“Michael Taeckens is more than a publicist. He is a wizard, a life coach, a best friend, a maker of worlds. I have never experienced anything like the energy and professionalism of this man. And my career hadn’t either. Michael is worth much more than he charges—and I don’t like to spend money, so that means something. Doors sprung open that I had not even dared knock on before. His thoughtfulness and kindness were deeply touching. I can confess: when our contract for my latest book ended, I wept. Though eight hardcover printings made me feel better. I will never again go out with a new book without Michael guiding me.”

“Michael Taeckens is an extraordinary publicist—smart, tireless, and highly effective. He’s also wonderful to work with. I can’t sing his praises loudly enough to do him justice.”

“Michael Taeckens is simply extraordinary at bringing books to their broadest possible readerships. He’s passionate, intelligent, and committed—he brings an incredible array of skills into singular chorus. I watched my own book turn into a minor phenomenon under his careful curatorial skill and magical midwifery; it was nothing short of astounding. I was able to see what ‘buzz’ really means, and how it can work on behalf of a book—I felt Michael cultivating and sustaining a steady groundswell of excitement. He’s truly a tireless advocate, fueled by genuine passion and seasoned by years of experience. He works from the heart, for books he believes in, and I felt the impact of his work on deep levels—not just as a writer but as a human being.”

—Leslie Jamison, author of the New York Times bestsellers The Empathy Exams and The Recovering

“Michael Taeckens is by far one of the most hardworking and dedicated people I know. Because of his thoughtful diligence, my book not only reached the masses in America, but created a seismic impact worldwide, including my home country of Jamaica. Not only did he take the time to groom me as a new author, prepping me for interviews and panels, but he made sure that my book got into the right hands. I never expected such an exceptional launch. My book made every major list there was, and is still being listed; and as a result, publishers abroad and Amazon Studios paid attention. I’m beyond grateful to him for being instrumental in the takeoff of my literary career.”

—Nicole Dennis-Benn, author of the New York Times Notable Here Comes the Sun

“Having Michael in your corner is an invaluable boon that continues long after the release of a book, and I now can’t imagine making an important literary decision without him. His wisdom is topped only by his humanity, which is profound. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t refer to him with deep respect; his name doesn’t come up without all agreeing that there’s no one who accomplishes what he does with that level of thoughtful consideration. I feel so blessed to have had his particular grace and gravitas associated with my book. ”

—Mary-Louise Parker, author of the New York Times bestseller Dear Mr. You

“Michael takes on books he feels strongly about, and then he applies a unique blend of passion, experience, and personal relationships gained over years. He understands his audience–I’ve been told by numerous editors that when he sends them a book, they pay attention because he knows what they are drawn to. And he understands the business. He created an enormous buzz about Geek Sublime that I’d never expected, that I’m still amazed by. Working with Michael has been an absolute pleasure.”

—Vikram Chandra, author of the New York Times Notable Geek Sublime

“Michael Taeckens is passionate about the books he loves, and I cannot overstate how far that goes in such a passion-fueled industry. He was an instrumental part of the team that put Water for Elephants on the map—landing coverage on NPR and in the New York Times Book Review, People, USA Today, the New Yorker, Entertainment Weekly, and much more—and for that, I’ll be forever grateful. He is an exceptionally talented, well-connected publicist who is also such a stand-up guy you can’t help but love him.”

—Sara Gruen, author of the New York Times bestseller Water for Elephants

“If Michael Taeckens were a book he would be a bestseller, and not a trashy bestseller, but a classic—one that makes us all glad that a truly worthy book is getting the attention it deserves. He’s the kind of publicist who gets the kind of book you have written and doesn’t just have a cookie-cutter formula for how to get your book into the hands of readers. As a reluctant public persona myself, Michael made me eager to participate in my books’ promotion. I felt I had my front, back, and all sides covered. He’s sensitive, easy to work with, very smart, supportive, and oh-so-elegant. In fact, he snows your hosts before you even get there, and then disappears, convincing everyone that YOU are the star. But he is!”

—Julia Alvarez, author of Saving the World and How the García Girls Lost Their Accents

“What debut novelist gets NPR’s All Things Considered, People, and USA Today—to name just a few—all in the first week of publication? This one did, thanks to the pied piping of Michael Taeckens. When he believes in a book, he believes, and the press knows it and follows eagerly where he leads. Michael is a treasure on so many levels. I can’t wait to work with him again.”

—Hillary Jordan, author of Mudbound

“I can’t count the number of times a producer or reporter has said to me, ‘The fabulous Michael Taeckens sent me your book, and I know that anything he sends me will be wonderful.’ Michael is not only savvy about media and publicity, he’s also charming and charismatic, and he’s built a vast network of people in the publishing and media world who know him, trust him, and adore him. Four of my books have been New York Times bestsellers, and I give Michael a great deal of the credit for that success. People constantly ask me how I manage to get such great media coverage and publicity for my books, and I just shrug and say, ‘Michael.’”

—Amy Stewart, author of the New York Times bestsellers Flower Confidential and Wicked Plants

“Michael Taeckens is, simply put, the best publicist in the business. He turned my domestic, suburban novel into a New York Times bestseller. Michael is wise about the book industry, supportive of his authors, funny, kind, and a terrific listener. He placed reviews for my novel everywhere, from The Wall Street Journal to People. He convinced Stephen King to appear on stage with me! Honestly, the best part of publishing my next novel will be the chance to work with him again.”

—Lauren Grodstein, author of the New York Times bestseller A Friend of the Family

“I credit a large part of my success to the creativity and brilliance of Michael Taeckens, who helped pave my road to New York Times bestsellerdom. I challenge you to find anyone in the industry, from authors to reviewers, to booksellers, who has anything less than great things to say about him. Michael’s not only a superstar publicist, but a true champion of books.”

—Jonathan Evison, author of the New York Times bestseller West of Here

“Michael Taeckens is the best advocate a writer could have. He is knowledgeable about the business, relentless in his efforts, and he is a joy to work with. Do yourself a favor: hire him!”

—Laila Lalami, author of Secret Son and Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits

“When I told other authors about the cyclone of national publicity Michael was able to churn up for my debut book, they said, ‘No one in publishing does that anymore.’ My response was, ‘Well, you haven’t met Michael.’ What struck me was the genuine fondness journalists, book reviewers, and radio producers had for him as a human being. They sensed, as did I, that he got behind a book not because it was a job, but because deep in his heart he believed in it.”

– Ariel Sabar, author of My Father’s Paradise, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award