For years, I avoided driving on highways. The thought of merging into fast-moving traffic, navigating complex interchanges, and trusting my instincts at 70 mph was overwhelming. Instead, I stuck to familiar roads, going slower, staying safe but feeling restricted. Then, life nudged me out of my comfort zone, and I had no choice but to face this fear.
 

You meet many authors in publishing, but few like Dennis James Sweeney—talented, kind, and deeply engaged. His new book, How to Submit: Getting Your Writing Published with Literary Magazines and Small Presses (New World Library), is exactly what writers need: a guide that makes the submission process empowering and joyful.
 

The skepticism was loud and clear when I started talking about the web in 1995. “It’s just a fad, like Beta tapes—it’ll go away,” people said. Yet here we are, decades later, with the web as an essential part of our personal and professional lives.
 

January brings with it the promise of a fresh start. It's the perfect time to step back, take stock, and find ways to work smarter, not harder. The thought of starting fresh can feel overwhelming if you're like me. But what if I told you that AI tools could make the process easier and downright exciting?

Let’s explore how AI can give your work a fresh perspective and help you kick off 2024 with renewed energy and creativity.
 

Working with Michelle Gladieux on Communicate with Courage: Taking Risks to Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges has been a deeply rewarding experience. As I reflect on this collaboration, I am filled with admiration for Michelle—not only for her expertise as a communication coach but also for the way she shows up authentically in every interaction. Her wisdom and guidance have not only helped shape the launch of her book but have also enriched my personal and professional communication.
 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on gratitude in a way that feels more profound and more resonant this year. It's a season to gather, to cherish, and to give thanks—but it's also a time that reminds us of all the changes, challenges, and beauty that life brings. I think of my mother, a woman whose resilience, creativity, and warmth shaped so much of who I am today. She taught me the art of gratitude, not just through words, but through her actions, her joy in simple moments, and her unwavering support.
 

When it comes to building a community around your work, especially in the publishing world, we now have more tools than ever to make it happen. But with options comes decision fatigue. I’ve been thinking about the two big platforms—Patreon and Substack—and wanted to share my thoughts. If you’re like me, always balancing the desire to grow your business while experimenting with new things (hello, AI), knowing where to focus your energy can make all the difference. 
 

Working with Thom Hartmann on the Hidden History series has been a deeply rewarding experience. My team at FSB Associates and I were honored to support Thom’s mission of uncovering critical issues like democracy, labor rights, and economic inequality through ten impactful books.

 

Marketing a book can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops—daunting, awkward, and at times wildly uncoordinated. But don’t worry! Enter the 4A’s Framework, a clever tool popularized by Dickie Bush. It breaks ideas into four simple categories: Actionable, Analytical, Aspirational, and Anthropological. Think of it as your go-to guide for making content creation easy, fun, and—most importantly—on target.
 

By Fauzia Burke and ChatGPT

I asked ChatGPT to predict trends for book publishing in 2025. The following is the answer I got. It’s interesting. Some of this is already happening. Take a look at what AI is predicting for the future of our industry. 

As we look ahead to 2025, the rise of AI is poised to influence book publishing trends in several vital ways significantly:

Maybe I’m just hungry or thinking of my Italian vacation, or maybe this is a good metaphor for using AI. I think Ai is just like pizza dough. Stay with me here, I am thinking or writing out loud…... 

A book jacket can make or break a title—it’s your book’s first impression, and we all actually do judge a book by its cover. This makes getting the cover right an anxiety-inducing task for publishers and authors. But how do you know if your book jacket is hitting the mark? Enter ChatGPT, an AI tool that can help you assess your cover’s appeal and marketability without the guesswork.

Laughter is often described as the best medicine, a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Yet, when it comes to women, laughter is not always received with the same appreciation. Take, for example, Vice President Harris. Her laugh, often spontaneous and infectious, has been scrutinized and ridiculed by political opponents. But for many, including myself, her laughter represents a form of joyful abandon that is not only empowering, it’s enviable.

In the not-so-distant future, a typical conversation might go something like this:

"Hey, did you get my email?"
"Yeah, my AI read it and had my other AI send a response."
"Cool, I'll have my AI check it out and get back to your AI."

It is with profound sorrow that I announce the passing of my mother, Nuzhat Subhani, at the age of 80. Her life was a tapestry of bravery, fascination, and boundless love. Her loss is the most significant I have ever experienced, leaving an irreplaceable void in my heart.

In today's digital age, authors are constantly seeking strategies to engage their readers and make their book launches stand out. One powerful tactic gaining traction is integrating exclusive bonus content with incentives for newsletter sign-ups. Let's delve into how this approach can propel your book launch to new heights:
 

Did you know that books often face rejection simply because the author isn't enthusiastic about marketing them? It's true. In the vast landscape of publishing, where countless stories vie for attention, marketing plays a pivotal role in ensuring your book doesn't get lost in the shuffle. But fear not, fellow writers, for this blog is dedicated to empowering authors like you to embrace the journey of promoting your work and letting it shine!

Are you gearing up to launch your next book and want to ensure it makes a splash in the literary world? Building buzz before your book hits the shelves is crucial for its success. In today's competitive publishing landscape, creating pre-launch excitement can mean the difference between a book that languishes unnoticed and one that captures the attention of readers far and wide. Here are some proven strategies to help you generate buzz and anticipation for your upcoming release.