For our 2024 blog series, we’re highlighting industry professionals to find out more about their time in the book world. Follow along for insight on what catches a reviewer’s interest, things to avoid when pitching a media outlet, what librarians are searching for and more.
Today, we’re chatting with Asha Dahya, the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of GirlTalkHQ.com.
- As someone who hears about A LOT of books, what makes one stand out to you?
The story! It’s all about the story, and how a book is written into a pitch email. I am particularly drawn to stories that feature marginalized lead characters, especially young women of color, because they often don’t get to be the lead (typically). I also love reading books that are set in different parts of the world, but have a universal appeal in terms of the themes. It’s a great way for a book to be relatable while also having the ability to educate or enlighten readers about a different culture or country.
- What’s the worst thing an author (or publicist!) can do in telling you about a book they’d like you to consider for coverage?
Not include crucial details about the main characters or plot points. Hook me in immediately! I also think it’s important for publicists to tailor a pitch to the platform you are targeting. Generic pitches may not always work, so for instance if you know GirlTalkHQ amplifies the stories of women, pull on that thread in your pitch.
- What makes your job easier?
Press packets that include an author’s bio and headshot, a blurb about the book that can be copied and adapted easily for article text, and any info in the body of an email that reads like the first few sentences of an article potentially. Tell me a story IN your pitch! I also LOVE seeing press kits that have a pre-done Q&A with the author because it gives even more background info I can use in a review or article, or when writing up my own questions for an interview.
- What’s the most memorable (or maybe funniest) pitch that’s ever come your way?
I have always been an avid reader of fiction books especially. I love escapism! Anything with a great story, no matter the genre, that will keep me hooked, is worth gold. I didn’t necessarily have plans to work in the book world specifically, but it is a really exciting part of my job as editor of GirlTalkHQ that we can use our platform to amplify so many wonderful books and authors. At a time when books are becoming increasingly politicized through book bans for certain topics or themes, I am proud to be able to offer a space to push back on this. Books enrich our lives for the better.
- Did you always know you wanted to be involved in the book world?
Yeah! Every single job I’ve had in my life has been books in some way or another, it just makes sense somehow. Bookseller, librarian, author/media escort/driver for book events, book festival coordinator…the list goes on.
- What is your most recommended book and why?
Instead of one particular book, I can recommend 2 authors who I absolutely love – Rachel Howell Hall and Brit Bennett. Read any of their books and you will NOT be disappointed.
- What is a book that surprised you recently?
I only read non-fiction on certain occasions, but I recently read Naomi Klein’s ‘Doppelgänger’ and it was so compelling and eye-opening. She did a brilliant job of storytelling, through her personal experience, while also expertly weaving in a timeline about the rise of right-wing extremism over the past 10 years. It was fascinating, horrifying, and engaging.
- What is your favorite part about working in the book community?
Getting to learn about how many authors bring their own personal experience into their stories. So many books and great stories come about from a lived experience, and then become fascinating insights into our world, or into a world which we may not have considered or known about previously. I also really appreciate a lot of the vulnerability many authors show in their characters, which at times is drawn from their own vulnerabilities. Through these characters we can find strength to look at our own vulnerabilities not as weaknesses but a part of what makes us all interesting, complex, flawed and nuanced people. I love the way books, stories and characters can hold up a mirror to ourselves and the world, allowing for greater understanding and empathy.
Ellen Whitfield is senior publicist at Books Forward, an author publicity and book marketing firm committed to promoting voices from a diverse variety of communities. From book reviews and author events, to social media and digital marketing, we help authors find success and connect with readers.
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