The Report: July 6, 2026
In this issue of the Report, we kick off our First Look video series! Each video will feature BookLife editors Matia Query and Alan Scherstuhl as they give their first impressions of book covers, marketing materials, and first pages. Maybe we'll feature your book! Also in today's issue, we highlight indie poetry, hear from an author about his book on consciousness, and much more.
New and Noteworthy
Behind the Story: Jay NelsonAuthor Jay Nelson discusses how a near-death experience led him to write Consciousness in a Nutshell: A Psychonautical Odyssey. more
Indie Spotlight: PoetryIn this first round of Indie Spotlight for July, we've got poetry. Stay tuned for a longer roundup of general fiction! more
First Look: 'Hazardous Lies'The BookLife editors give their first impressions of the cover, marketing copy, and opening pages of Stephen J. Wallace's indie thriller. more
Promote Your Book with a Digital Galley Giveaway! Get your book in front of thousands of booksellers, librarians, and readers through BookLife’s Advance Access program. Deadline: July 8. more
Pocket Books Relaunches as Home for Self-Published AuthorsSimon & Schuster will relaunch its Pocket Books imprint, tapping Anh Schluep as VP, editorial director, and deputy publisher, per an announcement from Jennifer Bergstrom, EVP and publisher of S&S’s Gallery Books imprint. more
BookLife Opportunities
- Call for Submissions: Indie Spotlight: Our July Indie Spotlight will feature general fiction and poetry. To submit your book, email booklife@booklife.com with the subject line: "Indie Spotlight: General Fiction and Poetry." Include your book name, author name, and a personal statement (written in first-person).
- Free BookLife Editorial Features for Indie Authors: Standing out isn’t easy for self-published authors. BookLife’s editorial features provide visibility and credibility—at no cost. Check out the opportunities!
- Write for BookLife!: We're currently looking for pitches from the BookLife community concerning craft, self-publishing, marketing, and other editorial topics. With the subject line "BookLife Pitch," please write to booklife@booklife.com with your article idea and a brief bio.
From the Shelves: BookLife Titles on Our Radar
- 'See Us, Know Us' by Jennifer Chassman Browne: "Browne’s structure captures the collective and individual personality, dignity, and humanity of her profiled individuals, providing important context for their medical and family histories, professional accomplishments, and unique challenges."
- 'Shore Trouble' by David Antocci: "Antocci’s fast-paced mystery thriller debut blends suspense, romance, and humor against the backdrop of Florida’s glittering beaches and marinas."
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The following are this week's books from PW Select, Publishers Weekly's marketing program for indie authors. To sign up your book for PW Select, click here.
Click here to see all the recent titles enrolled in PW Select, or click here to sign up your book for the program.
