Latest news with #Goodreads
Scoop
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
From Reporoa To Regency Romance; NZ Novelist Debuts Book
A new novel from Reporoa-born Stephanie Axtens brings a regency romance that will give Bridgerton lovers another great historical drama this winter. The Editor's Pick harks back to 19th century Britain, with all the elements of a true high-class period romance. The secret identities, forced proximity and fake courtships would make Bridgerton-lovers proud. Released June 26 on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions, the book already has reviews flooding in. Goodreads reviewers state The Editor's Pick was ' hard to put down ' and ' a beautiful insight into 19th century London '. It is currently rated 4.75 stars by the Goodreads community. This romance follows two main characters, Brianna and Fynn, who each grapple with their own hidden secrets. Brianna's the result of a society that holds back women and Fynn's from his own childhood trauma. Stephanie says this story came to her while studying English at university, ' During a creative class, I wondered about a girl secretly publishing books under her brother's name, and what might be the consequences of that…' She graduated from Massey University with a Bachelors in English and Creative Writing in 2022. Copies are available to purchase for $26.44 while stocks last at Kindle editions are free with kindleunlimited or $8.99 to buy.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Are Book Marketing Services Still Worth It? Here's What Authors Need to Know
The world of publishing has undergone a seismic shift in the past two decades. With the rise of self-publishing platforms and digital bookstores, the barriers to publishing a book have never been lower. But publishing is only half the battle — the real challenge lies in getting your book noticed. This is where book marketing services enter the conversation. For many authors, especially first-timers, the idea of investing in professional help can be daunting. Are book marketing services still worth it in 2025? Or can you manage everything yourself with a few well-placed ads and social media posts? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what book marketing services really offer, how the landscape has changed with online tools and why choosing the right partner — like Horizon Book Marketing — can dramatically impact your book's success. A decade ago, book promotion often meant printed press releases, in-person book signings, and cold emails to newspaper editors. Fast forward to today, and the bulk of book marketing takes place online. Social media, email newsletters, Amazon optimization and digital advertising have become cornerstones of any successful campaign. This shift has made online marketing more accessible — but also more competitive. With over 1.7 million self-published books released annually, the market is flooded. To stand out, you need more than a good book; you need a strategic, multi-channel marketing plan that leverages modern tools and expert insight. This is why authors increasingly turn to book marketing services. The right service provides much more than just promotional help. It can offer branding, positioning, audience targeting, review generation, Amazon SEO and more. These are nuanced strategies that require time, data, and experience to execute effectively. At Horizon Book Marketing, we have adapted to these changes by evolving our methods. We combine traditional storytelling with the latest online marketing book strategies — ensuring your book doesn't just exist but thrives in a noisy digital world. Many authors wonder, 'Can't I just do this myself?' Technically, yes. But that's like asking if you can build a house with no architectural background. You can, but the outcome may not be what you envision. Professional book marketing services offer several critical advantages: One of the most overlooked elements of successful marketing is strategic planning. Who is your target reader? What problem does your book solve? What genre tropes should your campaign emphasize? Services like Horizon Book Marketing help you define and refine your positioning before you invest time or money into promotion. Whether it's Amazon, Goodreads, or your own author website, presentation matters. Optimizing your metadata, categories, keywords and author bio can significantly increase discoverability. A good book marketing service ensures all your digital assets are aligned and working toward your goals. A book launch is like a movie premiere — you only get one shot to make a splash. Services can create buzz before, during, and after launch using influencer outreach, ARC campaigns, social media calendars, press releases and more. Horizon Book Marketing builds campaigns that don't just peak during launch week — they sustain momentum long-term. Getting reviews can be one of the hardest parts of book marketing. Reputable services help authors secure editorial reviews, blog coverage and early reader feedback. These build trust and boost social proof, making future readers more likely to buy. By entrusting these elements to experts, you free up time to focus on what you do best — writing. Let's be honest: budget is a key concern for many authors, especially those just starting out. So it's understandable that some want to manage their own marketing to cut costs. But it's crucial to evaluate not just the financial cost, but the opportunity cost of going it alone. Marketing a book takes more than just effort — it requires expertise. Learning how to run Facebook ads, create engaging content, manage an email list, pitch to media and optimize Amazon listings is a full-time job. Book marketing services condense that learning curve, letting you benefit from years of experience instantly. Many DIY efforts fizzle out after a few weeks. Life gets busy. Enthusiasm wanes. A professional service keeps your campaign consistent, sustained and data-informed. This long-term consistency is what separates authors with temporary spikes from those with lasting visibility. When authors try to run ads or build email lists without training, they often burn through cash with little to show for it. A service like Horizon Book Marketing helps you avoid these missteps. We provide tailored strategies, not one-size-fits-all templates, so your budget goes where it matters most. In short, hiring professionals can often save money in the long run — while increasing your chances of actual success. If you are not marketing your book online, you are leaving readers and revenue — on the table. But not all digital strategies are created equal. Here are a few high-ROI online tactics that top book marketing services employ: Despite the rise of social media, email remains one of the most effective tools for author-reader engagement. Building a mailing list lets you speak directly to your fans, launch new titles with impact and build long-term loyalty. Amazon is the biggest bookstore in the world, but it is also a search engine. Optimizing your product page and running smart, targeted ads can skyrocket your visibility. Many authors struggle with this, but a service like Horizon Book Marketing has data-backed systems for Amazon success. Authors who regularly post blogs (either on their own site or via off-site guest posts like this one) build SEO value and drive organic traffic. Sharing insights, behind-the-scenes stories or writing tips can attract new readers and build your personal brand. Whether it is BookTok, Bookstagram or book bloggers, influencer partnerships matter. Professionals have connections, media lists and proven outreach strategies that DIY authors often lack. Horizon Book Marketing integrates media outreach into nearly all of our campaigns. If you are searching online for terms like 'online marketing book' or 'how to market a self-published book,' these are the very tactics you will find and the very ones we help our clients master. Not all book marketing services are created equal. The value lies in the approach as much as the offerings. When evaluating your options, look for a few key traits: A reputable service takes time to understand your goals, genre, voice, and audience. At Horizon Book Marketing, we never push authors into a 'package' that doesn't suit their needs. Everything we do is tailored, strategic and collaborative. Trust is built on clarity. You deserve updates, metrics and realistic timelines. Any service that promises 'overnight success' should raise a red flag. We pride ourselves on honesty — even when it means setting hard expectations. Ask for testimonials. Ask for examples. Real results speak louder than flashy sales copy. Horizon Book Marketing has a track record of helping authors reach Amazon best-seller status, secure national media features and grow loyal reader bases. In short, a service is only 'worth it' if it actively contributes to your success — not just in visibility, but in real, measurable growth. At Horizon Book Marketing, we understand that no two authors or books — are alike. That's why we have built a flexible, supportive approach that adapts to where you are in your journey. Whether you are a debut author with a passion project or a seasoned writer launching your tenth book, we offer solutions that scale. Our services include: Full-service marketing plans and coaching Amazon optimization and advertising Launch strategies and long-term PR Review generation and media outreach Audience targeting and brand development We don't just promote your book — we help you build a platform. We see ourselves as your partner in long-term success and we treat your book like it's our own. Absolutely — but only if they are done right. In a crowded and fast-evolving market, visibility is not a luxury; it is a necessity. While some authors can piece together their own marketing, the learning curve is steep, and the time commitment is high. Book marketing services offer not only expertise, but also clarity, structure and results. At Horizon Book Marketing, we believe every author deserves a shot at success — not just a moment of attention, but a sustainable career. That's why we have dedicated ourselves to helping authors shine. So, if you have been wondering whether to go it alone or seek support, ask yourself this: What's the cost of obscurity? And what could your book achieve with the right team behind it? Let Horizon Book Marketing be your partner in that journey. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a lifelong reader — these are the 5 best books I've read that don't get enough attention'
Life can be a whirlwind of work, socialising, parenting and household tasks, often leaving little room for personal time. And when you do manage to carve out some free moments, picking up a book might not be your first choice. However, there's a wealth of reasons to choose a good read over scrolling through your phone. Whether it's immersing yourself in a captivating story or expanding your knowledge on a subject that fascinates you, reading offers a chance to relax, de-stress, and hopefully be entertained or enlightened. I've been an avid reader forever, but I only truly committed to reading every single day at the start of 2024. Since then, I've consumed a vast array of books, from science fiction and romance to non-fiction and thrillers. You can read some more of my recent recommendations here. I make sure to keep up with the latest releases, but also venture beyond my usual preferences to explore unfamiliar authors and genres. This approach has led me to discover some real underrated treasures that, in my view, deserve more recognition. So, without further ado, here are five standout books I've enjoyed over the past few years that I believe warrant more buzz, as originally reported in the Express. For additional book recommendations, reviews and news, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. 1. So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne So Thrilled For You revolves around Nicki, Charlotte, Steffi and Lauren, a group of four university friends in their thirties whose lives have pulled them in all different directions. As they reunite for Nicki's baby shower, tensions rise and disaster strikes after someone starts a fire at the house. This is a tale about motherhood, friendship and the unspoken truths we keep from those closest to us. The characters in this book still linger in my thoughts; they're all so distinct, yet I found myself relating to each one as the story unfolded. I'd recommend this book to anyone, but especially to mothers or expectant mums. It's astonishing that it's only received 7,000 ratings on Goodreads so far! You can purchase So Thrilled For You here. 2. A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering by Andrew Hunter Murray This book follows Al, an "interloper" who lives in wealthy people's homes while the real owners are away, without them ever knowing he was there in the first place. He's getting by just fine until one day he breaks into the wrong house on the wrong day and sets in motion a pretty dramatic chain of events. I'm not typically drawn to thrillers and mystery novels, but when the publisher sent me an advance copy of this book before its UK paperback release, I was intrigued by the premise. To my surprise (and pleasure), I was hooked within just a few chapters. It's slightly lengthy for this genre, but don't be put off by the page count, as it's filled with hilarious moments and I was eager to find out how it concluded. You can purchase A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering here. 3. Goodlord: An Email by Ella Frears Goodlord: An Email was my first read of 2025, and what a way to start the year it was! Taking the form of one long, very poetic email addressed to an estate agent, this is a fictional memoir of habitation focused on the places we call home. We follow the writer of the email, an artist in her thirties, as she takes us through her life, from her teenage years to the present day, via a succession of short-term stays and shared accommodation. At times darkly humorous and at others utterly grim, this book offers a sharp critique of the housing crisis. Its style makes it a breeze to read in one go, and I simply couldn't put it down. With only 504 ratings on Goodreads at the time of writing, it's a true hidden treasure and definitely worth adding to your reading list. You can purchase Goodlord: An Email here. 4. Faebound by Saara El-Arifi Romantasy novels are a big deal at the moment, and it feels like everywhere you turn, there is a new series or standalone book popping up. If you're a fan of romantasy, there's an under-the-radar book that I believe is worth your time. As an avid fantasy reader, I found Faebound, penned by Saara El-Arifi, to be a breath of fresh air in the genre. The story revolves around two sisters - Yeeran, an elven army warrior, and Lettle, a diviner, who are thrust into the fae realm where their loyalty to each other, their kin, and their hearts are put to the test. The world-building is top-notch (and doesn't feel like a slog), the supporting characters are unforgettable, and the romantic tension between the leads surpasses many other popular books I've read. Plus, it boasts some unexpected plot twists, which are a rarity in this genre. Despite being a Goodreads award winner, this gem is criminally underrated with just 24,400 ratings on Goodreads, far fewer than some of the big hitters in romantasy. Faebound can be purchased here. 5. Four Seasons in Japan by Nick Bradley Four Seasons in Japan follows Flo, a translator suffering from a crisis in confidence, who finds a mysterious book on the Tokyo subway and feels compelled to translate it. The novel in question revolves around Ayako, a strict woman who runs a coffee shop and has just taken guardianship of her grandson, aspiring artist Kyo. Flo follows these characters across a year in rural Japan, changing the course of her own life in the process. This is a beautifully gentle, introspective tale brimming with flawed yet endearing characters you'll find yourself rooting for. I initially picked this up due to its cover (yes, I'm one of those people), but was taken aback by how engrossed it made me feel; the author's years living in Japan clearly shine through. With just over 6,800 ratings on Goodreads since its publication two years ago, this is another hidden gem I would strongly recommend giving a go.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Amazon layoffs: Jobs cut across AWS Cloud division
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Amazon has laid off at least several hundred employees from its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing division on Thursday, according to Reuters. While the precise number of job cuts has not been disclosed, the move marks another round of cuts in a broader series of layoffs at the tech Amazon spokesperson confirmed the development, stating: "We've made the difficult business decision to eliminate some roles across particular teams in AWS," adding: "These decisions are necessary as we continue to invest, hire, and optimise resources to deliver innovation for our customers."According to accounts from multiple staff members, affected employees were informed via email on Thursday morning that their roles had been terminated and that access to their computers was being layoffs are said to impact multiple teams within AWS. One of the groups affected is known as "specialists", a team that works closely with customers to develop new product ideas and support the sales of existing AWS development is just over a month after Amazon reduced headcount in its books business, including at its Goodreads review platform and Kindle operations. Prior to that, reductions were made in the company's devices and services division, its Wondery podcast unit, and among staff in retail stores and corporate job cuts form part of a broader strategy led by CEO Andy Jassy to tackle what he has called unnecessary bureaucracy within Amazon. The restructuring includes efforts to reduce layers of management. Jassy told his employees last month that artificial intelligence (AI) will gradually reduce the need for certain corporate roles as more AI tools and agents are integrated across its this year's first quarter, Amazon added about 4,000 jobs compared to last year's fourth quarter, according to a disclosure in AWS continues to show strong financial performance. In the first quarter, the division recorded a 17% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching $29.3 billion. Operating income also rose 23% to $11.5 billion.
Fast Company
16-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
After almost 20 years, Goodreads has a new logo fit for Booktok
Goodreads just got its first-ever logo redesign, and it's taking a page straight out of BookTok's aesthetic catalog. Since the book tracking and reviewing platform debuted in 2007, it's generally used the same logo: A brown wordmark featuring the word good in a skinny sans serif and the word reads in a slightly thicker sans serif, all set on a cream-colored background. While the ultra-simple look was probably designed to evoke the warm atmosphere of a bookstore or library, it also veers perilously close to the corporate blanding aesthetic that ruled the 2010s. But in 2025, 'bland' is the opposite of how one might describe emerging aesthetics in the book community. Online platforms like Instagram and Tiktok have shaped the way publishers approach book cover design, which increasingly relies on eye-catchingly bright ' dopamine colors,' chunky text, and swirling shapes to stop readers in their scroll. Carly Kellerman, then an associate publisher for Zondervan Books at HarperCollins, explained in 2022, 'Instagram has made everything more aesthetic, from lattes to fashion trends to book covers to travel. I'm very cognizant of the 'shareability' of book covers as I craft the direction.' As these eye candy covers continued to populate users' Goodreads shelves over the past several years, the site's own branding was quickly becoming incongruous with the book design of the times. On July 14, Goodreads announced a new logo that ditches the former staid look for a touch of modern whimsy. A new logo with a hint of whimsy Launched in 2007, Goodreads was acquired by Amazon in 2013 in a move that swept the book reviewing platform away from a potential deal with Apple. Since then, Amazon has routinely been criticized for neglecting the book tracker, which—on both its app and website—largely looks the same as it did more than 10 years ago. Just this June, Amazon announced layoffs impacting Goodreads, though the company declined to share specific numbers with Fast Company at the time. In 2023, Jane Friedman, a publishing industry consultant, told The Washington Post that Goodreads 'hasn't been all that well maintained, or updated, or kept up with.' She added, 'It does feel like Amazon bought it and then abandoned it.' Now it looks like Amazon is finally turning a bit of attention to the platform with both a new logo and a few added features. The logo swaps its former minimalist font scheme for a chunky, rounded serif font with a bit more character. While the logo is still all lowercase, it's significantly more bold, allowing it to stand out better on a screen. 'Our new logo is designed to better represent Goodreads and is optimized for accessibility so it looks clear and sharp no matter where you see it—from your phone to a billboard,' a blog post on the update reads. The logo's g character, which serves as a stand-alone symbol for the Goodreads app icon and social media profile pictures, has been fully reworked to incorporate a few bookish Easter eggs. According to the blog post, the upper half of the character is meant to evoke a magnifying glass, while the bottom half represents an open book, 'symbolizing the book discovery and sharing of perspectives that are at the heart of the Goodreads experience.' Platform updates improve flow and drive sales Essentially, it's a way for Amazon to drive customers to acquire their reading materials through Amazon rather than an outside seller. (This might be a turnoff for some readers, given that a chunk of Goodreads users jumped ship and joined the competitor StoryGraph earlier this year to protest Amazon's ownership of the platform). In addition, the blog post notes that Goodreads is expanding its book catalog to include more than a million audiobooks, as well as building out its Reading Challenge feature to help readers meet their annual reading goals. On Reddit, fans are tentatively hopeful that the new logo and accompanying updates hint that Amazon is planning to modernize its broader UI. 'I guess it's a good sign that they're trying to implement some changes that I hope to be for the better,' one Reddit user wrote. 'The site (and app) were practically frozen in time!'
