Books Celebrating Books!
For book lovers, including writers, poets, illustrators and those who love the "art" of writing, collected over years, fiction and nonfiction, how-to's on writing for young authors through adults, how to get published, what to do once your book is published. No matter your interest or level, this collection has something for book nerds and anyone who loves to write--for business or pleasure. Have a book you recommend for writers? Let us know, and we will add it to our collection.
Pathway to Publication, by Linda K Taylor
I highly recommend for young authors and adults interested in writing as a profession. Includes everything I would suggest for authors, of any genre. Moving your book from manuscript to publication is a journey. Let Linda K. Taylor, publishing professional turned college professor, lead the way. The publishing world has its own language, processes, and gatekeepers. Learn how to develop a plan, create the required pieces, and understand each step along the journey. Bold Vision Books, Mar. 2023, all ages, $18, 9781946708878
Genre/BISAC: Nonfiction, Adult Interest, Communication and Social Skills, Writing, Publication, Careers, Books and Reading, Grammar, Jobs and Careers Reference, Creative Writing, Nonfiction, Authorship Reference, Writing Skill Reference
How to Build a Story . . . or, the Big What If, by Frances O’Roark Dowell
From bestselling author Frances O’Roark Dowell comes a ‘fresh, interesting, and unique’ (Kirkus Reviews) guide to storytelling that breaks down the sometimes-daunting writing process into straightforward, doable steps, just right for budding writers! Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, June 2021, Ages 10+, SC: 9781534438439, HC: 9781534438422
Genre/BISAC: Children’s Composition and Creative Writing Books, Authorship Reference, Writing Reference, Middle Grade, Children’s Non-Fiction, Activity Books, Language Arts
Ryan Higa’s How to Write Good, by Ryan Higa
An unconventional, irreverent, yet heartfelt memoir by Ryan Higa, one of the top creators on YouTube. With pictures! And illustrations! And, y’know, words. Shared with lots of humor and a shout out to his and other "ghost writers." Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, May 2017, ages 12+, SC: 9781510201415, HC: 9780316464079
Genre/BISAC: Teen and Young Adult Performing Arts Biographies, Teen and Young Adult Nonfiction on Bullying, Children’s Books, Celebrities, Comedians and Comediennes, Writing, Entertainment, Careers, Reference, Study Guides, Language Arts, Autobiography
Write Outside the Box, by Joseph Griffin
Write Outside the Box is a creative prompt journal that will appeal to both young aspiring and more seasoned writers. Independently published, Nov. 2019, ages 13–18, $9, 9781708879815.
Genre/BISAC: Teen and Young Adult Composition and Creative Writing, Guided Journals, Writing Skill Reference
Talk Up Your Book, by Patricia Fry
The most powerful tool in your book promotion toolkit is your personality. The fact is that personality sells books. Readers want a relationship with authors of the books they read. If you aren’t a celebrity or a world-known author, it is up to you to create that relationship. Finally, here’s a book that tells you how to develop a greater rapport with your readers, and thus SELL MORE BOOKS through more effective live presentations, well-attended book signings, successful book festival experiences, and more personalized social media techniques. Learn how to get speaking gigs at conferences and how to land and expertly handle radio, TV, and blog interviews. Allworth, Nov. 2012, all ages, $19.95, 9781581159226
Genre/BISAC: Nonfiction, Adult Interest, Self-Promotion, Book Promotion, EntertainmentIndustry, Business Negotiating, Authorship Reference, Auditing, Accounting
How to Draw and Write in Foundation Pen, by Ayano Usamura
For illustrator Ayano Usamura, her first time drawing in fountain pen was a revelation. The easy flow ofink spurred her creativity and gave character to every line. Even the simplest letters and doodles came tolife! Now, with her trusty LAMY Safari in hand, Usamura shares the joy of fountain pens.
The Experiment, Sept. 2019, all ages, $14.95, 9781615196029
Genre/BISAC: Calligraphy and Lettering Techniques, Art, Architecture and Photography, Other Artistic Techniques, Crafts and Hobbies, Papercrafts, Techniques - Pen and Ink Drawing, Techniques - Cartooning
You Can’t Say That!, by Leonard S. Marcus
What happens when freedom of expression comes under threat? In frank and wide-ranging interviews, historian and critic Leonard S. Marcus probes the experience of thirteen leading authors of books for young people. Candlewick, Sept. 2021, ages 10–13, $15/$19, SC: 9781536232974, HC: 9780763690366
Genre/BISAC: Children’s Criticism and Collections, Children’s Literary Biographies, Censorship and Politics, Kids, Reference and Study Aids, Anthology, Literary Figures, Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Subjects and Themes, Writing, Books and Reading
Dryers's English, by Benjamin Dreyer
Adapted from the New York Times bestseller by Random House's longtime copy chief, this informative and witty guide to writing and grammar, written especially for a younger audience, entertains as well as instructs.
Yearling, Feb. 2022, ages 10–15, $9/$24, SC: 9780593176832, HC: 9780593176801
Genre/BISAC: Teen and Young Adult Grammar, Teen and Young Adult Reference, Teen and Young Adult Study Aids, Language Arts, Kids, Children’s Middle Grade
What Is Poetry, by Michael Rosen
Celebrated poet and critic Michael Rosen takes readers on a whirlwind tour exploring what poems are, what they can do, and the joys of reading and writing them. Candlewick, Jan. 2019, ages 8–12, $9/$16, SC: 9781536201581, HC: 9781536201598
Genre/BISAC: Children’s Criticism and Collections, Children’s Composition and Creative Writing, Children’s Poetry, Language Arts, Literary Criticism and Collections
Comics Confidential, by Leonard S. Marcus
A must-have collection for comics fans and creators everywhere, packed with interviews and original comics by today’s foremost graphic novelists. Candlewick Press, Sept. 2016, ages 12+, $25, 9780763659387
Genre/BISAC: Teen and Young Adult Artist Biographies, Children’s Art Biographies, Artists, Authors, Comic Books and Graphic Novels, Literary Biography, Kids, Literary Criticism, Literature, Fiction, Poetry and Drama, Anthology, Biography and Autobiography, Books and Libraries
Frankie & Friends, by Christine Platt
Absolutely LOVE this chapter book series that revolves around journalism, especially highlighting reporting by women. Young reporters will learn the terms of the trade, which are clearly presented in the text and reinforced in a glossary at the end of the book. Frankie’s mama is leaving to cover a breaking news story. Frankie, Papa, and Frankie’s teenage sister, Raven, are all proud of Mama, even though they miss her when she’s away. But Frankie has a great idea: she can make her own news show! After all, Mama has told her that news is happening around her all the time. With a little assistance from her friends—including her doll Farrah, Robert the toy robot, and her tabby cat, Nina Simone—Frankie prepares for her first “broadcast.” And when she hears someone crying in the house, she knows that’s the developing story she must cover. With humor, empathy, and imagination, Frankie gets the scoop—and learns that even mature older sisters can miss Mama sometimes. Walker Books US, October 10, 2023, 9781536222098
Genre/BISAC: Fiction, Reporting, Women in Journalism, Family, Siblings
Weird Things Customers Say In Bookstores by Jennifer Campbell
A simple Twitter question posed by John Cleese―“What is your biggest pet peeve?”―inspired Jen Campbell to start a blog collecting all the ridiculous conversations overheard in her bookstore. “Did Beatrix Potter ever write a book about dinosaurs?” “Did Charles Dickens ever write anything fun?” “I’ve forgotten my glasses, can you read me the first chapter?” “Excuse me . . . is this book edible?” Filled with fun and quirky illustrations by the award-winning Brothers McLeod and featuring contributions from booksellers across the United States and Canada, as well as the author’s native UK, Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores is a celebration of bookstores, large and small, and of the brilliant booksellers who toil in those literary fields, as well as the myriad of colorful characters that walk through the doors everyday. Harry N. Abrams; 1st edition (July 26, 2016) 9781468308938
Genre/BISAC: Celebrity, Popular Culture Humor (Books), Business, Professional Humor, Fiction Satire
Book Love by Debbie Tung
Book Love is a gift book of comics tailor-made for tea-sipping, spine-sniffing, book-hoarding bibliophiles. Debbie Tung’s comics are humorous and instantly recognizable—making readers laugh while precisely conveying the thoughts and habits of book nerds. Book Love is the ideal gift to let a book lover know they’re understood and appreciated. Andrews McMeel Publishing (January 1, 2019) 9781449494285
Genre/BISAC: General Books, Reading, Comic Strips (Books), Personal Transformation Self-Help
Calligraphy Kit: A complete kit for beginners: by Arthur Newhall
Walter Foster Publishing; Bilingual edition (May 15, 2014), 9781600584060
Genre/BISAC: Children’s Composition and Creative Writing Books, Authorship Reference, Writing Reference, Middle Grade, Children’s Non-Fiction, Activity Books, Language Arts
Jared Salomon
Author ~ Editor ~ Reviewer ~
Associate Product Developer, Childress Ink
Bookseller, Reviewer, Ink-a-Dink
Jared is a freelance writer and professional editor, highly skilled in copy editing and proofreading. Graduate of Taylor University in Professional Publishing, Jared provides freelance editing and help in proposal development, press releases, social media management. LinkedIn, More
Robert E. Carter
Childress Ink Executive Producer
Product Developer, Ink-a-Dink Bookstore Manager
Journalist ~ Author ~ Poet ~ Radio DJ ~ Voice Actor
More than 40 years in media production, including internet, radio & TV, interviewing celebrities over the years including Timothy Hutton and Robin Williams. Lover of books, music, reporting, and an explorer of new technologies. More.