Julie Schoerke Gallagher

“Simply put, Julie is a publisher’s, bookseller’s, and author’s best friend.” – Charles Ghigna, author of Father Goose

“The team Julie has assembled emulates her amazing work ethic, her ‘never say never’ attitude, and her ability to open doors for authors in creative, professional, and unconventional ways.” – Sandra Brannan, author of the two-time Indie Next Pick winning Liv Bergen Mystery Series

Envisioning a world in which readers have access to larger and more diverse literary offerings, Julie founded JKS Communications (the umbrella organization of Books Forward) in 2000, specializing in developing winning book publicity campaigns for authors and publishers.

With more than 30 years in public relations, she watched the industry transform dramatically. She and Marissa DeCuir steered the firm to stay ahead of the rest of the industry, blazing new trails, which resulted in specific divisions that most support and promote our authors: Books Forward for publicity and marketing, and a sister company Books Fluent for indie book publishing support.

Julie has been on the forefront of industry trends, being among the first to work with book bloggers, to produce and creatively distribute book trailers, and to secure book sales reporting for indie authors to hit bestseller lists. But it’s her infectious smile, always-positive attitude and die-hard support that welcomes authors into the Books Forward family.

Julie is frequently interviewed on radio and literary blogs, and asked to speak before audiences of all sizes. Most recently invited by the Atlanta Writers Conference, She Writes Press retreat, The Seymour Literary Agency’s Winter Escape in the Bahamas, The University of Chicago, Sarah Lawrence College, Decatur Book Festival and James River Writing Conference, among others throughout the United States, her advice and ideas for promoting books are endless, current and inventive.