Exploring Life & Business with Tyler Bertola of Era Entertainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Bertola

Hi Tyler, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Nashville, I always thought I’d end up in film. Storytelling was in my blood, but I imagined myself behind the scenes of a production set, shaping narratives in a visual medium. Then life took a wild left turn. Instead of film, my journey led me through unexpected chapters—living in Los Angeles, New York, a quiet farm in South Georgia, and even France. Each place shaped me, deepening my understanding of storytelling and how it connects people across cultures and industries.

I took an unconventional path into publishing—I’m a college dropout. I knew early on that I learned best by doing, not by sitting in a classroom. Instead of studying theory, I wanted to be in the middle of the work, gaining hands-on experience. That mindset led me to agenting, where I quickly discovered my passion—not just for books, but for the business of publishing. I never wanted to be in the spotlight, but I loved being in the conversation. I loved hearing people’s stories, understanding what drove them, and helping bring their vision to life. And just as much as I loved the creative side, I fell in love with the art of the deal—the strategy, the negotiation, the challenge of securing the best possible terms for my authors. There’s nothing more rewarding than advocating for a writer and making sure they get not just a book deal, but the right deal.

I believe that human connection is the foundation of publishing. When an author feels supported, they write better books, and when their story is told with authenticity, readers connect with it in a way that lasts. In 2023, I moved to Austin, and by 2025, after parting ways with the agency where I started my career, I finally launched my own. With Era Entertainment, my goal is simple: to foster those connections, to stand behind the authors I believe in, and to help them build careers that are not only successful but deeply fulfilling—both creatively and financially.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to building Era Entertainment hasn’t been easy. It’s been shaped by struggle, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief that we could create something bigger than ourselves. Becoming a mother at a very young age wasn’t something I planned for, and it completely shifted the course of my life. My husband and I started out in a tiny one-bedroom apartment, with barely two nickels to rub together. We had big dreams but little security, and there were moments when survival was the only goal.

One month, we put everything we had into starting my husband’s company, pouring every last cent into building something that we hoped would provide for our future. But for a while, that meant not knowing where our next meal would come from. We lived on rice and beans, buttered noodles—whatever we could afford. There were no safety nets, just faith that we could push through. Those early struggles, the uncertainty, and the sacrifices shaped the way I approach everything in business today. I know what it means to build something from nothing, to take risks even when the odds aren’t in your favor. That’s why I fight so hard for my authors—I know what it means to bet on yourself and need someone in your corner, advocating for your success.

The biggest challenge I’ve faced isn’t the industry, the financial struggles, or even the sacrifices—it’s been self-doubt. Before announcing my company, I had to talk myself off the ledge more times than I can count. I believe in my abilities so deeply that I sometimes worry I’m missing something, that I’m not seeing the full picture. Imposter syndrome? Absolutely. Overconfidence? Sometimes. Finding the balance between the two has been my greatest challenge.

There’s a fine line between trusting yourself and questioning whether you’re just blindly leaping into the unknown. I’ve had to learn that doubt doesn’t mean I’m not capable—it means I care. It means I’m thinking critically, pushing myself to grow, and making sure I’m doing right by the authors who trust me with their careers. Confidence and caution can coexist, and finding that balance has become just as important to me as building this company. Era Entertainment wasn’t born out of fear—it was built on resilience, experience, and a relentless belief that stories, and the people who tell them, deserve to be fought for.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Era Entertainment?
Era Entertainment is a literary agency and publishing house dedicated to empowering authors at every stage of their journey. Whether through traditional representation or publishing with Era Books, we provide the expertise, strategy, and support needed to bring stories to life. Our agency represents dynamic voices across various genres, securing book deals and managing rights with a deep understanding of the industry. On the publishing side, Era Books offers a streamlined, high-quality process that blends the best of traditional and independent publishing—ensuring that authors retain creative control while reaching wide audiences.

At Era Entertainment, we believe every powerful story deserves to be told with integrity and impact. Our mission is to bridge the gap between authors and readers, providing a publishing experience that prioritizes quality, efficiency, and strategic marketing. Whether an author chooses traditional representation or the publishing path with Era Books, we are committed to helping them navigate the industry and build lasting careers in an ever-evolving literary landscape.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I spend so much of my time consuming books, industry news, and pop culture that when I listen to podcasts, it’s actually my way of shutting my brain off. I tend to gravitate toward things that let me unwind rather than add more to my mental load. That being said, I love staying current on publishing trends, marketing strategies, and the evolving media landscape, so I keep an eye on what’s happening in those spaces as well. When I do listen to something more industry-focused, it’s usually podcasts that touch on publishing, storytelling, or marketing—anything that helps me stay ahead of the curve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eraentertainment.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eraentertainmentagency/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eraent