In This Issue
- Update on Book Submissions
- Announcement – New Poetry Book
- Book Gift List / Holiday Reading Guide
- Holiday Charity for Foster Kids
Update on Book Submissions
I had a huge number of submissions after participating in two online pitch fests last month. As a result, I’ve been reading more than I ever have in my life. Romance novels, women’s fiction, and poetry. It’s a special privilege to read unpublished work. The authors trust me to know whether their book is ready for the world or whether it needs further development time and revisions. I’ve had to make some close calls and believe me, as an author myself, it isn’t easy to send a “no” email to a book that I can clearly see has potential. At the end of the day, I’m a small publisher and am planning to take on only a few books that I can dedicate my time to over the next year. As a result I’ve had to trust my instincts on what I think will be a good fit for the first year of my company.
I’m still open to new submissions, and working to slowly and carefully build out a roster of books. I have a lot of unopened submissions because I’m taking my time reading each one and carefully considering whether we would be a good match. It’s a lot of work reading so much, but I LOVE it. Honestly who needs Christmas presents when I have an inbox full of never before published, amazing books to read? There are so many excellent stories and writers, and I feel blessed to be part of this process.
I have a few contracts out for signature, so I can’t talk about those books until the ink is dry. However, there IS one book I can announce so here goes…
Announcement – New Poetry Book
Yes! Chenelle is back and writing a new poetry book, this time filled with love poems! We’ve been working on the cover design and poems, and I have an optimistic goal of getting this book of love poems out before Valentine’s Day. (Don’t hold me to that though… Lol.)
Book Gift List / Holiday Reading Guide
Looking for that perfect book to gift a friend or family member? Wondering what you should read over the long holiday break? Here’s a two-in-one list for both!
It was fun writing up this very short guide, I hope you enjoy it.
Happy holidays and warmest wishes to you and yours.
(Note: I have no affiliation with these books except for Hope and Languish, the others are just books I like.)
ROMANCE AND FICTION BOOKS
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan
An audiobook narrator gets the chance of a lifetime to narrate one last romance book for a huge sum of money. She strikes up a relationship with her sight-unseen co-narrator and learns to accept an injury that changed her life years ago. This well-written women’s fiction book gave an inside view into the world of audio narration, and also was a heartfelt story about a woman finding herself.
Mrs. Miracle, Cedar Cove books, Rose Harbor books, Basically anything written by Debbie Macomber
This Washington state-based writer has many holiday, snow, or Christmas-themed books to choose from. How does she write so much, and so well? A full list of her titles is here. I just bought Mrs. Miracle from bookbub and can’t wait to read it.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Naomi is a runaway bride who guzzles coffee by the potful. Her twin sister steals her car, leaves her with a niece she didn’t know she had, and rough and tough bad boy Knox is the only one helping her. If you’re looking for a fast-paced romance by a prolific author, check this one out. Admittedly I’m only halfway through this book but so far I’m fascinated by its tone and pace.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
I talked about this book in my last newsletter and I’ll say it again, this book is amazing! I wrote a full review here.
POETRY
Sad Birds Still Sing by Faraway
This short poetry book is written by Faraway, a poet who rose to fame on Instagram. The book is sweet, thoughtful, and meditative. It is one of the top poetry books out right now and worth a look.
Hope and Languish by Chenelle Bremont
Of course I’m including Chenelle Bremont’s first book of poems on this list! This book is told in three parts about living in California during the first days of the pandemic. Chenelle is currently writing her second poetry book, more news on that soon. Get Hope and Languish ebook or print here.
Holiday Charity for Foster Kids
Okay, this isn’t related to books, but it’s still pretty neat.
Did you know that there are online wish lists available for foster kids? Treehouse in Seattle is “giving foster kids a childhood and a future.” You can look at their wish list to give a gift to a child here, or donate directly.
Another option for holiday gifts for foster kids is One Simple Wish. This website gained notoriety last summer when a Reddit post resulted in thousands of gifts to the site. You can make your own gift to a child by browsing their wishes here.
Thanks for reading my newsletter and being part of the Egret Lake Books community.
Talk to you soon!
Tess Jones, Editor, Egret Lake Books
Follow me on Twitter
Join my virtual book club – Women’s Fiction
Join my virtual book club – Book Industry / Most Sold Fiction
Friend me on Goodreads
www.egretlakebooks.com