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Karen
Villanueva is a publicist specializing in the promotion of authors. She offers both a la carte services and full publicity campaigns including development of press kits and setting up local book events to offering supplemental PR for nationally and internationally best-selling touring authors and setting up full author book tours with advance and support PR.
Moving from Toronto to New Mexico in 1992, she joined the nationally respected SouthWest Writers organization and held various volunteer positions for the SWW organization and conference including Board Member and Public Relations Chair. Also a longtime member of New Mexico Book Association (NMBA), Karen is currently Board member and publicist.
Back History: Karen’s first career in Toronto was in the recording industry where she started as a record shop clerk, became store buyer, and then National Buyer, later called VP of Purchasing, for Canada's second largest record chain. Before leaving the retail area of the recording industry, she received a PolyGram Jacques Cartier Mint "In Appreciation of Your Help" award (for efforts with the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack).
In 1984, Karen was hired as National Publicity Director
for Duke Street Records, Canada, before starting her
own company. During her tenure with Duke Street, they
won national awards for Best Promotion Team and Best
Independent Record Company. Other awards include a
BOSE Award of Excellence presented by her award-winning
clients the Canadian jazz/world music band MANTECA.
In 1987, she was presented with the Canadian Recording
Industry Association Certified Gold Record for
helping the band Chalk Circle reach Gold status for
their record, "Mending Wall." Interested
in expanding her services to include other types of artists,
Karen Williams Personal Publicity Services was launched
in December of 1987. In a few short years, she gained a reputation
as one of Toronto’s top independent publicists.
Having promoted world-class actors; classical, jazz and rock musicians; comedians; figure-skating world champions; television show launches; film PR; and special corporate and city-sponsored events; Karen decided to change focus in Albuquerque to promote authors. Over the years she has worked briefly with Rambo's creator; worked lovingly for Norman Zollinger; has had the pleasure of escorting such name authors as James Lee Burke, Meg Cabot, Susan Vreeland, Sue Monk Kidd and Clive Cussler; and has provided supplemental PR to Stephen Cannell, Donna Eden, and Anne Louise Gittleman, among others. Media placements include: USA Today, CNN, Associated Press, Canada AM, Larry King Live, National Examiner, New York Times, and hundreds more.
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