Lit Happens

January Authors Forward interview with Mark Ellis and Chris Lloyd

Welcome to our Authors Forward series, where our innovative and talented Books Forward authors interview other great, forward-thinking voices in the industry. For January, author and crime writer Mark Ellis interviews Chris Lloyd, author of the award-winning Occupation series. What inspired you to become a writer? I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing […]

Tips for new BookTokers

BookTok has taken bookworms by storm — folks have discovered a reignited passion for reading, bookstores have seen huge upticks in sales, and eager creators have cultivated a special, diverse community. It’s a uniquely warm & charming corner of the internet … but it can also be quite intimidating. When I first stumbled into BookTok, […]

Ten sci-fi books to read for Science Fiction Day

Happy Science Fiction Day! What better way to celebrate the day than with a few sci-fi stories that travel across the stars on space voyages filled with political intrigue, suspense, thrills, and the deep connection humans make with each other. These books defy the odds, raise the stakes, and make you wonder what lives beyond […]

Best practices for influencers working with publicists

I’ve been a Bookstagram influencer for six years now. Throughout that time, I’ve worked with many different publishing houses, promoted books to my audience, reviewed some lovely and incredible new favorites, and made some strong relationships with publicists. The experience of working with a publishing house to help promote a book is incredible. I feel […]

Are preorder campaigns “worth it” for authors?

Preorder campaigns are all about offering incentives for readers to purchase books in advance. They usually come in the form of some kind of bonus material, like exclusive swag and/or signed books. But are preorder campaigns “worth” the time and expense of doing them? New York Times bestselling author Joan He is known for her […]