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 Magdalena Ball, a novelist, poet, reviewer, […]
Lit Happens
Books Forward Authors in the Media: April 2024
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 in April 2024. Courtney Deane was featured in this article for the San Diego Union-Tribune about her new book, When Happily Ever After Fails. This reviewer for Readers’ Favorite called […]
Books that feature fascinating sibling relationships for National Siblings Day
Is there any relationship quite as complicated as the one between siblings? As we celebrate National Siblings Day this April 10, we’re looking at some of the novels we love that highlight that special connection. The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo Marilyn and David have four radically different daughters, each in a […]
Hug a Newsperson Day — or read a book featuring a journalist
Here at Books Forward, we’re big fans of journalists — in fact, lots of us used to work as reporters, and even met at various newspapers. So we’re celebrating Hug a Newsperson Day, officially celebrated April 4, by reading some of our favorite books featuring people in the industry. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams Queenie Jenkins […]
Tips to boost your ebook sales
So you want to increase your ebook sales? Let’s assume you’ve already written a book that’s up to industry standards: It’s been edited and proofread, has an attractive cover, has been priced appropriately, etc. And of course you’ve identified the target audience for your book. Let’s also assume you’ve been working on solidifying your author […]
Funny horror books you’ll love if you’re excited for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
I’m new to the horror genre, and when I started to dip my toe in, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that a good number of the books I was picking up were really funny (in addition to being gruesome)! I asked around, and apparently it’s not uncommon for these writers to have an […]
Tips for taking your video interview skills to the next level
Help! How can I use video interviews to promote my book? As the popularity of video conferencing continues to grow, more authors are being invited to record interviews using Zoom than ever before. Are you prepared to make the most of a video interview? Read on for answers to our frequently asked questions– How should […]
Leo Daughtry’s debut novel chronicles change and resilience in 1950s North Carolina
RALEIGH, North Carolina — Leo Daughtry’s debut novel, “Talmadge Farm,” transports readers to the tobacco fields of 1950s North Carolina. “Talmadge Farm” (Story Merchant Books, June 4, 2024) reflects on the dreams and struggles of the American South, made more poignant by the author’s personal experiences growing up among the tobacco fields of Sampson County, […]
Spring cleaning: Novels that give characters fresh starts
Springtime has rushed in again, and maybe this year we’ll finally get around to spring cleaning (but probably not). The characters in these books cleaned house metaphorically, starting their lives over to get a fresh perspective! Try one of them out if you’re in the mood for something new. Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman […]
The Day My Mother Never Came Home a compelling tale of healing, justice
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – On Aug. 23, 1987, 26-year-old Selonia Reed was found dead in the parking lot of a gas station in Hammond, Louisiana. Nearly 40 years after her death, on Jan. 30, 2023, her husband Reginald Reed was sentenced to life in prison for her murder. But that’s far from the entire story. […]