Why the Press Release Isn’t Dead, Especially If You Wrote a Book
Readers now ask AI what to read next. PR pro Pam Perry explains why a press release is one of the best ways to get your book into those answers.

Readers now ask AI what to read next. PR pro Pam Perry explains why a press release is one of the best ways to get your book into those answers.

Each year, the Reader Views Literary Awards recognize outstanding independent authors and small presses whose work rises above the competition. These books are selected through a rigorous editorial review process by our team of professional reviewers — not algorithms, not sales numbers. Just careful, thoughtful reading.
Below are the 2025 award winners in our non-fiction categories. Every book on this list is independently published or from a small press, and every one has earned its place here.

Each year, the Reader Views Literary Awards recognize outstanding independent authors and small presses whose work rises above the competition. These books are selected through a rigorous editorial review process by our team of professional reviewers — not algorithms, not sales numbers. Just careful, thoughtful reading.
Below are the 2025 award winners in our adult fiction and poetry categories. Every book on this list is independently published or from a small press, and every one has earned its place here.

Supporting indie authors matters—find out how you can help amplify their voices and enrich the literary landscape.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson offers the poem Booming Ahead of Boomers from her chapbook “Deeper Into the Pond: A Celebration of Femininity” coauthored across continents with Magdalena ball because she hopes it helps put an end to the idea that women only have a few good years. You know, that old wives’ tale that has percolated among women since time began. She says, “Trust me! The last ones are among the best!”

Last week, we explored the world of mindful reading. Today, we shift gears to examine an unavoidable aspect of modern life—social media. In my work at Reader Views, I’ve observed firsthand how these platforms can both boost and challenge our reading habits. So, how exactly does social media impact the books we pick up—or don’t pick up?

Today we’re diving into a topic close to the hearts of all book lovers—how to truly get the most out of your reading experience. Reading isn’t just about flipping through pages and reaching ‘The End.’ It’s an opportunity for deeper understanding, emotional connection, and yes, even personal growth.

Ever found yourself in a reading slump? You’re not alone. It’s that bizarre phase when the act of reading feels more like a chore than a joy. A reading slump isn’t just a lack of interest in reading. It can be a mix of mental fatigue, external stresses, and even an overexposure to repetitive storylines. It’s the reader’s equivalent of writer’s block!

Street teams. Don’t you just love that term? Picture it – people hitting the streets to deliver the news about your book! Learn how to find, connect, and nurture these teams to promote your work and deepen your connection with your audience.

We like to think that reading happens on a chair next to a window on a rainy day. Or maybe on our bed before we go to sleep. But the truth is that any time is a good time to pause and decompress through a good book.