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Is the Age of the Book Influencer Ending? What’s Next for Reading Culture?
For much of the past decade, book influencers — the bookfluencers powering #BookTok, #Bookstagram, and BookTube — have reshaped how readers discover books. A viral TikTok can propel a novel to bestseller lists years after its release, and passionate Instagram posts turn overlooked titles into cultural talking points almost overnight.
But there’s a growing conversation in publishing and marketing circles: is this influencer era running out of steam? Are we witnessing a plateau — or even a shift — in how stories find their audiences?
Lead Titles in Publishing: What It Means and Why It Matters
In the bustling world of book publishing, each season brings with it a constellation of new releases. For every imprint there are dozens of titles — some meant to fill niche shelves, others to serve loyal readers, and a very few that are positioned to capture attention beyond the usual orbit. These high-visibility, high-investment releases are often called lead titles. In this article we’ll unpack what a lead title is, why it matters, and how City Owl Press is treating our newest release, The Archivist by Ti Mikkel, as one.
Behind the Bookshelf: How Print Distribution Brings Stories to Readers Everywhere
Ever wonder how a paperback gets from a writer’s imagination to the shelf of your favorite bookstore? At City Owl Press, we believe in demystifying the publishing process — not just for authors, but for readers and industry enthusiasts, too. One of the most important (and often least understood) parts of that process is print distribution. Let’s break it down.
Amazon’s Third-Party Buy Button: What Authors and Publishers Need to Know
In the sprawling ecosystem of Amazon’s online marketplace, visibility and control can mean the difference between a book’s success or obscurity. But in recent years, a lesser-known but increasingly consequential feature — the third-party Buy Button — has emerged as a disruptive force in book publishing. For many authors, small publishers, and even traditional houses, it raises critical concerns about pricing, royalties, and reader experience.
Understanding Foreign Publishing Rights: How Books Travel the World
In today’s interconnected world, stories have the power to cross borders — and so do the publishing rights that make it possible. For authors and publishers alike, foreign publishing rights present a strategic opportunity to reach international audiences, generate new revenue, and build a global author brand. But how exactly do foreign rights work? Who handles the deals, how are they negotiated, and what should you watch out for?
Overcoming Writer’s Block: How to Get Back in the Flow
Writer’s block: it’s the frustration that every writer dreads. One day, the words are flowing effortlessly, and the next, you’re staring at a blank page, wondering if you’ll ever write again. But here’s the truth: writer’s block isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a temporary roadblock, and with the right strategies, you can push through it.
Breaking Into Publishing with Small Presses: A Spotlight on City Owl Press
When it comes to publishing, finding the right partner for your story is crucial. That’s where the small press comes in — offering a sense of connection, collaboration, and creative freedom that can make your publishing journey truly rewarding.
Mastering the Query Process: How to Pitch Your Manuscript to Agents and Editors
Querying your manuscript is one of the most nerve-wracking steps in a writer’s journey, but it’s also the beginning to getting your story out into the world. Whether you’re submitting to an agent, or directly to an editor at an independent publisher, crafting a strong, professional query can make all the difference.
A Love Letter to Romantasy: Why We Can’t Get Enough of Magic, Mayhem, and Messy Love Stories
There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when romance and fantasy collide. At City Owl Press, we live for that alchemy — the enchanted tension between high-stakes worldbuilding and heart-pounding emotion. Romantasy isn’t just a genre; it’s a journey. At It’s not just the dragons, the spell-slinging, or the courtly intrigue — it’s the way these stories hold both heart and sword in the same hand.