Join the Books Forward Family

You spent years honing your craft and writing your book, and now it’s time to share your writing with the world. That can be a lonely, intimidating and frustrating experience. When you join the Books Forward family, you are part of a team dedicated to success! We become your advocates and help you navigate this wild world of book publishing and promotion.

We really get to know you and embrace your goals as our own. With decades of experience, our team helps you make informed choices and set attainable objectives for your book and author brand. Whether an author is a New York Times bestseller, celebrity or debut novelist, we support you on your journey to the next level.

“They were always helpful and somehow you got the feeling that you were the only author they were working with.”

—Charles Salzberg, author of the two-time Shamus Award nominated Henry Swann detective novel series, and winner of the Beverly Hills Book Award

We work with clients who share our commitment to integrity.

Let’s be honest – the publishing industry is tough and fiercely competitive. Getting your book into the right hands begins with choosing the right path. Our authors are committed to persevering through the challenging journey, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Doesn’t your book deserve to launch with experts who set the bar in the industry?

Just like the rest of the book industry, book publicity and marketing are ever-changing. We strive to give your book its very best chance to be seen and read by the world’s readers. With a team comprised of several former journalists, we know how to find an eye-catching hook that will be irresistible to media and readers alike. We bring a newsroom work ethic to our campaigns – a reporter can’t come back at the end of the day without a story, and we won’t end our day until we share yours.

Meet the Team

A group of passionate professionals dedicated to results, our team is made up of publicity experts, book industry insiders and award-winning journalists whose combined talents and knowledge maximize the effectiveness of each campaign.

Marissa DeCuir

President and Partner

Ellen Whitfield

Vice President

E. W. Martin

Executive Administrator

Jenn Vance

Marketing Director

Angelle Barbazon

Lead Publicist

Jackie Karneth

Senior Publicist

Layne Mandros

Publicist & Digital Marketing Strategist

Simone Jung

Publicist & Social Media Strategist

Corrine Pritchett

Publicist & Digital Marketing Strategist

Brittany Kennell

Digital Marketing Strategist

I love working with Books Forward. Everyone is passionate about their authors’ books, friendly, savvy and intelligent. They have good connections, work hard for their clients, and take time to add a personal touch to their work, something that is rare. Working with them makes book promotion so much easier and far more effective. I’ve been impressed with everything they’ve done for me.

— Cheryl Rainfield
Author of Scars, a #1 American Library Association Top 10 Quick Pick