expertise, and personalized approach, Chelsea DeVries is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of book and music publicity, making a positive impact on the creative community one client at a time.
Website: thesmartcookiephiles.com
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