Book review of Leadership with a Servant’s Heart: Your Role as a Leader in Your Family by Kevin Wayne Johnson . ISBN: < Back Leadership with a Servant’s Heart: Your Role as a Leader in Your Family Kevin Wayne Johnson Christian; Leadership; Family Writing for the Lord Ministries Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In "Leadership with a Servant’s Heart," Kevin Wayne Johnson offers a transformative guide on embodying servant leadership within the family, drawing from personal experiences and biblical teachings to foster unity, support, and meaningful connections. Kevin Wayne Johnson's Leadership with a Servant’s Heart: Your Role as a Leader in Your Family offers a practical exploration of servant leadership applied to the family unit. The book articulates the vital importance of leading with a heart dedicated to serving others, particularly within familial relationships. Johnson masterfully synthesizes his personal experiences, profound biblical teachings, and decades of professional leadership insights to provide a comprehensive guide on embodying authentic servant leadership at home. Written in a popular yet formal and factual style, the book is highly accessible to a broad audience, including parents, guardians, and any family member eager to strengthen their bonds. Readers will gain invaluable knowledge on how to nurture relationships, foster unity, and lead with genuine love and authenticity. Johnson begins by sharing deeply personal reflections on his own family life, detailing the challenges and lessons learned from caring for his mentally disabled brother and raising his autistic son. These anecdotes powerfully illustrate his belief that leadership is fundamentally about nurturing, supporting, and advocating for those we cherish. His journey into leadership, shaped by parental influence and a distinguished career in the federal government, underscores the formative impact of observing and learning from diverse leaders. The book systematically guides readers through core family leadership concepts, starting with the family as a cohesive system where mutual support and shared responsibility are paramount. Johnson meticulously delves into the roles and responsibilities of each family member, advocating for the intentional use of influence to foster growth. He then explores the crucial role and purpose of the godly family, referencing biblical teachings to outline the responsibilities of wives, husbands, children, and fathers, emphasizing that the family functions as the "first church." Practical aspects of family life, such as the significance of love, unity, and celebrating achievements, are thoroughly addressed, alongside specific guidance for leading across different age groups. Johnson consistently integrates biblical references and personal anecdotes to enrich his points, providing actionable advice and thoughtful discussion questions throughout. Leadership with a Servant’s Heart stands as an invaluable resource for anyone committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive family environment, profoundly demonstrating that effective leadership truly begins at home. Previous Next

< Back Printed Word Reviews Launches Landmark Bilingual Magazine Edition to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month September 15, 2026 at 8:39:02 AM Today, Printed Word Reviews (PWR) officially announced the launch of a special bilingual magazine edition , timed to commemorate the opening of Hispanic Heritage Month. This standalone edition expands PWR’s mission of empowering independent publishing by connecting authors, small presses, and self-published creators directly with Spanish-speaking and bilingual readerships globally. Designed to showcase the vibrant intersection of English and Spanish literature, the magazine features dual-language book reviews, key author profiles, and editorial commentary printed side-by-side in both languages. With four different translators and additional writers, the inaugural issue highlights works across genres, placing dedicated focus on bilingual children's literature, fiction, and social-emotional learning titles. "Launching our bilingual edition on the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month is a deliberate celebration of rich storytelling tradition and cross-cultural narrative," said Ted Olczak, the Printed Word Reviews publisher. "Independent presses and authors are producing incredible works that deserve to transcend language barriers. This magazine edition serves as a bridge, giving diverse voices the spotlight and accessibility they deserve in the global marketplace." Beyond its digital release, PWR will feature titles from this special issue at major international publishing events this fall, including the Guadalajara International Book Fair, November 30th to December 2nd, 2026. The issue itself, curated and intentionally focused, highlights Mireya Saldúa on the front cover with her dual-language children's book, Fun Day with Misa / Un Día Divertido con Misa, the first in a nine-part series. The issue also features profiles of Dr. Lori Schneider and Dr. Richard C. Brusca, both award-winning authors. In-depth bilingual reviews are included, again with both languages side-by side, that range from childrens to adult, fiction to nonfiction. This special feature honors the rich tapestry of Hispanic literature and storytelling, while bridging cultures and languages in one immersive reading experience. The special Hispanic Heritage Month bilingual issue is available starting today in digital and print-on-demand formats through the official Printed Word Reviews platform, as well as digital magazine distributors like Zinio and public library networks via OverDrive, https://www.zinio.com/publisher/publications/printed-word-reviews/41160 , starting later this month. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of The Fourth Woman by Roselyn Teukolsky . ISBN: 9781967036035 < Back The Fourth Woman Roselyn Teukolsky stalking, kidnapping, ransomware, manipulation, romantic tension Graveyard Press LLC Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest When a cyberattack breaches her network, cybersecurity expert Madeline Geiger must use her elite coding skills to outwit a brilliant predator who has weaponized her own smart-home technology against her. A ransomware attack is just the beginning. In Roselyn Teukolsky’s The Fourth Woman, Madeline Geiger faces a terrifying new threat when a digital breach locks down her system. As she hunts the hacker, she begins dating a brilliant neurobiologist whose intense behavior takes a dark, manipulative turn. Soon, her safe world fractures. Suffering from mysterious memory gaps and physical pain, Madeline realizes she is being hunted by a predator who has turned her everyday household devices into instruments of psychological warfare. Teukolsky delivers a suspenseful, high-tech domestic thriller where an elite coder Madeline Geiger must dismantle a sinister digital trap before she becomes the next victim. Previous Next

Book review of Intrinsic by W.H.B. . ISBN: 9798317462994 < Back Intrinsic W.H.B. self-discovery, jealousy, secrets, class divide, masculinity Self published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest One night of uncontrolled passion is all it takes to upend the life of a privileged Manhattan heir and send him spiraling into a life of betrayal and lies. The book follows Christopher Franklin, better known as “Chris,” a taxi driver in New York. He's twenty-eight and a father to two girls. He once lived a life of wealth and abundance, but now depends on the car for survival. Chris’s initial fall from privilege isn’t merely financial; it is a total displacement of identity. By trading his trajectory in high society for life behind the wheel of a Brooklyn taxi, Chris embodies the tragic weight of social exile, highlighting how easily an individual's status can vanish in a single evening. Mary, his wife, is his direct opposite. She is always deeply unhappy, and always treats the family table as her kingdom. Her comfort is often her cigarette. In her younger days at school, she was very good at controlling conversations. She was very strategic and wherever words failed her, she would use her physicality and sexuality. Chris' best friend Josh saw her as young and innocent. But the reader, who has seen Mary hunger for another world, knows better. They have seen her charm Chris even when fully aware he's dating someone else. W.H.B. excels at building a pervasive sense of domestic claustrophobia. Chris’s marriage to Mary is portrayed as a prison defined by volatility and isolation. When Chris discovers that Mary and so-called friend Josh have decades-long secrets, manipulating him for his money, the domestic drama snaps into a high-stakes psychological thriller. This book uses tiny physical actions, the kind that understands that emotion is physical before it is verbal. It also uses loaded silences, the kind that knows what is unsaid is often more powerful than what is said. Additionally, it features weaponized politeness- the kind that knows you cannot prove intent when the words are technically correct. W.H.B. employs forensic precision, treating his characters with the cold eye of an investigator. While most writers rely on adjectives to show emotion, W.H.B. cuts the fluff and lets the action speak for itself. He presents the evidence without comment, trusting the reader to render the final verdict. W.H.B. understands that most of life doesn't come with narrations. We read people. We interpret silences. We assemble truths from fragments. It's precisely this kind of reading that demands and rewards. Part literary character study and part suspenseful family saga, "Intrinsic" delivers a haunting mystery driven by truths hidden in plain sight. W.H.B. examines the darker corners of human nature such as self-deception, jealousy, and social exile without apology, while offering a grounded story of fatherhood and resilience. Ultimately, it demonstrates that while class and status can disappear overnight, true agency is found in how one rises from the aftermath. Previous Next

< Back Sun Print Solutions Boosts Automation and Color Consistency with Sentinel iPro System October 13, 2026 at 6:47:40 AM Commercial and packaging printer Sun Print Solutions has integrated the Sentinel iPro Ink Management System with its new eight-color Komori Lithrone GL840P advance LED-UV perfecting press. The automated ink delivery system helps the company streamline shop-floor operations, eliminate manual intervention, and maintain precise color stability across high-volume production runs. Based in West Valley City, Utah, Sun Print Solutions has operated since 1941 , producing direct mail, books, magazines, posters, and folding-carton packaging. Acquired in 2019 by CEO Jennifer Pettinger and CFO Sara Deneau , the 100% woman-owned business has continually modernized its operations through targeted equipment upgrades, replacing older offset equipment with state-of-the-art machinery. The addition of the Sentinel iPro system directly targets a long-standing pressroom challenge: the manual monitoring and refilling of ink fountains. According to Chief Operating Officer Stefan McTee , press operators previously had to manually scoop ink from tubs—a demanding task during high-speed production runs on heavy stock. "The operator had to watch the feeder and ink fountains at the same time, and it was very hard to keep up," McTee noted. The Sentinel iPro system automates ink delivery on demand and incorporates low-ink alarms, enabling press operators to swap cartridges in as little as 10 seconds. Beyond saving labor, continuous ink distribution creates a stable ink film, preventing the color fluctuations and ink surges common with manual refills. The technology also boosts material efficiency. Utilizing sealed, air-pressurized plunger cartridges, the system dispenses approximately 98% of the ink in each container, significantly reducing waste, spoilage, and cleanup time. David Doucette , Director of Sales at Sentinel, emphasized the broader benefits of automating routine pressroom tasks: “iPro is designed to give operators one less thing to constantly monitor while helping maintain the ink conditions needed for stable color throughout a run. That combination of automation and consistency is especially valuable on high-volume production.” The upgrade has proven popular on the plant floor. Following positive feedback from press operators, Sun Print Solutions is currently evaluating plans to retrofit its remaining older offset equipment with the Sentinel system. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Secrets II Vengeance & Revenge by Kay Louise Bowen . ISBN: 9781037121852 < Back Secrets II Vengeance & Revenge Kay Louise Bowen Thriller, mystery/crime, obsession, manipulation, family secrets Austin Macauley Publishers Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A family’s hard-won peace is shattered when a manipulative ex-convict and a vulnerable hotel worker conspire to abduct their son, forcing them to confront buried secrets, old betrayals, and the darkness still circling their lives. In the realm of domestic suspense, the ultimate nightmare is the fragility of a hard-won peace. Kay Louise Bowen taps into this primal fear in "Secrets II: Vengeance & Revenge," a multi-layered psychological thriller that proves some secrets refuse to stay buried. Picking up eight years after the chaotic events of her debut novel Secrets, Bowen delivers a tense narrative of obsession, family loyalty, and the devastating ripple effects of unhinged vengeance. The novel follows Gina and Neil Adams, a couple who have spent nearly a decade rebuilding their lives and fostering a safe, stable environment for their autistic son, Teddy. But a milestone anniversary trip to Dubai quickly shifts from a celebration to a harbinger of doom. A chilling, anonymous phone call warning that "some things do not stay buried forever" coincides with a terrifying news report: Annabel Hayes, Neil’s violent, delusional ex-partner, is up for parole. As the threat of Annabel looms from prison, a second, more immediate danger quietly embeds itself in their hometown of Weymouth. Diane, a volatile woman with a history of mental illness, takes a job at the Haven Hotel, managed by Neil’s sister, Abby. Diane quickly develops a toxic fixation on Neil and a bitter resentment of Gina’s life. When Annabel breaks her parole conditions and aligns with the equally unstable Diane, the family’s worst fears are realized. In a moment of brief distraction at the hotel, young Teddy disappears. What follows is a race against time that spans police investigations, public appeals, courtroom dramas, and a shocking act of violence that proves the danger isn't over even after the handcuffs are slapped on. Bowen builds a claustrophobic atmosphere by squeezing her protagonists from two entirely different directions. The dual threat of Annabel’s calculated delusion and Diane’s proximity and erratic jealousy puts the reader in a state of unease. The coastal town of Weymouth and the Haven Hotel serve as the backdrop for this domestic drama. By anchoring much of the plot around a family business, Bowen highlights how crime disrupts not just the target, but an entire community of friends, coworkers, and relatives (such as the sharp-eared Abby, who plays a pivotal role in the book's climax). Gina and Neil are sympathetic, grounded protagonists whose desperation to protect their vulnerable son grounds the book’s more melodramatic twists in genuine human emotion. "Secrets II: Vengeance & Revenge" is an emotionally charged domestic thriller that will appeal directly to fans of Harlan Coben and B.A. Paris. While it functions as a standalone, readers who enjoyed the first book will find immense satisfaction in seeing the final, definitive reckoning between Neil, Gina, and the ghosts of their past. Bowen delivers a compelling reminder that while revenge is a dish best served cold, the fire of a mother's love is ultimately indomitable. Previous Next

< Back Independent Publishing and Industry Insiders Convene at BookCAMP 2026 for Multi-Day Publishing Conference June 4, 2026 at 4:47:04 AM On April 24–25, 2026, authors, publishers, and literary professionals gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton near Newark Airport for BookCAMP 2026. Hosted by Printed Word Reviews and publisher Ted Olczak, the multi-day educational conference and networking event aimed to give independent creators the corporate-level strategies as well as the guerilla techniques needed to compete in a rapidly evolving book market. The intensive weekend offered attendees a highly focused curriculum broken down into three specialized learning tracks: The Business Track: Sessions provided deep dives into scaling author brands, licensing global rights, navigating book-to-screen adaptations, and breaking through the logistics required to land independent books onto the shelves of big-box retail giants. The Marketing Track: Industry leaders focused heavily on modern visibility tactics, including building publicity and marketing frameworks, Artificial Intelligence, pitching to independent bookstores, securing national media spots, and capturing market share in the booming audiobook space. The Writing Track: Craft workshops centered on mastering deep point-of-view, structuring sustainable book series, and understanding the specific elements required to secure a traditional or hybrid publishing deal. Beyond the lecture halls, the event served as a high-value networking hub. Authors took advantage of dedicated "Meet the Expert" sessions, scheduling one-on-one consultations with literary agents, printers, marketers and publicists to get direct feedback on their current projects. The weekend’s main event took place on Saturday night, April 25, with a joint gala dinner celebrating the winners of the Independent Press Award and the NYC Big Book Award . Held in the hotel's Garden State Ballroom, the evening featured a cocktail reception, red-carpet photography, and an awards banquet honoring standout independent literary achievements from creators across the globe. Attendees were from four different continents; and countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Sweden, United Kingdom, and across the United States. With social media feeds on LinkedIn and Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/independentpressaward/ , still buzzing with photos of award wins and shared marketing frameworks, BookCAMP 2026 cemented its reputation as a vital annual accelerator for the indie publishing community. BookCAMP 2027 has been announced for April 9-10, 2027. Tickets available at https://www.ipabookcamp.com/tickets . Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Not In This World by Jane Scott Stuart . ISBN: 9781736458310 < Back Not In This World Jane Scott Stuart Queer Black man, trauma, Jim Crow-era, self-expression, acceptance Before You Publish - Book Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A queer Black man navigating trauma and Jim Crow-era oppression finds safety and self-expression through a transformative moment of acceptance with the White child he helped raise. Jane Scott Stuart and Elaine Flowers’ Not In This World is a tender, harrowing exploration of race, identity, and queerness under the unyielding weight of the mid-20th-century American South. Structured around Paul Carew’s life, the novel functions as both an intimate character study and an indictment of the intersecting systems—paternal, institutional, and racial—that try to eradicate nonconformity. Spanning small-town Kentucky to wartime Europe, the authors craft a deeply moving, structurally complex story about domesticity, survival, and the rare, transformative power of being truly seen. The novel’s greatest conceptual strength lies in how it frames domestic space. For Paul, the cooking and cleaning, is not merely a role forced upon him by a segregated economy; it is an intrinsic expression of his nature. However, the domestic sphere is double-edged. In his childhood home, under the authoritarian gaze of his preacher father, Reverend Elijah Carew, Paul’s gentle disposition and queerness trigger brutal violence. The turning point of Paul’s youth, dressing in his mother’s gown only to be beaten by Elijah, sets up the central irony of his life: the very domestic skills that provoke his father's rage become his ticket out of the household and into the service of the white Jackson family. In the Jackson household, domesticity shifts from a site of trauma to a site of conditional refuge. Paul’s talent in the kitchen buys him safety from his father, but it locks him into a rigid racial hierarchy where his security is always fragile, dependent on the whims of white patronage. The novel’s midsection confronts the full weight of Jim Crow law and white supremacy. Paul’s friend Moses Daniels serves as the book's starkest thematic anchor. Moses’s self-defense against a predatory white florist, Kenneth Baynor, leads to a swift, state-sanctioned execution, a tragedy compounded that local law enforcement shielded Baynor’s history of preying on Black boys. When Paul begs his employer, Walter Jackson, to intervene, Jackson’s refusal cleanly exposes the boundaries of white benevolence. The Jacksons may appreciate Paul's labor and offer him physical shelter, but they will never challenge the structural racial order to save a Black life. Moses’s death is a shattering realization for Paul, confirming that neither moral truth nor personal loyalty can alter the legal apparatus constructed against him. Paul’s journey to New York, England, and Ireland as a caretaker for the Jacksons’ daughter, Jane, followed by his service in the Royal Air Force during World War II, broadens the narrative scope. These shifts allow the novel to explore how prejudice shapeshifts across geographical and class boundaries. Although Paul returns to the South changed, he is fully aware that his home environment demands he shrink back into the secretive, guarded self. The narrative culminates in a radiant catharsis that mirrors and redefines Paul’s childhood trauma. Dancing alone at night in a gown and makeup, Paul is now discovered by a grown Jane. Jane’s response, “you’re beautiful,” and her request to dance with him reframes a lifetime of power dynamics. Here, the relationship between domestic worker and charge dissolves into an embrace of shared humanity and secret-keeping. By offering unconditional acceptance, Jane transforms Paul’s private sanctuary into a space of genuine safety. “Not In This World” is a triumph of character-driven fiction. By grounding complex themes of race, queer identity, and systemic oppression in the specific, sensory details of Paul's inner and domestic life, Stuart and Flowers have created a narrative that feels both historically grounded and timelessly human. It is a novel about the immense cost of survival, and the quiet glory of remaining unbroken. Previous Next

< Back Amazon's Rare Book Operation Raises Questions September 17, 2026 at 7:06:01 AM Artificial intelligence users may soon gain access to a new feature: digital scans of rare and antique books. The technology could open up accessibility to works that are otherwise difficult to find, but it may also threaten years of work by translators and collectors. The story broke a few weeks ago, when 404 Media reported that a shipment of rare books was tracked to an Amazon warehouse in Nevada. There, the books are scanned, translated, summarized, and printed word for word into an AI digital database, intended to help with recall and context for new prompts on older books. The move follows the lawsuit filed by authors against the AI company Anthropic, which was accused of also scanning books for AI use and destroying them. The purpose of this operation, according to 404 Media’s Emanuel Maiberg in an interview with NPR, is to avoid what it describes as "model collapse", a phenomenon in which AI trained on other AI output produces varied and incoherent answers. The solution, in this case, is for the system to consume human-generated text to produce more human-like responses. What makes the operation especially striking is the company behind it: a firm known for a dinosaur logo holding a book in its hands, almost as if depicting the dinosaur as a kind of shredder. That imagery raises further questions about intentionality and the core values of those involved, as destructive scanning has been on the minds of the public even though Amazon heavily denies it. Yet, after the analysis is complete and the books are scanned, sorted, and stripped of their words and themes, they are destroyed in their entirety. These books could’ve been donated and passed on to new readers, but their lifespan is cut short to make the process efficient and to give companies a legal loophole if ever tried in court, as they’re not pirating. Rare books have never been printed in large quantities, and they serve as important records of outdated products and materials no longer in use. With so many being intentionally destroyed, many worry that their contents will be lost in translation, without the human interpretation and value that give these items meaning. The practice raises a broader question: where is the line between helpful access and the dilution of authors' messages and translations built up over the years? These are books that many readers cannot obtain anywhere else. With some suggesting the company is trying to monopolize rare books and capitalize on niche genres and categories that only it can offer access to. The extreme measures make one wonder what else Amazon will do to turn users to its platform, and its platform alone. For many, the feature doesn't seem like a necessity. Rare books are already, in many ways, hidden behind museum exhibits and online archive paywalls. In an age when hundreds of books are banned each year, and access is being shortened, there’s been a push on readers to rely on AI systems and processes. Interest in literature as a whole has been steadily declining, but could AI scans create more exposure for rare books in the long run? We’ll just have to wait and see. Printed Word Reviews / Reported by Mali Ayala Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Independent Press Award and AMPlify Audiobooks Partner to Simplify Book Submissions October 15, 2025 at 7:13:28 AM The Independent Press Award, a leading champion of independent authors and publishers, and AMPlify Audiobooks, a respected provider of audiobook production and distribution services, have announced a partnership designed to simplify the submission process for the annual Independent Press Award book contest. The core goal of the collaboration is to significantly ease the administrative burden on independent authors. The new arrangement integrates AMPlify Audiobooks’ service platform as an alternative, user-friendly channel for authors submitting their titles to the award. Gabby Olczak, Sponsor of the Independent Press Award, emphasized the benefit for the writing community. "We are always looking for ways to better serve the independent publishing community," Olczak said. "Working with AMPlify Audiobooks means authors who use their services can now easily manage their award submissions alongside their production needs. It’s a natural fit, allowing us to focus on the high-quality content the Independent Press Award is known for, while also embracing modern submission methods." AMPlify Audiobooks, a direct-sale platform developed by Pro Audio Voices Inc., is dedicated to helping independent authors maximize their reach and royalties through professional audiobook services. This new partnership directly connects their author base with one of the industry's most respected book awards. "Independent authors deserve every opportunity to be recognized for their incredible work," commented Becky Parker Geist, Founder and CEO of Pro Audio Voices. "Our platform is designed to support the entire lifecycle of an author's book, and simplifying the awards process is a valuable extension of that support. We're proud to partner with the Independent Press Award to give our authors an easier path to potential recognition." The new, streamlined submission channel is effective immediately for the upcoming 2026 Independent Press Award cycle. Authors planning to submit should note the final submission deadline is December 15th, 2025. Specific instructions on how to leverage the Pro Audio Voices system for award entry are available on the Independent Press Award's rules page, https://www.independentpressaward.com/award-rules . This partnership underscores a shared commitment to elevating the independent publishing sector, promoting excellence in writing, and providing independent creators with the tools and recognition they need to thrive in a competitive market. The Independent Press Award is an international book awards program dedicated to honoring the best books published by independent authors and publishers. AMPlify Audiobooks, an initiative of Pro Audio Voices, empowers independent creators with significantly higher royalties and greater control over their audiobook sales and customers. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Here is a short list of magazines to subscribe and advertise to the book publishing industry. Magazines BookCAMP by Printed Word Reviews Covers the business of publishing. Frequency: Five times annually, Quarterly plus extra issue Issue Dates: February; May; August; November; and one Bonus Issue Learn More Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award Present Award-winning books from around the world. Visit independentpressaward.com/subscribe to learn about more great authors from the NYC Big Book Award (every fall) and Independent Press Award (every spring). Learn More

< Back LiteracyNation Hosts the Third Annual Indie Author Book Fair at the West Philadelphia Container Village August 9, 2026 at 1:45:00 PM Yesterday, LiteracyNation Inc. , a non-profit dedicated to supporting independent writers, hosted its 3rd Annual Book Fair at the 4th District Container Village. The free outdoor festival drew local families and avid readers for a day of books, live entertainment, and community networking. Designed to celebrate diverse and underrepresented voices, the fair showcased dozens of independent authors across virtually every genre, including children's literature, young adult fantasy, inspirational nonfiction, poetry, and romance. Attendees engaged directly with creators during author spotlights, stage readings, and book signings. “Independent authors remind us that great stories don’t wait for permission to be told” said Richard E. Ashby, Jr., President-Pennsylvania Library Association 2026. “They find their way into the world, one reader at a time.” Here are of some of the authors who tabled at the fair. M.S. Masood ( msmasoodbooks.com ) – a bold reimagining of Rumpelstiltskin that examines the transformative power of names, identity, self-growth, and love, all while delivering fast-paced action and a slow-burn romance . Just agent signed. Sharif B. Abdullah – Author of poetry, prose and short stories to reflect a more spiritual and positive vibe. Dr. Elechi Osueke ( drosueke.com ) – An educator and children's book author who crafts engaging, educational picture books, including The Kids Who Wouldn't series, that use humor, suspense, and relatable stories to teach young readers about responsibility and consequences. Marc W. Polite ( politeonsociety.com ) – Founder of Polite On Society , an author and showing off his chapbook of original poetry . Dr. Stanley Andrisse ( fromprisoncellstophd.org ) – The anthology “ Breaking Chains, Building Futures,” published by Wiley, is a dozen motivational and inspirational stories centered around incarcerated individuals whose lives underwent significant transformation. R.E. Trout ( retroutbooks.com ) – A Teen/YA Mystery author. His series kickoff “ Enemy of the Future” is about a teen Trip Stewart who wants to stay invisible. But when he’s paired with the most popular girl in school for a class project, his quiet life explodes. Kingsley H. Smith ( facebook.com/Kingsley.H.Smith ) – A n entertaining new memoir, "Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth." D. B. Watson ( https://www.instagram.com/fakesubmite/ ) – Independent writer. A Thrillers/ Suspense M/M series called The Two Timer. First book in the series is “The Harlequin.” Torrie Q. Jones ( https://www.rebornthebookseries.com/about-the-book ) – Fantasy and speculative fiction author showcasing two titles with a third on the way. Eartha Watts Hicks ( https://earthatone.com/ ) – Award-winning author, publisher, and literary advocate delivering fiction and self-help works aimed at empowering indie creators. Joey Pettine ( joeypettine.com ) – a lifelong lover of monsters whose contributions to the horror genre showcasing his debut novel “Sid.” Shenell Tolson – Author and advocate. A scientist, educator, and the author behind the Noa the Little Scientist series—STEM-powered books that inspire young readers to explore science, health, and the world around them. Jibril Stevenson ( jibrilstevenson.wordpress.com ) – Muslim themed w estern and Civil War novels and short fiction. His new book release “ Death in Sonora” (June 9, 2026) was published by Saladeen Books . G.S. Lakshmi ( mahomandalia.com ) – When two friends help a lost elephant calf, they open a gateway to a world where courage tests the heart and truth lights the way. Beneath every challenge, Mahomandalia reveals that love, faith in one another, and belief in ourselves are the truest forms of magic — and that being truthful isn't just the path to success, it is the greatest victory by itself. D. Jay Holmes ( djayholmes.com ) – Epic fantasy series. It follows a group of three long-time friends and career mercenaries that are searching for a fresh start. VB Ruth – Author of The Citizen of Eastport (The Eastport Ledgers, Book 1), offering readers an intriguing mystery/drama narrative series. Beyond the literary showcases, the festival featured dynamic family entertainment. The website boasted three main attractions: Sistah Mafalda, a high-visibility performance stilt walker; The Irish Dancers Margaret and Matthew; and Magic Ed (Ed Schmitt), an award-winning magician and balloon artist. In addition, there was a lineup of Philadelphia food purveyors and local artisan vendors. LiteracyNation, an affiliate of the American Library Association , organized the event as part of its ongoing mission to champion indie authors and expand access to diverse literature. Organizers highlighted the festival's role in amplifying self-published writers while providing West Philadelphia families with an accessible cultural celebration. For more information about LiteracyNation, check out their website at literacynationinc.org . Reported by Printed Word Reviews / Ted Olczak Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest