Lit Happens

How To Get More Amazon Reviews?

Your book has launched, and you’re getting great reviews from family, friends, and social media influencers, but those aren’t transferring to your Amazon listing. Now what?  Amazon reviews are important for indie authors! Of course they’re not the end-all-be-all, and they don’t determine the overall success of your book. But we know more reviews on […]

Books Forward Authors in the Media: July 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. Reginald L. Reed Jr. was interviewed by A&E’s True Crime Blog about his mother’s tragic murder and the memoir he wrote to heal and share her story. Conde Nast’s Women […]

Deadly secrets surface in debut crime thriller

Set in small-town Louisiana, perfect for fans of “A Flicker in the Dark” and “Sharp Objects” An atmospheric debut that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Broken Bayou had me hooked from the first page! — Ashley Elston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of First Lie Wins  SHREVEPORT, LA – In […]

Industry Interview with the co-owner of Big Blend Magazines & Radio, Lisa D. Smith

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 Lisa D. Smith. Along with her […]

Bridging techniques for smoother interviews

When promoting a new book, authors often find themselves in the spotlight, eager to discuss their work, ideas and passions. Yet, amid the excitement of sharing their message, there can be a lurking concern: What if an interviewer’s questions veer into uncomfortable territory? How can you gracefully navigate discussions on sensitive topics without compromising your […]

Inspirational personal narrative: ‘steal back your life’, overcome trauma, and heal from narcissistic parenting

Advocate, teacher, and author Bridey Thelen-Heidel pens a raw and immersive account of growing up alongside an abusive, narcissistic mother. Bright Eyes (She Writes Press, September 24, 2024) is an astonishing narrative of Bridey’s tenacious spirit, commitment to optimism in the face of unspeakable trauma, and dedication to breaking cycles of abuse.  Bridey is tethered […]