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On Breaking Boundaries and Uncovering Truth: Meet Jessica Payes
For Jessica Payes, poetry is a means of survival. Through her unfiltered, deeply personal writing, she confronts mental health, love, and the complexities of human relationships with raw honesty. With her upcoming collection, Temporary Lovers, she continues to challenge taboos and carve space for authenticity in literature.
Five Places to Buy Books Online That Are Not Amazon
In our current world, where censorship and control over what we read and say are increasingly being pushed, it’s crucial to consider the impact of our choices—where we spend our money, who we support, and what values we’re backing. You don’t have to play Amazon’s game. There are alternative ways to buy books that support independent bookstores, authors, and creators—places where every purchase helps create a more equitable, free, and open industry.
Writing as a Bridge Between Identity and Community: Meet Aurelia Luciano
Aurelia Luciano, a Dominican American poet and community organizer, explores the intersection of identity, cultural heritage, and storytelling in her work. Through her poetry, she invites readers to reflect on their own stories while reclaiming her Afro-Latinx identity. Aurelia's writing acts as a medium that connects personal experiences to shared human experiences, fostering dialogue and community engagement.
Where Vulnerability Meets Creativity: Meet Patty Ihm
Patty Ihm has lived a life filled with stories, some spoken, some written, and some carried quietly in her heart. As a writer, former teacher, and beekeeper raising a large and vibrant family on an Illinois farmette, her path is anything but ordinary. Yet, it’s in the ordinary moments of life—those flashes of joy, sorrow, and reflection—that Patty finds her creative fuel. Through her writing, she transforms vulnerability into art, offering readers a space to connect with their own humanity.
Embracing Duality and Cultural Identity: Meet Cecilia Dagdagan
This interview with Filipina-American poet and creative writer Cecilia delves into her journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. Through her poetry, Cecilia explores themes of cultural identity, personal growth, and the duality of belonging, drawing inspiration from her experiences as part of the Filipina diaspora. Her story highlights the power of storytelling as an act of defiance, a bridge between generations, and a celebration of heritage.
How to Find a Book Publisher: A Quick Guide for Aspiring Authors
If you're here, chances are you're ready to take the next step toward publishing your book. First of all, congratulations—getting to this stage is a big deal! Finding the right book publisher can feel like an overwhelming process, but with a little know-how and a plan, you’ll be better equipped to navigate this journey. Let’s break it all down, starting with what it means to find a publisher and the different routes available to you.
DISCOVER THE HEART OF BELONGING IN “GOLDIE BIRD” BY PATTY IHM
Delkab, Illinois — Our Galaxy Publishing is proud to announce the upcoming release of Goldie Bird, the emotionally resonant and beautifully crafted middle-grade novel by Patty Ihm, a celebrated author, teacher, and mother to many. With her gift for storytelling, Ihm brings readers of all ages a timeless coming-of-age story about love, loss, friendship, and the search for identity.
Nikki Giovanni: A Voice That Shaped Poetry, Culture, and Civil Rights
The world recently lost a literary giant with the passing of Nikki Giovanni, but her legacy is eternal. As one of the most influential poets of the 20th and 21st centuries, Giovanni didn’t just write poetry—she crafted truths that challenged societal norms, celebrated Black identity, and inspired movements. Her words demanded introspection and action, compelling us to confront uncomfortable realities while also finding joy, love, and hope amid the struggle.
Beyond the Narrative: An Interview Series Amplifying the Voices of Women Writers
Beyond the Narrative is an interview series that explores how identity, cultural background, and lived experiences shape your writing, highlighting the unique contributions you bring to art, literature, and community. We want to uncover the heart behind the stories and celebrate the power of diverse voices in shaping the future of books.
Goldie Bird: The Book That Found Me First
Some books leave a mark on your heart; others become a part of it. For me, Goldie Bird is the latter. As both the editor and publisher of this work, my connection to this story runs deep—so deep, in fact, that at times, I wondered if I was too close to it. This book has been a four-year labor of love, and as it gets ready to take flight, I feel an overwhelming mix of pride, nostalgia, and gratitude.
Amazon KDP: The Price of Convenience in Modern Publishing
Explore how Amazon's dominance affects pricing, discoverability, and the literary culture, and learn about alternative self-publishing services that align with your creative vision. Is self-publishing on Amazon truly the best option for your book? Dive into the nuances and make an informed decision for your publishing journey.
Author Marketing vs. Book Marketing: What's the Difference?
The idea that book marketing and author marketing are the same is a common misconception among writers. In this blog, we'll cover the difference between these two forms of marketing and how to use both effectively.
What Ways Can You Publish a Book?
The two primary ways to publish a book are self-publishing and traditional publishing, but choosing between the two can be a daunting decision for aspiring authors, each path carrying its own allure. There’s also a third option growing in popularity in recent years, known as hybrid publishing.
Why Publishing Knowledge is Crucial for Your Success as an Author
Learn how knowledge of publishing processes, industry terminology, and self-advocacy can help you avoid pitfalls and build confidence as an author. Plus, get our free guide to publishing lingo.
Systemic Racism and Inequity in Book Publishing
The publishing industry has historically exhibited discriminatory and systemic biases that have impacted marginalized individuals for decades, specifically BIPOC writers. Racial and cultural partiality heavily influences acquisitions in the literary world, and mainstream book writing and publishing practices have perpetuated stigmas and stereotypes against BIPOC.
Seven Types of Vision Boards for Authors to Kickstart Their Writing
Vision boards are powerful tools for authors, offering inspiration and motivation throughout the writing process. Whether crafted on paper or digitally using platforms like Canva, they aid in outlining and visualizing character profiles, settings, plot outlines, and themes. Bring your book ideas to fruition with greater clarity and purpose, supported by the diverse types of vision boards available to you in this blog.
Create a Vision Board for Your Book Using Canva
Canva is a versatile platform to create various types of vision boards. It’s user-friendly with extensive design resources, making it easy for you to bring your vision to life and stay inspired throughout your writing journey. Learn how to create an author vision board using Canva along with tips for what you can include.
Build an Audience Without Social Media: 5 Alternative Strategies for Growth
Spoiler alert: You don’t own our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. Meta does. If they decide to pull your access to their platforms, they have every right to do so—and bye-bye goes your content (and followership). With one wave of their magic wand, all the work you’ve put into cultivating community and producing quality content could be ripped from under you. Here’s what to do instead.
The First Author in Recorded History is a Woman: Meet Sumerian Priestess, Enheduanna
Enheduanna (2285-2250 BCE) is a hidden woman in history. Not only is she the first-known author and poet on record, but she’s also the daughter of Sargon The Great, one of the first people in history to rule over an empire (The Akkadian Empire).
Where Do You Start When You Have a Book Idea?
If you’ve got a killer book idea, you might be thinking it’s time to start outlining it, or, if you’re a pantser, getting some of those ideas written out on the page. Before you do that, there are some critical things you should consider to refine your book idea into a solid concept you can outline and write.