The Report: April 27, 2026
In this edition of The Report, we highlight humor and satire, an author chats about the history of fantasy sports, and writers discuss how reviews can get your book into libraries and bookstores. Happy reading!
New and Noteworthy
Indie Spotlight: Humor and SatireWe could all use a good laugh! Our newest Indie Spotlight features funny and satirical self-published works. more
Behind the Story: 'A History of Fantasy Sports'Author Larry Schechter discusses writing and publishing his book, which chronicles the rise of a beloved niche industry. more
How Reviews Influence Library and Bookstore SelectionsBookLife authors discuss how reviews can help with visibility. more
Book Manufacturing Could Soon See Major ChangesA new report from the Book Manufacturers’ Institute on the state of the book industry predicts that printing is on the cusp of potential major changes. 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
- 'The Zen Time Traveler' by Stephen Billias: Billias launches readers into a sweeping saga following modern-day Zen student Stephen Maine—self-described as “everymanish”—who finds himself unexpectedly transported into Song Dynasty China while meditating.
- 'Average Civil Employee' by Stephen Wallace: Wallace delights with this satirical look at bureaucratic life at a faceless federal agency that touts, implausibly, that it is “ investing more in its people because people are our greatest asset.”
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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.
 Hunt for the Third Woe by John S. Powell |
 High Desert Grave Robber by Linda A. Morton |
 Built On Faith: My First Years As A Realtor by Blake Osman |
 Train Right: Doctor's Orders by Ryan Cudahy |
 Another Invisible Ghetto by Rasmenia Massoud |
 The Empty Envelope: Family Secrets and a Grandfather's Legacy by Harvey M. Weinstein |
 A Few Good Cardinals by Carl Vincent |
 The Riddle of the Trees by Marc S. Perlman |
 Mud in the River by Kohinoor Dasgupta |
Click here to see all the recent titles enrolled in PW Select, or click here to sign up your book for the program.
