January 2 is national science fiction day, and I want to use it as an excuse to get people into one of my favorite genres! Whether you’ve never read a sci-fi book before, you’ve dabbled but not really explored the genre, or you’re an expert who is looking for your next favorite read, I have […]
Lit Happens
Jumpstarting your Substack, and 7 easy tips to start building readership
You’ve published a book, you wrote it, edited, published, and publicized it, and now it’s out into the world. The buzz and excitement around the launch is slowly dying down. Now, you’re ready to crack your knuckles and work on your next writing project. So, how do you keep your audience engaged in the lull […]
4 tips to promote reader engagement between book releases
When you’re promoting a new book, there are many easy ways to connect with your readers — for example, sharing new reviews on social media, signing copies at bookstores, visiting with book clubs and participating in author panels at book festivals. But once the dust settles and you’re ready to begin a new writing project, […]
Tips to optimize your Amazon Author Central and KDP accounts
As the world’s largest online retailer for books, accounting for 80 percent of ebook sales and more than 50 percent of the overall print market, Amazon is an ever-evolving website with a large impact on publishing. Whether you’re a debut author, self-published author or well established author with a 20-book backlist, Amazon is a platform […]
Novelist reveals the hidden true story of the woman who made Vincent van Gogh the artistic giant he is today
St. Louis, MO–In the tradition of “The Paris Bookseller” and “Her Hidden Genius,” Joan Fernandez’s novel “Saving Vincent” (She Writes Press, April 15, 2025) is inspired by the true story of a woman overshadowed in history by the giant talent she saved: Vincent van Gogh. How did a failed belligerent Dutch painter become one of […]
What are the different types of posts on Instagram and how do I use them?
Social media is a powerful tool to help you market your book and get it into the hands of readers! If you’ve settled on Instagram as your primary platform (or one of a few!) to get in touch with readers in your audience, you should take the time to learn all about the different types […]
Long books to lose yourself in during the holidays
I love a long book — so many characters to get to know, and so much time to relax and enjoy where the story is going to take me — but it can seem hard to get into a behemoth when I’m short on time. Which is most of the year. Luckily, I have a […]
Books Forward Authors in the Media: December 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. An excerpt from Lyndall Clipstone’s YA novel Tenderly, I am Devoured was featured by Reactor. L.A. Parent featured a piece from Eichin Chang-Lim about self-care strategies for teens that are […]
Vengeance stalks Charles Darwin’s family in this ingeniously plotted story of deception and murder
A Victorian tale of biblical, eye-for-an-eye revenge SPRINGFIELD, VA – In “Fatally Inferior” (Level Best Books, December 10, 2024), award-winning author Lyn Squire delivers another gripping, period mystery. When a member of Charles Darwin’s household goes missing and a former maid dies in childbirth (or so it seems), reluctant detective Dunston Burnett is thrust into […]
13 bookish candles we’re eying for National Candle Day
Apparently Dec. 7 is National Candle Day, and if there’s one thing that the bookish community loves, it’s lighting a candle and curling up with a good read. We’re celebrating with some picks that we’d like to try from creative companies making our scent-filled bookish dreams come true. Special shout out to Casey for her […]