Author: Jennifer Vance

Jennifer Vance is a 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. Interested in what's possible for your book sales and building readership? Check out our services, tell us your goals, and get a customized publicity campaign tailored just for you.

June 2025: Books Forward Authors in the Media

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

What can we say, Books Forward authors are always going, going, going! We’re excited to feature some of our authors and their recent media wins for June 2025.

Interviews

  • Trauma Survivor Thriver: “From Silence to Strength: My 70-Year Journey to Healing,” an interview with Babs Walters
  • LGBTQ Reads: Authors in Conversation: CL Montblanc and Jamie D’Amato
  • DNA Angels: “A DNA Surprise, a Memoir, and Long-Lost Family Next Door,” an interview with Julie Ryan McGue
  • Crimespree: Interview with Jeremy D. Baker
  • Women Writers, Women’s Books: Authors Interviewing Characters: Elizabeth Harlan
  • Big Blend Radio: “Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun” and interview with author Judith Lissauer Cromwell
  • Tavis Smiley Show: Interview with Dr. Ingrid Waldron
  • Immigrantly: “Autopsies, Fame, and Scandal: Inside the Life of Thomas Noguchi,” an interview with Anne Soon Choi
  • We Don’t Die: “What My Brother Knew – A Journey Through Grief & Afterlife with Kristina Amelong”
  • KATU: An interview with Shavuan Scott, author of Nightbird

Excerpts/Readings Lists

  • Goodreads: “Hot Ones: Readers’ 80 Most Anticipated New Summer Books” featuring Tenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone
  • Shepherd: “The best books for readers who feel naked without headphones” by Rayne Lacko
  • The Nerd Daily: An Excerpt From The Summers Between Us by Noreen Nanja

Reviews

  • Booklist: “The writing is compelling and visceral, with a multitude of colorful, complex characters, including the ferocious, canny protagonist,” starred review of Lady or the Tiger by Heather M. Herrman
  • Kirkus: “An earnest and straightforward personal account that serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to heal,” review of High Hopes by Anne Abel
  • Readers’ Favorite: “a must-read for anyone who wishes to help children understand and navigate the complexities of grief,” five-star review of The Mood Swing by B.R. Duray
  • BookLife: “Davis skillfully intertwines real-world bureaucratic maliciousness with fantasy politics, a strong female protagonist,” review of The Campaign by Evette Davis
  • IndieReader: “A gripping, percussive procedural framed by the structural violence of capitalism and racism in modern America,” review of Fleet Landing by Wendy Gee
  • Irish Film Critic: “Delightful tale,” review of The Bayrose Files by Diane Wald
  • Turn & Work: “A hallucinatory novel of ideas about the nature of humanity,” review of Cyborg Fever by Laurie Sheck

Guest Articles

  • LitHub: “What Does It Mean to Forgive Your Mother?” by Jessica Levine
  • Motherhood Moment: “Parenting Pointers – The Juggle is Real: Balancing Parenthood, Work, and Creativity” by Pamela N. Harris
  • Hudson River Maritime Museum: “Captain Kidd: The War Hero on the Hudson and New York’s Most Famous 17th-Century Historical Figure” by Samuel Marquis
  • Psychology Today: “Maybe the Apple Didn’t Fall Far Enough: Over-Identifying With a Parent” by Bonnie Comfort
  • TripFiction: “Talking Location With Sam Davey – TINTAGEL” by Sam Davey
  • GirlTalkHQ: “Why A Romance And Sci-Fi Genre Mashup Is Poised To Be The Next Big Thing” by Claire Barner
  • Writer’s Digest: “How Nonfiction Writers Can Transform Deep Expertise Into Compelling Nonfiction Books” by Kathleen P. Allen
  • Unleashing Readers: “The Whole Family: Story’s Ability to Connect Young Readers to Second Culture Heritage” by Mima Tipper
  • Healthy Aging: “Why Writing Your Story Might Be the Most Rewarding Thing You’ll Ever Do” by Deb Miller
  • Common Dreams: “Still Marching: 25 Years After the Million Mom March” by Heidi Yewman

Want to stay up to date on what Books Forward authors are doing not just in June 2025? Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok! And keep an eye on our Lit Happens blog for even more author news!

BookTok Tips: 25 ways to promote your book and build a fanbase

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

If you’ve written a book in the past few years, you might be looking for some BookTok tips. With almost 2 billion users, TikTok is one of the largest social media platforms to put yourself out there if you’re looking to market your book. But how do you get started? Here are 25 important BookTok tips to keep in mind if you want to get involved in the community!

1. Find the Time

Don’t even attempt creating a TikTok account if you don’t have the time and energy to devote to it. No account is better than an inactive account.

2. Spend Time on the App

Try using TikTok for at least 10 minutes per day, scrolling through your FYP, liking various videos, and following other creators will help the app get to know you, so it can connect you to the kind of content you want to see, faster. The more you use it, the more you’ll understand the platform and it’ll understand you.

3. Know Your BookTok Niche

Romance? Fantasy? Queer lit? Figure out where your book fits and what trends resonate with that specific audience.

4. Study Other Successful BookTokers and Authors

Watch popular videos from other authors and readers in your genre. Also, look for readers and Booktokers who have reviewed/shared videos about comparative titles. See what formats and tones they use. Get inspired and try to implement their strategies.

5. Use Popular Sounds

One of the most important BookTok tips is to pair your content with viral sounds to boost your reach across the platform. Trending audio has always been a key to visibility on TikTok.

6. Hook Viewers Quickly

TikTok is a fast-paced platform. Start with an emotional hook, question, or bold statement and really catch the audience’s attention.

7. Consider Creating a Series

Have a long story? Break your content into parts to keep people coming back. Just because you can post a 5-minute video doesn’t mean you should. Attention spans are short. Some examples below:

  • Three reasons to read my book (3 total videos)
  • My top 4 bookish inspirations (4 videos total)
  • A 5-minute story on a recent book festival you attended (2, 2.5-minute videos)
  • 25 quick BookTok tips broken  (lol)

8. Go Behind-the-Scenes

Share your writing process, character inspiration, or even how you chose the cover. Let readers in on what it takes to create a book! Author Talia Hibbert has a great example of this.

9. Lean Into Aesthetics

Use mood boards, aesthetic montages, or “vibe checks” to showcase the tone of your book. Videos like these are popular across genres, like this video from fantasy author Tim Facciola.

10. Aim for Consistency, Not Perfection

Regularly posting helps the TikTok algorithm. You don’t have to be a pro by any means! Your videos will get more views if you put some effort in. Change camera angles, use a tripod if you need a steady hand, get some decent lighting. Competent editing will help you make your point, and slick editing can actually attract followers who are just impressed by the quality of your video. But ultimately, authenticity wins.

11. Show Your Face

People really do engage more when they feel connected to the creator. Even just the occasional videos featuring your face can help. Author Heather Herrman does a great job of this!

12. Respond to Comments

If users take the time to comment on your videos, make sure to reply! You can even use the video reply feature to keep conversations going and create even more content — like how author Thomas R. Weaver does here.

13. Get Personal and Tell Your Story

Why did you write your book or series? What personal experience inspired it? Human stories drive connection. Getting personal on BookTok goes a long way, like author Christina Bacilieri. Post about your pets, your writing schedule, tour of your favorite indie bookstore, favorite local coffee shop (then tag all of them in your video). A lot of authors struggle with this aspect, but TikTok users want to see the personal side of you as well! 

15. Cross-Promote Across Platforms

TikTok videos are great to repurpose as Reels for Instagram or as Shorts for YouTube. Or consider linking to them in your email newsletter or sharing them on your other social media platforms. You might gain some new followers in the process.

16. Use “BookTok Made Me Buy It” Trends

Even if your book hasn’t gone viral, you can mimic the format to drive curiosity. And make sure to use the platform regularly so you can stay on top of current trends. Learn more about utilizing trends here.

17. Feature the Book Visually

Show the cover clearly and often. Use close-ups, stacks, or “satisfying” movements. All the BookTok tips in the world won’t help if people don’t actually know what your book looks like! Author Ginelle Testa does a great job of that here.

18. Actually Plug Your Book

That’s why you started your account! Encourage people to post reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, share comments with you after they’ve read, and more. Mention anything going on in your book life. Events coming up? Make a video about it like author Anne Abel did.

19. Feature Other Authors

As important as it is to promote your own work, don’t forget about the rest of the BookTok community. Feature other authors and books on your page and tag them when you post about them. Author Kelly Vincent featured a book they were reading in this post.

20. Post at Strategic Times

Test different times to see when your audience is most active (often evenings or weekends). But don’t only post around these times. Keep testing as the TikTok algorithm can promote content at any time.

21. Track What Works

Use TikTok’s analytics to find out what content gets the most views, watch time, and engagement. Consider making those types of videos recurring content and series.

22. Test New Formats

Find what works for you, but don’t get complacent. Try posting reviews, skits, live Q&As, text-on-screen confessions – see what else resonates with your audience.

23. Collaborate with BookTok Influencers

Offer ARCs or sponsored posts with creators who love your genre. If you have bookish swag like bookplates, offer that up. Or invite them to be a part of your street team!

24. Don’t Chase Virality

You’re at the mercy of the algorithm. Focus on building your BookTok community, growing a loyal, engaged following over time. That’s what truly drives sales and long-term visibility.

25. Be Genuine

One of the most important BookTok tips we can give is to post about stuff you actually care about. Do that and you likely will find a niche side of tiktok out there of people who like the same thing!

26. If You Aren’t Having Fun, Stop

TikTok can help you build an audience, which may lead to book sales. But it’s just one of many ways to promote your book. If you enjoy it, then keep going! But if you give TikTok a solid try and decide it’s not for you, that’s OK!

Embrace all these BookTok tips, and you are well on your way to building your community of readers!

How to leverage publicity wins to supercharge your social media strategy

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

Maybe you hired a publicist. Perhaps you’ve created your own press release and have mastered pitching yourself to media outlets. Once you’ve put yourself out there and people start talking about you and the book, it’s time to leverage those media gains and promote them on your social media. 

What are publicity wins? 

Publicity wins can include a variety of media coverage:

  • Interviews on podcasts or radio shows
  • Features in local newspapers or local television stations
  • Q&As or spotlights on blogs
  • Excerpts featured on online media sites
  • Reviews from readers
  • Your book included in a reading list
  • Book award nominations and wins
  • Placement of an op-ed or guest article you wrote
  • Features and mentions from influencers on social media platforms.

Pro tip: Set up a Google Alert for yourself and/or your book so you can easily keep track of these media mentions.

Why should I share my publicity wins on social media? 

Publishing is always evolving, and it’s important for authors to establish credibility and set themselves apart from the 3M+ books published every year — and 2.6M+ of those being self-published. It’s going to be a long road to convince them to take a chance on your story if someone searches for your book and sees no reviews or media coverage,

Ongoing coverage also shows readers that you are invested in your work. Authors cannot solely rely on readers to get the word out, especially with the competitive nature of the industry nowadays. Showing concrete publicity wins builds trust and authority with the audience and community you want to cultivate, and ultimately acts as social proof and strengthens your author brand.And, of course, utilizing publicity wins keeps your social media content fresh and engaging. Many authors struggle with planning and creating content — a lot of writers wonder if they need social media at all — so the more inspiration for content you have, the better. 

Best practices for sharing publicity wins 

How you share your publicity wins will depend on which platform you’re posting, as well as the type of coverage itself. Always consider the right format, for example:

  • Did a TV interview? Pull a video snippet.
  • Want to give a sneak peek from the book? Create a quote graphic.
  • Made a bestseller list on Amazon? Grab a screenshot of that orange banner!

Include a call to action whenever possible (e.g. “Check out the full feature,” “Comment your thoughts,” etc.) to encourage interaction and engagement with your followers.

Don’t forget to tag the media outlet, journalist, or interviewer whenever possible. And if you have a publisher and/or publicity team, make sure to tag them as well so they can potentially share content!

Pro tip: If an influencer on Instagram reviewed the book, ask them to add you as a collaborator so the post shows up on both of your accounts.

Make sure to consider how you’ll feature your publicity wins across platforms. Some inspirations for different platforms below:

  • Instagram: Use Stories, Highlights, and Reels with quotes or clips from a recorded interview
  • LinkedIn: Give a behind-the-scenes look on an op-ed you wrote for an outlet
  • X: Pin a post of a great review, tagging and engage with the outlet’s post
  • Facebook: Share the coverage link with a personal reflection and/or thank-you

How to keep the momentum going 

Your work doesn’t end when you click, “Post.” Engage with users who comment and reshare your posts to encourage interaction and build up your community on each platform. You can also feature those publicity wins in your email newsletter to subscribers — or consider pinning a post if it’s coverage you’re especially proud of. 

Remember to add links to your bio on platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok (or in your LinkTree, Lnk.Bio, or other similar tools) so users can review all your recent coverage. And if you have a media page on your website, keep it updated with links — and check back regularly to ensure links aren’t broken.

Just because you posted a publicity win before doesn’t mean you can’t recycle! If you’ve got a great review you want to remind people about, repurpose and repost in a new and exciting way for your followers. Remember you might have new followers from the last time you posted coverage, and they might not have seen that link. 

Use your publicity wins to make your social media work for you — and to make your content creation easier in the long run!

May 2025: Books Forward Authors in the Media

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

What can we say, Books Forward authors are always going, going, going! We’re excited to feature some of our authors and their recent media wins for May 2025.

Interviews

  • A&E True Crime Blog: “The Coroner Who Autopsied Some of the Most Famous Dead People in Hollywood, ” a Q&A with Anne Soon Choi
  • Dallas Voice: “CL Montblanc’s murder mystery debut novel releases this week,” a Q&A with the author of Pride or Die
  • The Barnard Bulletin: “Elizabeth Harlan’s love letter to adolescence,” an interview with the author of Becoming Carly Klein
  • FOX 2: “Local author Joan Fernandez to preview book on the woman behind Vincent Van Gogh’s legacy,” an interview with the author of Saving Vincent
  • The Tavis Smiley Show: An interview with Justin Grant, the author of Company Men
  • Texas Standard: “Genre-blending debut novel ‘The Wretched and Undone’ mixes Southern Gothic with Texas Western,” an interview with J.E. Weiner
  • Ye Olde Crime Podcast: An interview with Samuel Marquis, the author of Captain Kidd
  • A Guided Life Podcast: “Facing Death with Kristina Amelong: Lessons from a Premonition,” an interview with the author of What My Brother Knew
  • Authority Magazine: “Self-Care & Mental Wellness: Dr Ingrid Waldron Of McMaster University On The Top Five Self-care Practices That Improve Mental Wellness,” an interview with the author of From the Enlightenment to Black Lives Matter
  • American Warrior Radio: An interview with Mir Bahmanyar, the author of The Houdini Club

Excerpts/Readings Lists

  • The Plaid Horse: An excerpt from Girl, Groomed by Carol Odell
  • Shepherd: “The best YA thrillers centered around friendship” by Pamela N. Harris

Reviews

  • Readers’ Favorite: “A spectacularly intense and wholly engrossing race to the White House. Crisp and immersive writing perfectly walks the tightrope of magical realism and real-world politicking,” five-star review of The Campaign by Evette Davis
  • Independent Book Review: “A provocative exploration of our present-day fears about freedom, power, privacy, and the ethical dilemmas posed by technology’s relentless advance with limited checks and balances,” starred review of The Price of Freedom by Michael C. Bland
  • Kirkus: “A powerful exploration of artistic ambition, deception, and redemption,” review of The Bayrose Files by Diane Wald
  • BookLife: “Gee’s experience as a volunteer at Charleston’s fire department shines through in convincing dialogue, characterization, and investigative steps,” review of Fleet Landing by Wendy Gee
  • Heather Adores Books: “I can’t wait to see what Noreen writes next,” review of The Summers Between Us by Noreen Nanja
  • Bookworm for Kids: “A wonderful read for fans of high school romance, who enjoy forbidden love and a character who’s trying to find her way,” review of Kat’s Greek Summer by Mima Tipper

Guest Articles

  • Psychology Today: “Insensible Losses: What’s Quietly Slipping Away?” by Bonnie Comfort
  • Best Self Media: “Why Real Success Starts with Rewriting the Script” by Deb Miller
  • Out of the Storm: “The Hidden Weight of Secrets” by Babs Walters
  • GirlTalkHQ: “Why Supporting Trump Is Antithetical To Jesus’ Teachings” by Ursula Werner
  • Stars and Stripes: “How veterans shape their children in unexpected ways” by Maura Casey

Want to stay up to date on what Books Forward authors are doing not just in May 2025? Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok! And keep an eye on our Lit Happens blog for even more author news!

Books Forward Authors in the Media: April 2025

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

What can we say, Books Forward authors are always going, going, going! We’re excited to feature some of our authors and their recent media wins.

  • Mark Mustian wrote a reading list for Electric Lit about 7 novels about freakshows — and the price of being different.
  • CL Montblanc and Pride or Die was featured on this Bookish reading list of 30 Queer Books for Your 2025 TBR.
  • Julie McGue’s local newspaper the LaPorte Herald Dispatch featured her and her new memoir Twice the Family.
  • Pie Lady Books created a pie that is truly too amazing to eat based off Evette Davis’ cover for her new fantasy novel The Gift.
  • Elizabeth Harlan was interviewed by Deborah Kalb about her young adult novel Becoming Carly Klein.
  • Readers Choice gave Deb Miller five stars in its review, calling her “a modern, feminist memoir, which will inspire and uplift women of all ages to follow their own path.”
  • Pamela Harris penned this piece for her younger self for Story Time Teen about what the future holds for the writer.
  • Writer’s Digest ran this article by Brandi Bradley about the importance of making the time to be creative.
  • Iris Mitlin Lav’s character Gitel from Gitel’s Freedom was interviewed by Novel PASTimes.
  • Amazing Women in History featured an excerpt from Joan Fernandez’s book Saving Van Gogh.
  • Readers’ Favorite called Kat’s Greek Summer by Mima Tipper an “inspirational YA novel” in its five-star review.
  • Noreen Nanja’s The Summers Between Us was featured on a reading list of Must-Read Romances Publishing in Spring 2025 from That Happy Reader.
  • Diane Wald’s book The Bayrose Files was spotlighted by Pick of the Literate. 
  • Mother Knows Death reviewed Anne Soon Choi’s book L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood on a recent episode.
  • Maura Casey was on the Good Grief podcast and spoke about her new memoir Saving Ellen.
  • How to Money had author Shang Saavedra on the show to discuss what it means to cultivate a healthy mindset.
  • Carol Odell joined Making Milestones to talk about her passion for horses and how her inspirational journey towards healing led her to write her book Girl Groomed.
  • Justin Grant penned this piece for Fast Company about safeguarding your mental health and wellbeing at work as a Black man.
  • My High Plains’ KAMR Local 4 News sat down with author J.E. Weiner to discuss her new book The Wretched and the Undone.
  • Kristina Amelong talked about her new book What My Brother Knew in this interview with ROC Metaphysical.
  • Kirkus says “intense hardship and adventure compellingly intertwine in this Old West feminist journey” by Heather M. Herrman.

Want to stay up to date on what Books Forward authors are doing? Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok! And keep an eye on our Lit Happens blog for even more author news!

How to set up Google Alerts for your book

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

For authors, there are few things more exciting than checking your inbox and seeing an alert with your name on it. 

Google Alerts are a valuable tool that can help you keep track of when your name, book title(s), or overall brand are being mentioned online. Beyond monitoring your own name, setting alerts for your genre, book themes, or competitors, these alerts can also keep you informed on industry trends and relevant conversations.

This can be especially useful for staying up to date on new reviews being posted, as well as interviews and other media coverage. And it allows authors to engage with readers and thank them for their support — or address any concerns if needed. And of course, it helps you stay on top of potential PR opportunities!

Piracy is also incredibly rampant nowadays, and an alert system allows authors to respond proactively, whether it’s correcting misinformation or reporting unauthorized copies of their work.

How to set up Google Alerts

Honestly, this is one of the more simple things you can do on the internet, and you can even create multiple alerts!

  1. Go to Google Alerts.
  2. Enter your search term (we’ll have more on deciding those terms below).
  3. Customize the settings using the dropdown options.
  4. Click “Create Alert.” (And yes, that’s truly it!)

Tips for setting up Google Alerts

The main alerts you’ll want to set up will be for your book(s) and author brand.

  • Use your book title in quotes: “Book Title”
  • Use your name in quotes: “First Last”
    • If your name is common, consider adding identifiers: “John Doe science fiction”
    • Also include alternate versions of your name or common misspellings.
  • Track phrases like: “Author Name interview” “Book Title review”
  • You can also track your website or blog name if it’s distinct enough.

Once you’ve got your alerts set up, you can then adjust the options so you receive only the most relevant alerts.

  • How often do you want alerts? This will differ for every author, depending on how many books you have out, your genre, and of course, how often you check your email. Options include:
    • As-it-happens
    • Once a day
    • Once a week
  • Where do you want your sources to come from? The default is “automatic,” but you can also specify news, blogs, web, books, discussions, or videos.
  • What region and language are you using? This can be especially helpful for authors looking for local media opportunities or for an author who writes about a specific area and wants to stay up to date on what’s happening there.
  • Best results vs. all results: You can start with “all results” for, well, complete results. And once you see the types and amounts of results you’re receiving, you can then narrow down to best results if needed.

Like anything on the internet, nothing is usually perfect the first time out the gate. If you’re getting too much spam or find your results are irrelevant, work on refining your keywords. Or, if you’re missing mentions, set up broader searches or try new keyword variations.

A side note on operators

Operators are special characters or words you can add to your search query to refine and improve the results of Google Alerts — or any Google search — that help filter, broaden, or target specific content. But what are they and how do you use them?

  1. Exact Match (” “): Finds results with the exact phrase instead of individual words scattered across a page
    1. Example: “fantasy author”
  2. OR (capitalized): Finds results containing either term (helpful if you go by multiple names)
    1. Example: “Your Name” OR “Your Other Name”
  3. Minus (-): Excludes results that mention a term (useful if your name is shared with a famous person)
    1. Example: “Your Name” -basketball
  4. Site: Finds mention of your name only on a certain site
    1. Example: “Your Name” site:goodreads.com
  5. Filetype: Useful for tracking keywords in specific file types
    1. Example: “Book Title” filetype:pdf

Keep track of competition and/or trends

If there are other authors or titles you want to keep your eye on, you can set up alerts for them as well. Fantasy authors will want to make sure they know when Rebecca Yarros or Sarah J. Maas are releasing a new book. Or consider setting up alerts for your specific genre or niche, i.e. paranormal fantasy or LGBTQ+ crime fiction.

You can even set up a specific folder in your email for Google Alerts to avoid cluttering your inbox and keep everything organized.

Seeing where your name pops up can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as guest blog invitations, podcast interviews, or even collaborations with influencers. So start setting up alerts and furthering your author brand!

Why every author’s website needs the perfect contact page

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

A website contact page isn’t just a necessity for authors — it’s an opportunity. Done right, your contact page can help turn your casual readers into engaged superfans. But how do you make it easy for real readers to reach you while keeping spammers and unnecessary distractions at bay? 

Here’s everything you need to know about crafting the perfect author contact page.

Why you need a contact page

You already know it’s important to have a website, with each element in its rightful place. Your website is your digital home, a hub where readers can immediately find you. So knock, knock: Think of the contact page as the front door. If readers, media professionals, or potential collaborators want to reach you, make sure they can actually reach you — and without jumping through all the hoops. 

A well-designed contact page encourages meaningful interaction, strengthens reader relationships, and can even help grow your mailing list.

Elements of an effective contact page

Most authors want to make it easy for readers to reach them, but at the same time, you don’t want to be bombarded by spam. The key is balancing accessibility with smart spam prevention.

Your contact page should offer multiple ways for readers to reach out in the way they’re most comfortable. Here’s what you should include:

  • Contact form: The easiest way for readers to reach you without exposing your email to spam bots.
    • Keep it simple: Name, email, subject, and message fields are usually enough.
    • Avoid excessive required fields (like asking for a website address).
  • Your email address (optional): If you display an email address, make sure to format it as “yourname [at] email [dot] com” to reduce spammers.
  • Phone number (optional): Some authors choose to include a Google Voice or even a Zoom phone number that directs to voicemail, so readers can leave messages without exposing their personal numbers.
  • Mailing address (optional): Yes, snail mail is still a thing! A P.O. box or UPS box can allow readers to correspond with you the old-fashioned way without compromising your privacy.
  • Social media links: Include only the platforms where you’re active so readers can reach you in real-time. If you’re not engaging on a platform, leave it out.
  • Other professional contacts: If you have a publicist, literary agent, or publisher, this is a great place to list their details for business-related inquiries.

Keeping spammers out of your inbox

To protect your inbox (and your sanity) make sure to:

  • Use spam filters like Akismet or built-in form protection tools.
  • Enable CAPTCHA, but avoid overly difficult ones that frustrate real users
    • For instance, ask them to enter a number or something similar instead of all the boxes that contain streetlights.
  • Regularly test your contact form — at least once a year if possible —to ensure it’s working properly. You might forget you got a new email address and all the sudden that form is broken and you’re no longer receiving submissions.

Make your contact page easy to find

Don’t bury your contact page. Instead:

  • Place it in your main navigation menu labeled clearly as “CONTACT”
  • Consider adding a short, friendly message like, “I love hearing from readers! Reach out using the form below.”
  • If you’re including multiple contact options, organize them in an easy-to-scan format.

Bonus tip: Grow your email list

Your contact form is also a great way to expand your mailing list — just be transparent. If you offer an email signup option, make sure users can opt-in rather than being added automatically. (Because we’ve all been automatically added to an email list and gotten annoyed and then had to unsubscribe.)

A well-structured contact page fosters connection while protecting your time and privacy. By implementing these best practices, you make it simple for people to reach you in a meaningful way. Take a few minutes to check your contact page — because the next message you receive could be from a superfan ready to champion your work!

Looking to update your website or build one from the ground up? Contact us (on our contact page of all places) to get started!

11 books we think NFL players are reading this off-season

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

It’s been enough time since the Philadelphia Eagles absolutely pummeled the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. So much time in fact that we have to wonder what some of the game’s greatest players are doing to fill the empty space in their schedules and hearts during the off-season. 

Jalen Hurts: Why We Love Football by Joe Posnanski

Look, if I just won the Super Bowl, I wouldn’t want to read about anything else but awesome moments in the game’s history. From Patrick Mahomes’ magic to the Ice Bowl, from Doug Flutie’s Hail Mary pass to a plethora of football “miracles,” the book is full of unforgettable moments.

Travis Kelce: The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

We’re not saying the Taylor-Travis ’ship is a publicity stunt, but if it is, then this book about a woman in love with her hot best friend who is also an NFL star is the perfect pick for Travis to pull some tips from. Fans of fake-dating will love this one — and will be on pins and needles waiting to see if the performer (an ex-ballerina in this case) gets the guy.

Joe Burrow: The Caped Crusade by Glen Weldon

Since his Batmobile purchase, we can’t help but wonder how much the former LSU (okay and current Bengals star) enjoys comic books. We know about his affinity for cartoons in general, but maybe this is the start of a love for comics and graphic novels. Aside from a plethora of those we could suggest, an intro into Batman and the history of nerd culture is a great place to get started.

Aaron Rodgers: Deadly Choices by Paul A. Offit

Whether he’s still on the fence about vaccines or not, maybe Rodgers should sit down with some material from an internationally recognized infectious disease expert and look into why vaccines are actually important for society. Offit takes a look behind the curtain of the anti-vaccine movement. What he finds is a reminder of the power of scientific knowledge — and the harm we risk if we ignore it.

Alvin Kamara: And Still I Cook by Leah Chase

The Saints running back is a self-professed foodie, and the 504 has no shortage of amazing food to eat and cook. The off-season is the perfect time to perfect some recipes, like those featured by longtime New Orleans chef and the Queen of Creole Cuisine herself Leah Chase. Filled with recipes as well as reflections from Chase, the collection also includes menus for special events.

Tyreek Hill: DevilsGame by Michael Wolk

The ultimate gamer deserves the ultimate gaming/reading experience. The web-based novel redefines digital storytelling with multimedia elements and multilevel narratives that engage readers like never before. Fiery televangelist Claire Bodine and cunning game designer Nathan Rifkin join forces as they battle a cross-platform virus threatening global chaos. Armed with outdated BlackBerrys and clashing beliefs, they must navigate a treacherous digital landscape in a wickedly funny thriller.

Dak Prescott: All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis

The Dallas Cowboys QB still has deep ties to his hometown, having even recently donated over $1M to his alma mater’s football program. (Note: This blog’s writer shares the same alma mater and went to school with Prescott so take this whole rec with a grain of salt.) The QB’s siblings also have athletic experience and the themes of family will resonate strongly — though we think he could expand his literature on social justice, making this fiction pick a good entry point for Prescott.

Tua Tagovailoa: League of Denial by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru

Okay, so honestly he probably knows everything that’s already in this book. But with the health issues Tagovailoa has had, it never hurts to be reminded about the NFL investigations over a period of nearly two decades, and how the league sought to cover up and deny mounting evidence of the connection between football and brain damage.

Russell Wilson: Company Men by Justin Grant

It’s not lost on Wilson and the rest of the NFL that some of the choices he’s made in recent seasons have been less than ideal. And we could all use a reminder that our personal success is directly intertwined to our professional success. Grant aims to bridge the gap between professional success and personal well-being, offering tools and insights to help others not just survive but excel.

Derek Carr: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

We think Carr might be a little…lost. And that’s totally understandable. The QB faces free agency this off-season, and it might be a good time for some soul searching. And possibly taking a 1,000-mile hike to discover who he is and where he belongs. I mean, we hope it doesn’t come to that and the right team scoops him up. But self-discovery comes at its own pace.

Trevor Lawrence: Karen’s Haircut by Ann M. Martin

We’re just kidding; we could never imagine Lawrence cutting the luscious locks. But if he did, he’d need to be emotionally prepared for that! And honestly, children’s books are great resources to help learn those valuable life skills.

For more reading lists, make sure to check out our Lit Happens blog! And shout out to Trey for inspiring this list.

Books Forward Authors in the Media: March 2025

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

What can we say, Books Forward authors are always going, going, going! We’re excited to feature some of our authors and their recent media wins.

  • Samuel Marquis received a starred review from Publishers Weekly for his new nonfiction book Captain Kidd.
  • Justin Grant was interviewed by The Metro, WDET about his new book Company Men.
  • Den of Geek featured Pride or Die by CL Montblanc on its reading list of “The Unmissable Debut Novels of 2025.”
  • Julie Ryan McGue and her new memoir Twice the Family were featured by the Chicago Tribune.
  • Magda Revealed by Ursula Werner received five stars from Readers’ Favorite in this review, which praised Werner’s “skillful” writing.
  • Murder, Mystery and Mayhem Laced with Morality had Brandi Bradley join the show to talk about writing, craft, and more.
  • Midwest Book Review says Iris Mitlin Lav’s Gitel’s Freedom “compelling blend of history and characters who struggle with their daily lives and precedents makes it a winner.”
  • Shang Saavedra joined The Clever Girls Know Podcast to discuss breaking emotional spending cycles and redefining your money story.
  • BookLife praised Carol Odell’s Girl, Groomed, saying “readers will draw inspiration from Odell’s vulnerability and transparency,” in its recent review.
  • Joan Fernandez penned a piece for GirlTalkHQ about Jo Van Gogh, the real-life brother-in-law of Vincent who defied societal expectations to champion the artist.
  • Kat’s Greek Summer by Mima Tipper was featured in TripFiction’s section of Greek-set books.
  • The Audiobook Review called Becoming Carly Klein by Elizabeth Harlan a “riveting listen” in its recent review.
  • Anne Soon Choi spoked with the hosts at Mind Over Murder about her new book L.A. Coroner and the life of Thomas Noguchi.
  • LitPick doled out five stars in its recent review for The Gift, the second installment in Evette Davis’ Council Trilogy.
  • The Where Next? podcast explored Piemonte in Northern Italy with Barbara Boyle, author of Pinch Me.
  • Mark Mustian created a reading list for Shepherd about the best books that address our fascination with the strange.

Want to stay up to date on what Books Forward authors are doing? Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok! And keep an eye on our Lit Happens blog for even more author news!

Books Forward Authors in the Media: February 2025

Posted on | by Jennifer Vance

What can we say, Books Forward authors are always going, going, going! We’re excited to feature some of our authors and their recent media wins.

  • Lyndall Clipstone’s Tenderly, I Am Devoured made Goodreads’ list of Readers’ Most Anticipated 2025 Romantasy Books.
  • Southern Literary Review praised Lori B. Duff’s “highly entertaining legal novel” in its recent review.
  • Anne Soon Choi was featured in this Radar Online article about her new book L.A. Coroner and some of the more shocking details behind Marilyn Monroe’s final moments.
  • Lois and Ross Melbourne were highlighted by Bookstr in this feature about their AI-focused sci-fi novel Moral Code.
  • Evette Davis joined Citywide Blackout for a second time to discuss the second installment in her Council Trilogy, The Gift.
  • Julie Ryan McGue was interviewed by her alumni newspaper Indiana Daily Student about her new book Twice the Family.
  • Carol Odell’s memoir Girl, Groomed was described as “riveting” in its recent Foreword review.
  • Shang Saavedra spoke with HerMoney to talk about saving enough to retire early — without hating your life.
  • Writer Gurl, NY was “fully immersed” in Iris Mitlin Lav’s story in her novel Gitel’s Freedom.
  • Author J.W. Jarvis discusses how he used fan fiction to craft the characters for his novel in this Writer’s Digest article.
  • IndieReader said Joan Fernandez’s Saving Vincent “brilliantly evokes both the dignity of the mundane and the fire of revolution at the turn of the 20th century.”
  • Mima Tipper’s Kat’s Greek Summer was named an editor’s pick by PW’s BookLife.
  • Mark Mustian’s piece for Spiritual Media reflects on how his novels explore spiritual and existential questions that mirror his own lifelong journey of faith, doubt, and personal fulfillment.
  • Midwest Book Review described J.E. Weiner’s The Wretched and Undone as a “deftly crafted work of historical fiction.”
  • Big Blend Radio spoke with author Leonce Gaiter recently and talked about his new book A Memory of Fictions (or) Just Tiddy-Boom.
  • Self-Publishing Review called Magda Revealed by Ursula Werner “wickedly clever, yet respectful in its bold retelling.”
  • Barbara Boyle wrote a piece for I Had Cancer about how her cancer discovery in Italy led to a diagnosis and treatment, as well as a profound journey of resilience, love, and gratitude.
  • Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness by Deb Miller received five stars by Readers’ Favorite in their recent review.

Want to stay up to date on what Books Forward authors are doing? Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok! And keep an eye on our Lit Happens blog for even more author news!