# Books Forward

> Books Forward is a full-service author publicity and book marketing firm that helps authors reach more readers. The team designs tailored publicity and marketing campaigns for debut, independent, and bestselling authors across every genre, blending proven methods with creative, out-of-the-box strategies.

Books Forward has decades of experience (80+ combined years across the team) and has branded 1,200+ authors and promoted 1,800+ books, working with authors from 50 states and seven countries. The team is made up of publicity experts, book-industry insiders, and award-winning former journalists who bring a "newsroom work ethic" to every campaign, prioritizing transparency, integrity, and creativity. Its results include New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, Indie Next Picks (selected by booksellers), award winners, and independent authors who went on to secure traditional publishing deals. Founder: Julie Schoerke Gallagher. President & Partner: Marissa DeCuir. Sister company: Books Fluent (book publishing). Based across New Orleans, LA; Nashville, TN; Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; Washington, D.C.; and Australia.

## Services

- [Services Overview](https://booksforward.com/services/): Full-service book publicity and marketing — media placement, industry/trade exposure, digital marketing, and social media management, tailored to each author and book.
- [Audiobook Promotion](https://booksforward.com/audiobookmarketing/): Promotion services that grow an audiobook's reach through reviews, influencer outreach, and audio-focused marketing.
- [BookTok Promotion](https://booksforward.com/booktok/): TikTok/BookTok campaigns connecting books with the influencers and readers who drive book sales.
- [Author Website Development & Maintenance](https://booksforward.com/websites/): Custom, mobile-friendly author website design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
- [Design Rates & Packages](https://booksforward.com/design/): Book and author-brand design services and pricing.
- [Custom Author Bookplates](https://booksforward.com/get-a-custom-bookplate/): Custom-designed signed bookplates authors can send to readers and fans.
- [Influencer Program (BFFs)](https://booksforward.com/bffs/): The Books Forward Friends program connecting books with book influencers and reviewers.

## Guides

- [Book Publicity Firm for Authors](https://booksforward.com/book-publicity-firm/): What a book publicity firm is, what it does, what it costs, when to hire one, and how to choose the right firm for your book.
- [How Much Does Book Publicity Cost?](https://booksforward.com/how-much-does-book-publicity-cost/): Book publicity ranges from about $1,500 for DIY guidance to six-figure campaigns; what drives the price and how to budget for it.
- [Do I Need a Book Publicist?](https://booksforward.com/do-i-need-a-book-publicist/): How to decide whether you need a book publicist based on your goals, time, and budget, plus what a publicist actually does.
- [How to Market a Self-Published Book](https://booksforward.com/how-to-market-a-self-published-book/): A step-by-step marketing guide for indie authors — pre-launch buzz, ARCs, reviews, Amazon, BookTok, audiobooks, events, and bookstores.

## Proof & Results

- [About Books Forward](https://booksforward.com/about-us/): The firm's story, mission, and team of publicists, book-industry insiders, and award-winning former journalists.
- [Client Testimonials](https://booksforward.com/testimonials/): Reviews from New York Times bestselling and debut authors about working with Books Forward.
- [Case Studies](https://booksforward.com/success-stories/): Real book marketing campaign examples and results across genres, from debut launches to New York Times bestsellers.
- [Author Media Wins & Features](https://booksforward.com/wins/): Highlights of where Books Forward authors have been featured — reviews, interviews, and press.
- [Media Coverage by Genre](https://booksforward.com/media-coverage/): Media coverage of Books Forward authors organized by genre.

## Resources

- [Lit Happens Blog](https://booksforward.com/lithappens/): Book marketing tips, publicity advice, author interviews, and reading trends for authors and book lovers.
- [FAQ](https://booksforward.com/faq/): Answers to common author questions about book publicity and marketing — why to hire a publicist, timelines, costs, and what to expect.
- [Appearances & Partnerships](https://booksforward.com/appearances-and-partnerships/): Panels, webinars, and industry partnerships where the team shares how to market a book.

## Contact

- [Contact Books Forward](https://booksforward.com/contact/): Start a book marketing or publicity campaign. Phone: (615) 212-8549. Email: info@booksforward.com.
- [Win a Free Campaign](https://booksforward.com/win/): Books Forward's giveaway opportunity for authors.

## Optional

- [Become a Contributor](https://booksforward.com/become-a-contributor/): Write for the Books Forward (Lit Happens) blog.
- [Pro Bono Opportunities (Elevate)](https://booksforward.com/elevate/): Books Forward's pro bono program for authors.
- [XML Sitemap](https://booksforward.com/sitemap_index.xml): Full sitemap of all Books Forward pages and posts.