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Backlist Gold

7/17/2025

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Backlist Gold:
​Breathing New Life Into Older Titles

In the fast-paced world of publishing, it's easy for older books to get buried under new releases. But here’s the truth: your backlist is one of your greatest assets. With the right strategy, it can generate consistent sales, bring in new readers, and build long-term momentum for your press or author brand.
Here’s how to make your older titles shine like new—without starting from scratch.

1. Refresh the Covers or Metadata

A dated or off-brand cover can signal “old news” to potential readers—even if the content is still gold. A cover refresh, updated blurb, or re-categorizing keywords can breathe new life into an older book.
📌 Tip: Run a poll with your readers—“Which cover do you like best?” It builds buzz and makes them part of the process.

2. Feature Backlist Titles in Your Newsletter

Don’t assume your readers have seen all your books. If someone discovered you last month, there’s a good chance they’ve never heard of that series you published two years ago.
Include a “Backlist Spotlight” in your emails once or twice a month:
  • Share a fun fact about the book
  • Include a review quote
  • Offer a short-term discount or exclusive bonus
📌 Pro Tip: Pair backlist titles with current events or seasons (e.g., “If you love summer road trips, check out this one…”).

3. Build Bundles or Themed Collections

Group related books together to reframe them:
  • Series starters
  • Tropes (second chance romance, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers)
  • Seasonal reads
  • Author samplers
📌 Tip: Box sets, omnibus editions, or “read-alike” bundles can also increase visibility on Amazon or Kobo.

4. Promote Using New Content

Give old books a fresh face on social media:
  • Create new quote graphics or teaser reels
  • Host a read-along or book club event
  • Share “behind the book” posts about your writing process, favorite scene, or character inspiration
📌 Tip: You can repost old content with a twist: change the caption, update the hashtags, and tie it to a current trend.

5. Use Backlist as a Funnel

If your backlist contains a free prequel, novella, or first-in-series book, use it to hook new readers into your catalog. Run ads, create a lead magnet for your newsletter, or highlight it on social media.
📌 Tip: Don’t just say it’s free—tell them why they should read it. What’s the emotional hook?

Final Thoughts

The books you’ve already published still have value—and potential. With a few creative tweaks and intentional promotion, your backlist can work just as hard as your new releases.
So dust off those older titles, give them a little love, and let them shine. Your readers—both new and returning—will thank you.
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Summer Slump

7/10/2025

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Summer tips, backlist promotion, blog post, author tips

How to Keep Readers Engaged
​Over the Summer

Summer can be a tricky time for authors and publishers. Between vacations, family events, and slower routines, your audience may be less active online—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t reading. It just means you need a strategy that fits the season.
Here are a few practical ways to keep readers engaged, excited, and connected through the summer months.

1. Lean Into Light, Fun, and Seasonal Content

People are more likely to reach for easy, comforting reads while they’re lounging poolside or on road trips. Highlight books from your backlist or catalog that fit the season’s mood:
  • Small-town romance? Call it a beach read.
  • Cozy fantasy? Position it as a hammock escape.
  • Short stories or novellas? Perfect for vacation reading.
📌 Tip: Use summer-themed graphics and captions on social media. A little seasonal flair goes a long way.

2. Run Low-Lift Engagement Activities

Your readers might not have the bandwidth for deep conversations, but quick interactions still count! Try:
  • “This or That” polls (e.g., paperback vs. eBook, beach vs. mountains)
  • Caption contests using book quotes
  • Summer reading bingo cards or checklists
📌 Tip: Offer small prizes like bonus scenes, digital swag, or shoutouts.

3. Send Shorter, Punchier Newsletters

You don’t need to write an essay. In fact, during summer, shorter is better. Keep your emails skimmable:
  • One quick update
  • A seasonal book rec
  • A single question or call to action
📌 Tip: Schedule emails ahead of time to keep consistency even if you’re traveling.

4. Recycle and Repackage Content

Summer is the perfect time to re-share older posts and give them a fresh twist. You can:
  • Turn reviews into quote graphics
  • Repost reader photos
  • Share flashback posts or “on this day” memories from past releases
📌 Tip: Include a backlist highlight in your weekly content. It helps new readers find books they missed.

5. Preview What’s Coming Next

Use this slower season to build anticipation. Tease your next release with:
  • Cover reveals
  • Snippets or mood boards
  • Early pre-order links or sign-ups for your ARC team
📌 Tip: Let your most loyal readers feel like they’re part of the process. Ask for input or feedback!

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to do everything over the summer. You just need to keep showing up—in small, intentional ways that make your readers feel seen and appreciated.
Whether it’s through a fun poll, a beach-read recommendation, or a quick “thinking of you” email, your presence matters. Stay connected, stay consistent, and trust that your audience will still be there when the leaves begin to turn.
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writing in public

7/3/2025

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​Writing in Public: Substack, Serialization, and Newsletter Fiction

Today’s readers aren’t just finding stories on bookshelves—they’re discovering them in inboxes, serial apps, and blog feeds. Welcome to the era of writing in public, where authors are building loyal fanbases by sharing their work chapter by chapter, post by post.
If you've ever thought about turning your writing into a serial experience, this guide will help you weigh the options—and decide what works best for your goals.

What Does “Writing in Public” Mean?

Writing in public means sharing your creative work as you go, often in serialized or episodic formats. Instead of publishing a complete, polished book all at once, you’re inviting readers into the process—chapter by chapter or scene by scene.
Think:
  • Substack or Beehiiv newsletters
  • Ream or Patreon posts
  • Vella, Wattpad, or Radish serial platforms
  • Serialized blog fiction

Why It Works for Some Authors

  • Builds connection. Readers love feeling like they’re “on the journey” with you.
  • Creates momentum. Publishing on a schedule keeps you accountable.
  • Monetization opportunities. Premium subscriptions or tips can supplement book income.
  • Feedback loop. Immediate reader reactions can help shape your next steps.
📌 Pro Tip: Serial writing works especially well for authors with strong hooks, cliffhangers, or character-driven arcs.

Choosing Your Platform

📰 Substack or BeehiivBest for: Authors who want to control their own audience and share both fiction and nonfiction
Pros: Email-based, flexible, great reader loyalty
Cons: Slower growth if you don’t already have a newsletter list
📖 Patreon or ReamBest for: Authors offering bonus content, early access, or serialized chapters
Pros: Tiered monetization, strong community tools
Cons: Requires frequent content and time investment
📱 Vella, Wattpad, RadishBest for: Genre fiction with cliffhanger-heavy plots
Pros: Built-in audience, algorithmic discovery
Cons: High competition, requires strategic tagging and updates
🖥️ Personal BlogBest for: Authors who want full control, SEO traffic, and long-term content
Pros: Great for showcasing series or shorts
Cons: Less engagement unless paired with email/social push

​Tips for Success

  • Set a schedule—and stick to it. Weekly, biweekly, or monthly—consistency matters.
  • Use cliffhangers wisely. Give readers a reason to come back.
  • Offer value beyond the story. Add behind-the-scenes insights, Q&As, or writing notes.
  • Collect emails as you go. No matter where you publish, always give readers a way to stay connected.

Is It Right for You?

Consider writing in public if:
  • You enjoy reader interaction
  • You’re building a platform before your first full release
  • You have time to write and engage between updates
  • You’re exploring new formats and building trust with future superfans
Writing in public isn’t for everyone—but for some authors, it’s a powerful blend of creation, connection, and community. Whether you're serializing a romcom or sharing fantasy lore through newsletters, the key is to make it sustainable—and fun.
Your story doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Sometimes, letting readers in early makes the journey even richer.
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ARC Teams

6/26/2025

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How to Build a Loyal ARC Team
​from Scratch

If you're an author—especially in the indie or small press world—you've probably heard about ARC teams (Advanced Reader Copy teams). These dedicated early readers get a sneak peek at your book before launch day and help build buzz through reviews, word of mouth, and online support.
But how do you actually build one? Whether you're on book one or book ten, here’s how to create an ARC team that’s engaged, enthusiastic, and effective.

What Is an ARC Team?

An ARC team (sometimes called a “street team”) is a group of readers who receive an early copy of your book—usually a digital ARC—in exchange for honest reviews and optional promotion.
They’re not just fans; they’re your book’s biggest cheerleaders before and during launch week.

Step-by-Step: How to Build Yours

1. Start Small—and Start EarlyYou don’t need 50 people. You need 5–10 loyal readers who will actually follow through. Build trust with smaller groups before scaling.
📌 Tip: Reach out personally to your most engaged readers or newsletter subscribers.
2. Create a Simple Sign-Up FormUse Google Forms, StoryOrigin, or BookFunnel to collect names, emails, and preferred review platforms. Ask questions like:
  • Have you reviewed books before?
  • What genres do you read most?
  • Where do you post reviews (Amazon, Goodreads, TikTok)?
3. Set Expectations ClearlyLet them know:
  • When they'll receive the ARC
  • When reviews should be posted
  • That honesty is appreciated, not pressured
  • Any platform preferences (Amazon, Goodreads, blogs)
Transparency builds trust—and prevents confusion down the road.
4. Deliver the ARC AccessiblyUse BookFunnel or StoryOrigin to provide your ARC in multiple formats (MOBI, ePub, PDF). Make downloading and reading easy.
📌 Pro Tip: Include a quick guide for how to leave reviews if your team is new to it.
5. Stay in Touch—but Don’t OverwhelmSend 1–2 gentle reminders as launch day approaches. Keep your tone friendly, grateful, and respectful of their time.
Example:
“Just a friendly reminder—if you’ve had a chance to read [Book Title], I’d love for you to share your thoughts in a quick review. No pressure—your support already means so much!”

Ways to Reward Your ARC Team

  • Early access to future books
  • Exclusive bonus content (a deleted scene, epilogue, etc.)
  • Shoutouts on social media
  • First dibs on giveaways or merch
It doesn’t have to be big—but it should be meaningful.

 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending ARCs too close to launch (give them 2–4 weeks minimum)
  • Ghosting your team between books
  • Expecting 100% follow-through (life happens—be gracious)
  • Not tracking who delivers (use a spreadsheet or simple tracker)
A loyal ARC team isn’t built overnight—but with consistency, kindness, and a little structure, you can grow a group of readers who are genuinely excited to support you.
And the best part? Many of them will stick with you from book to book, growing alongside your career.
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Author Websites

6/19/2025

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10 Things Every Author Website Should Include (and 3 to Avoid)

In today’s publishing world, your author website is your digital home base. Whether you're traditionally published, self-published, or still querying, your website should do more than just look pretty—it should work for you.
Here’s a quick checklist of the must-haves, along with a few common pitfalls to avoid.

​10 Things Every Author Website Should Include

1. A Clear, Simple Homepage
​First impressions count. Your homepage should instantly tell visitors who you are and what you write. Use your author photo, tagline, and a short welcome message or current book highlight.
2. An Easy-to-Find Book Page
List your published works with cover images, blurbs, and buy buttons. Bonus points for including reading order if you're writing a series!
3. A Short, Friendly Bio
Skip the resume-style summary. Instead, give readers a peek into your personality—mention your genre, hobbies, pets, or coffee addiction. Keep it short and accessible.
4. Professional Author Photo
A clean, high-resolution photo builds trust and familiarity. You don’t need a studio shoot—but do skip the blurry selfie.
5. Email Newsletter Sign-Up
This is your #1 tool for staying connected with readers. Offer a freebie, teaser, or early access to new releases as an incentive.
6. Social Media Links
Link to your most active platforms (2–3 is plenty). Make sure they open in a new tab, so readers don’t leave your site.
7. Upcoming Events or News
Whether it’s a book signing, launch party, or newsletter milestone, show that you’re active and engaged.
8. Contact Page or Form
Make it easy for readers, bloggers, or event organizers to reach you—without listing your personal email.
9. A Media/Press Kit (If Published)
Include your bio, book covers, blurbs, author photo, and key links. Great for podcast hosts, reviewers, and bookstagrammers.
10. Mobile-Friendly Design
More than half of your traffic will come from phones. Your site should look just as good—and work just as well—on mobile as on desktop.

3 Common Author Website Mistakes to Avoid

1. Auto-Playing Music or Video
Nothing chases a visitor away faster than unexpected sound. Let your content shine—quietly.
2. Outdated Content
If your last update was in 2021, readers may think you’ve vanished. Even a quarterly refresh makes a difference.
3. Overcrowded Navigation
​Don’t overwhelm visitors with 10+ tabs. Stick to 4–6 clear sections—Books, About, Contact, Blog, etc.

Final Thoughts

Your website doesn’t need to be flashy—it just needs to be functional. A clean, friendly, and well-organized site gives readers and industry professionals confidence in you and your work.
So if it's been a while since you've updated your site, now’s the time. Your future readers—and future you—will thank you.
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Inclusive Storytelling

6/12/2025

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Inclusive Storytelling:
​Writing With Diversity and Depth

Publishing today is more vibrant than ever—and readers are seeking stories that reflect the breadth and beauty of the world around them. As writers and publishers, we have both a responsibility and an opportunity to create books that are inclusive, authentic, and respectful.
This doesn’t mean adding “diverse” characters for the sake of trend. It means writing stories that reflect real lives, different perspectives, and layered identities—with thoughtfulness, nuance, and care.

Why Inclusive Storytelling Matters

Representation in books can be life-changing. Seeing oneself on the page can affirm identity, offer hope, and foster empathy. When readers experience cultures, relationships, or perspectives unlike their own, they build connection and understanding.
For writers, inclusive storytelling opens creative doors. It challenges stereotypes, deepens worldbuilding, and adds texture to character development.

How to Write Inclusive Stories Authentically

1. Write Beyond the DefaultAsk yourself: Are all of my characters the same race, orientation, ability, or background by default? Could a side character, love interest, or mentor come from a different walk of life—and how would that shape the story?
2. Research DeeplyIf you’re writing outside your lived experience, immerse yourself in firsthand accounts, cultural guides, interviews, and sensitivity reads. Avoid relying on tropes or media stereotypes.
3. Develop Full, Complex CharactersDiversity isn't just about identifiers—it's about depth. Give your characters goals, flaws, fears, quirks, and dreams. A well-rounded queer character should be just as messy, funny, heroic, or selfish as anyone else.
4. Use Inclusive LanguageLanguage evolves. Learn how terms are used within communities and respect people’s preferences. When in doubt, follow own-voices creators or community guidelines.
5. Seek Feedback from Sensitivity ReadersHiring a sensitivity reader can help you avoid blind spots and unintentional harm. They aren’t just for checking boxes—they’re for strengthening your work and honoring your characters.

What Inclusive Storytelling Is Not

  • Tokenism (adding a “diverse” character to check a box)
  • Trauma-focused narratives without joy or agency
  • Writing marginalized characters as sidekicks, villains, or moral lessons only
  • Assuming one voice speaks for an entire community

Final Thoughts

Inclusive storytelling isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. It’s about showing the world as it truly is: wide, nuanced, and deeply human.
As authors and publishers, we have the power to make sure more readers feel seen—and that more voices get heard.
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Behind the Scenes

6/5/2025

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From Manuscript to Bookshelf: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at
​Small Press Publishing

At the heart of small press publishing is passion. When a manuscript comes across our desk, it isn’t just another submission—it’s a potential partnership, a spark of excitement, a story we believe deserves to be told. While large publishers often rely on commercial viability and trends, small presses can embrace unique, voice-driven works that might otherwise be overlooked.

The Editorial Journey

Once accepted, the manuscript enters a collaborative editing process. Developmental edits shape the structure and pacing, line edits refine the prose, and copyedits polish the final manuscript. At every stage, our goal is to enhance the author’s vision, not override it. We believe editing should be empowering, not diminishing.

Marketing with Meaning

Our marketing isn’t about massive ad budgets or flashy launches. It’s about authentic connection. We use targeted outreach, community partnerships, digital strategies, and grassroots buzz to help each book find its readers. And because we know how hard authors work, we strive to amplify their voices at every turn.

Why Small Presses Matter

The journey from manuscript to bookshelf isn’t just a technical process—it’s an emotional one. It’s filled with risk, excitement, growth, and hope. Small presses bring heart to every step, and in doing so, create space for stories that resonate beyond the mainstream.
At the end of the day, we publish with purpose. And we’re proud to champion authors whose words make the world a little more beautiful, just by being in it.
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Women in Publishing

5/29/2025

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How Women Are Reshaping the Publishing Industry

Women have always written—but today, women are taking the reins of the publishing industry like never before. Whether as authors, editors, agents, or founders of independent presses, women are redefining what publishing looks like, and what kinds of stories get told.

Breaking Down Barriers

Traditionally, the literary canon was dominated by male voices. But behind the scenes, women have long been the unsung heroes: editing manuscripts, advocating for authors, running literary magazines, and organizing book events. Now, they’re stepping into the spotlight and claiming leadership positions across all levels of the industry.

Championing Undervalued Genres

From bestselling romance writers to groundbreaking nonfiction authors, women are pushing boundaries. Genres once dismissed—like romance or memoir—are being recognized for their literary and cultural value, often because women refused to let them be sidelined. Authors like Toni Morrison, Isabel Allende, and Roxane Gay have paved the way for a new generation of bold, fearless storytellers.

Leadership in Small Presses

In small press publishing, women are especially influential. Many women-led presses focus on equity, inclusion, and collaboration. They create nurturing environments for authors and prioritize books that reflect real-world issues and diverse voices.

A New Kind of Leadership

Reshaping publishing isn’t just about who’s in charge—it’s about what values they bring. Women in publishing often prioritize mentorship, sustainable practices, and community. They champion stories that center on resilience, identity, and transformation.

Why It Matters for Readers

As readers and writers, we benefit from this shift. When more women lead, more stories are told. And those stories enrich us all.
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A Reading Buffet

5/22/2025

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Reading, Writing, Author Tips, Genre, Tropes
Guest post by Sharon Wagner

Read Like You're Standing in a Buffet Line of Steaming Hot Books

We all have a preferred genre as readers, and whether you follow the advice of your gut, guru, accountant, agent, or publisher, as writers, it’s advisable to stick to one genre as well. Unless you’re Silvia Moreno Garcia, who transcends being pigeonholed and leaps between gothic horror, noir, fantasy, and historical works with curious acumen. Wouldn’t it be fun to nail each genre like she does? Placing your butt in a chair to write every day would never be boring. Genre blending isn’t new, but jumping from one category to another is especially difficult. But if you do it well, fans may follow you across categories, and even if we must write in one genre to please our fans and audience, we can still read across genres and media.
"If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you're misinformed." - Mark Twain
Read like you’re standing in the buffet line at the local steak place, and make sure your plate is a heaping rainbow of Jello salad, pickled beets, pasta salad, and creamy potato salad. Sure, you can omit the mealy off-season tomatoes, but don’t forget the soup. I’d argue that your literary feast should be just as varied, with newspapers, magazines, writer’s articles, a smorgasbord of fiction and nonfiction books, and maybe even advertisements or horoscopes. I mean, you never know where you’ll find inspiration.
“Newspapers are horror happening to other people.”
~ Nadine Gordimer
Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I like to read paper books and news that smudges your fingers and is damp on the sidewalk after the rain. The print needs to be gray to the point of vanishing like invisible ink, and the paper needs unrolling and recycling. God help me, sometimes the newspaper arrives inside a plastic bag. I’m eco in many ways, but this is my literary sin. Besides, what would we put in front of the litter box if not for a newspaper?

Reading the Star Tribune’s Science and Health section (which is sadly no longer inside the Star Tribune) offered random scientific data to plump my alien character from my debut novel, The Levitation Game. Did you know birds have a molecule behind their eyes that may allow them to see the Earth’s magnetic field? Thanks to a timely article about the mystery of bird migration, my character, Dob-Dec, became fascinated by how Earth’s avians navigate long distances, and don’t get him started on those eye molecules. I don’t read many nonfiction books, but I love birds, and
reading Jennifer Ackerman’s The Genius of Birds also feathered the nest of my alien character. Weird, right? Before writing and publishing my novel, I worried I couldn’t create an alien genius like I imagined otherworldly visitors to be. So, I made a slightly dim-witted alien smarter than most humans, and a bird book helped me do it. Birds are so intelligent! Who knew that being a bird brain was a compliment?

Now, I’m writing a book about green witches, and scientific newspaper articles about iconic Sequoia trees, green burial, and the symbiosis between plants and humans are all fodder for my tree-hugging Coven and I have the newspaper delivery people to thank for those gems.
“Read a thousand books, and your words will flow like a river.” ~ Lisa See
I’ve even found ideas inside recipe books. I studied several books on modern-day witchcraft while researching my upcoming novel, The Savannah Book of Spells. I bought the book Witchcraft Cocktails by Julia Halina Hadas for research purposes only. Okay, maybe for me as well. I mean, cocktails are already fun and delicious, but imagine infusing them with ritual and magic, too? My witchy characters agreed with my philosophy, and a new chapter was born. My witchcraft research taught me much about helpful flowers, plants, herbs, trees, and crystals. Here are a few natural items that might help writers:
​
~ Borage The beautiful blue starflower can help you feel at ease, process information, and express yourself. Add the dried flower to incense and herbal blends, or carry it as a talisman.

~ Mugwort When brewed into tea, the magical plant can help you remember your dreams, and writers often use dreams to enhance their writing. Without first dreaming about levitating over my bed, leading to a (strictly nocturnal) city-wide power failure before collapsing into my sheets, I never would have written The Levitation Game.

~ Mint Have you heard of this exotic herb? It’s associated with money, prosperity, and communication.

~ Birch Witches use this tree for creativity and writing. The thin bark resembles paper, and a good witch/writer uses it for writing spells. I know what you’re thinking. Is there a spell to attract good reviews? You’ll have to do your own research to find out.

~ Labradorite It’s the stone for intuition, communication, and mental clarity. Writers might want to keep this stone on their writing desk. But if the stone doesn’t help your alertness or clarity, you can always return to the well-used coffee plant! Witches love it, too.

Of course, I find inspiration and intel in almost every book I read, and I mark the passages or write notes on my iPhone when I discover bookish treasure. I don’t want to forget a character quirk like in Emily Jane’s character-driven and humorous book, On Earth As It Is On Television, where a woman puts bacon on everything, including cupcakes. After reading Isabel Allende’s adventure-filled City of the Beasts, I knew I had to write a novel about the mysteries of the inner Earth someday since she created such a vivid underworld. Benjamin Percy did such an out-of-this-world job with the space portal science in his book, The Sky Vault, that I think he may have stumbled into one and met Albert Einstein before popping back out. Trust me, if you’re writing a book about portals to another dimension, you must read his book.
“Birds have wings. Humans have books.” ~ Unknown
As writers, we know we need to read like it’s our part-time job, and broad is better. By reading a buffet of books, you might acquire a mysterious molecule that works like a light sensor, clarifying your work. Words will stick to your brain, and inspiration will surely wing its way straight into your writer’s cortex. If you’re ever feeling stuck or uninspired, open a random book, fortune cookie, bathroom stall magazine, or flyer for a free car wash. Crane your neck to a flogo (airplane advertising banner) and see where it takes you. After all, books and such really are a portal to another literary dimension. If you don’t know how literary portals work, don’t ask me; ask Benjamin Percy.
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Sharon Wagner is a supernatural writer, inexhaustible travel blogger, spirit investigator (liquid, not ethereal), cat wrangler, and former illustrator of children’s books, including Maya Monkey.
Creative from birth, she never stops dreaming of magical worlds to unravel with words. When she’s not wandering the jungles of Central America, she lives in Minneapolis and Naples with her husband and two naughty cats. Her debut novel, The Levitation Game, won the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award for Science Fiction. Sharon’s short story, Default 666, received an honorable mention in the 93rd Annual Writer’s Digest Competition.
Sharon’s upcoming novel, ​Chorus of Crows, will launch in 2026 with Dreamsphere Books! Discover more at https://sharonwagnerbooks.com/
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Diversity in Books

5/15/2025

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Diversity, Diversity in books, author diversity

The Power of Representation: Why Diverse Books Matter

When readers see themselves reflected in the pages of a book, something magical happens. They feel seen. They feel heard. And they feel valued. Representation in literature is more than a buzzword—it’s a lifeline for many readers seeking stories that validate their identities and experiences.

Stories as Mirrors and Windows

The phrase “windows and mirrors,” coined by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, reminds us why representation matters so deeply. Books act as mirrors when they reflect our own experiences, and as windows when they offer glimpses into lives different from ours. Both are vital. For marginalized communities—especially those who have long been erased or stereotyped in mainstream media—authentic stories can affirm their humanity, culture, and worth.

The Power of #OwnVoices

But representation isn’t just about who is on the page; it’s also about who gets to tell the story. The #OwnVoices movement underscores the importance of letting individuals from marginalized groups speak for themselves. Authenticity, nuance, and cultural truth come from lived experience. By championing these stories, we honor the complexity of identity and push back against tokenism and harmful tropes.

Building Empathy Through Diverse Books

For young readers, diverse books can be particularly impactful. Seeing a character who looks like them or shares their struggles can bolster confidence and spark dreams. For all readers, these books cultivate empathy, broaden understanding, and challenge assumptions. Stories are how we connect as human beings—they build bridges in divided spaces.

How Small Presses Are Leading the Way

Publishing, as an industry, still has far to go. But independent and small presses are often leading the charge, taking risks on stories that bigger houses might overlook. By investing in underrepresented voices, we help shift the literary landscape toward something more inclusive, honest, and vibrant.
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At our press, we believe every reader deserves a seat at the literary table. And every writer deserves the chance to share their truth. Because when stories are more inclusive, everyone wins.


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    Arielle Haughee is the owner and founder of Orange Blossom Publishing. 

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