What are beta readers? Did you know that rom-com classics like Pretty in Pink (1986), My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) and Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010) originally had very different endings? After audiences reacted negatively to the endings in test screenings, the scripts were reworked to have the endings we know today.  Just as test audiences preview films prior to release and relay critical viewer feedback, beta readers do the same for books. These unsung heroes read manuscripts prior to publication, providing their honest opinions. And they often do it entirely for free. Acting as ..read more

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 Amanda MacGregor, who currently works in an elementary library. You can find her blogging at the School Library Journal-networked blog Teen Librarian Toolbox, writing reviews and the occasional feature article for SLJ, and on Twitter @CiteSomething. She lives outside of St. Paul, Minnesota w ..read more

Entrepreneur helped students win $100 million in scholarships– and now he’s helping them win $1 billion more  LAS VEGAS, Nevada– Since appearing on ‘Shark Tank’ and striking an investment deal with businessman and TV personality, Mark Cuban, #1 bestselling author Dr. Shaan Patel, MD, MBA has turned Prep Expert into the industry leader of SAT and ACT preparation. In anticipation of the SAT going digital for the first time in March 2024, Dr. Patel is helping students raise their SAT scores and win huge scholarships with his new guide, “Prep Expert Digital SAT Playbook: Winning Strategies to ..read more

We have big bookish goals for 2024 — some of us want to read more, some of us want to read less, but all of us are excited about books! Emily Kulkarni, publicity intern: I want to start reading the Throne of Glass series! Jenn Vance, marketing director: I read a lot of audiobooks last year, which I’m really proud of, but I would definitely like to get back into reading more ebooks and physical books (since I have a gigantic stack on my nightstand). I would also like to get back into reading fiction, since at least two-thirds of the books I read this past year were nonfiction. I’ve already pre ..read more

Check out the latest newsletter featuring our award-winning authors and industry news. This issue features upcoming book releases, recent media coverage and much more! Read the December 2023 newsletter here! The post Happy Holidays: Books Forward December 2023 Newsletter appeared first on Books Forward ..read more

The new Percy Jackson adaptation seems like it’s going to be everything we ever wanted for an adaptation of the beloved series. But if you’re like me, you’re going to be hungry for more after you watch it. We’ve put together a list of more middle grade/tween fantasy adventure books that you can pick up if you can’t get enough!  Tristan Strong Punches A Hole In the Sky by Kwame Mbalia Tristan is dreading going to his grandparents’ farm, where he’s being sent to heal from a bus accident that cost him his best friend, Eddie. But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up and steals ..read more

LOS ANGELES – Vegetable dishes just got tastier. In a world where the health-conscious and flavor-seekers can unite, each page of Yecenia Currie’s new cookbook is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating recipes that are filled with nutrition while simultaneously exploding with flavor. Currie’s goal in “Sweet & Savory Life” March 1, 2024, Trilogy Publishing) is to “amplify plant-based deliciousness” by focusing on recipes that are packed with both nutrition and flavor. But this cookbook goes beyond just nourishing the body. Currie emphasizes the holistic aspect of nourishment b ..read more

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