The Report: May 4, 2026
In this issue of The Report, we've got a stunning memoir; a BookLife Prize judge discusses writing about fatherhood; a children's publisher returns to the proverbial slush pile; and much more.
New and Noteworthy
Meet the Judge: Charles Daniels, Jr.An author, social worker, and judge for the BookLife Prize, discusses the origins of his book 'Present,' and his work on behalf of fathers and their children. more
Meet the Finalist: Tracie AdamsThe finalist for the memoir category of the BookLife Prize discusses her use of metaphor, writing about painful circumstances, and more. more
How Reviews Influence Library and Bookstore SelectionsBookLife authors discuss how reviews can help with visibility. more
ALA Preview Issue Expands to BookLifeALA Annual is the largest library show of the year. We are offering the opportunity to feature your title on the front cover or the back cover of the BookLife section of the ALA preview issue of Publishers Weekly. more
Chronicle Opens Slush Pile to Celebrate Children's Book WeekA publisher is inviting unagented submissions, a move that aims to give more authors a path toward traditional publishing. more
BookLife Opportunities
- Call for Submissions: Indie Spotlight: Our May Indie Spotlight will feature memoirs and autobiographies! To submit your book, email booklife@booklife.com with the subject line: "Memoir/Autobiography." 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
- 'Sicko' by Avril Grady: Sicko is a darkly humorous thriller with an unapologetic—and unforgettable—protagonist.
- 'Assassin's Mace: A Jake Palmer Novel' by Ron McManus: McManus's fifth Palmer thriller works for both series fans and first-timers, offering both a suspenseful plot centered on a risky mission, undertaken at an inopportune time, and significant personal developments for his protagonist.
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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.
