Saturday, December 13, 2025

Interview With Children's Book Author Rachel Gregory

 


 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired by a deep desire to teach children the essential tools they need to prepare for life from an early age. Having a daughter of my own, and witnessing how intelligent and aware children are by the age of seven, I felt called to introduce real-life concepts that would shape their future. This book became a way to empower young minds early before the world teaches them otherwise.


2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?

This book serves as an early introduction to business, money management, and the entrepreneurial spirit. It is written for children who need to understand the importance of financial literacy from a young age. The goal is to plant seeds of confidence, curiosity, and independence so they can grow up with the mindset that creating opportunities is possible.


3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?
I hope readers begin to understand the magic, purpose, and possibility behind money. I want children to dream boldly and recognize that entrepreneurship can help them create the life they imagine. If this book sparks even one idea or inspires a child to believe in their abilities, then it has served its purpose.


4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?
The title holds deep personal meaning. “Aero” was inspired by my late son, who passed away due to a premature birth. His nursery theme was travel and airplanes. “Gracie” represents my rainbow baby, Grace, who brought light after loss. Together, “Gracie & Aero” symbolizes both children one in spirit and one on earth united through a story that carries love, hope, and purpose. The cover reflects that tribute.

 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers –
other than run!?
My advice is simple: just write. Don’t worry about perfection in the beginning. Allow your ideas to flow freely and trust that you will refine, polish, and shape them when the time is right. The hardest part is starting once you do, the rest will unfold.

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think
the book publishing industry is heading?

Children’s literature is moving strongly toward real-life learning, emotional intelligence, and representation. Parents are looking for books that teach, uplift, and prepare their children for the world ahead. The industry is becoming more inclusive, more entrepreneurial, and more accessible to new authors, which allows meaningful stories like this one to reach families everywhere.


7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?

Absolutely. My background as an accountant, entrepreneur, and mother played a major role in shaping this story. I wanted children to understand concepts that many adults were never taught early enough. My personal experiences pushed me to create a book that would empower kids to dream, plan, and imagine their future selves.

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

My writing style is rooted in real-life connection and early understanding. I focus on simplicity, clarity, and heart making sure children can fully grasp the message while still feeling inspired. It’s similar to authors who blend storytelling with life lessons, creating stories that both educate and uplift.

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?
One of the biggest challenges was simplifying financial concepts so that children could understand them without losing meaning. Another was ensuring the story felt warm, friendly, and engaging, not overwhelming. I wanted the balance to be perfect so young readers could enjoy the journey while learning something truly valuable.


10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?
This book provides both excitement and education. It teaches children real-life principles that will shape their future, wrapped in a story they can enjoy and relate to. It’s more than a book—it’s a gentle introduction to financial confidence, independence, and dreaming big.

 

About The Author: Rachel Gregoire (who writes under the pen name Rachel Gregory) is an author, hotelier and accountant who was born in the Turks and Caicos and has lived in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She holds a master’s degree in international finance and accounting with a minor in hospitality. She is the owner of Utopia Management and Guest Box, a Hospitality store. A proud mother and advocate for women navigating grief and loss, she finds joy in writing, reading, running, traveling and helping others.

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 5,400,000 page views. With 5,500+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

 

 

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Should Authors Promote Their Books To Community Newspapers?

 


 

 

There are over tens of thousands of opportunities to secure news media exposure for your book. You can approach all types of news media outlets, including traditional (radio, magazines, newspapers, television) and digital media (podcasts, blogs, web-based news sites). 500 such opportunities can be found here:

 

https://findyournews.org/campaign/newsmatch/


This site features the members of Institute of Independent News (INN), a consortium of independent, nonprofit newsrooms that are funded by readers, philanthropists – not media moguls. They are small and not so known, but they are growing and very much needed.

 

Perhaps you can reach out to see if they interview authors, write reviews, cover local event appearances by authors, or accept bylined articles from authors. Maybe they need you as a source expert relating to publishing or the subject matter that you write about. It’s worth a shot.

 

INN serves a valuable purpose. Here is how they describe themselves:

“Nonprofit news is created for, supported by, and committed to the communities it serves. Through reporters who have deep community ties and topical expertise, nonprofit news elevates untold stories, exposes wrongdoing and provides the facts we need to make informed decisions.  The 500 nonprofit newsrooms of the INN Network give a voice to the people and protect our right to know what’s going on in our communities, our country and our world.”

Whether you solicit them for media exposure or not, pleas consider donating to their cause:

https://inn.org/GivetoNewsMatch/


Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 5,250,000 page views. With 5,400+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

 

 

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Author Book Fairs & Festivals Guide: 2026!


  

 

Below is a list of a few dozen writer festivals and book fairs that authors can attend – as well as resources that list many more places for authors to actively participate in. 

There are a few hundred popular book fairs held across the country annually. There are also dozens of international ones as well. These fairs provide awesome opportunities to authors — and should be a key part of any serious book marketing campaign.   

Why should authors attend these book fairs? Authors can show up to:   

Speak

By having a discussion about or a reading of your book — or by participating on author panels — you establish and promote your author brand.  

Network and Discovery

Just by attending you position yourself to meet and connect with others, from fellow authors and book publishers to readers, literary agents, and book professionals (editors, illustrators, printers, distributors, marketers, and TV and film agents).  

Display

Set up a table or booth and display your book. Hand out fliers, swag, or sweets.  Sell your book.  

Advertise 

Use the fair’s website, newsletter, directory, or social media to advertise your book.  

See What Other Authors Do

Use this opportunity to go on a reconnaissance mission and monitor what competitors do to market effectively.  

News Media Coverage

This could be your lucky day of being in the right place at the right time. Journalists and book reviewers often attend these events, looking for a good story, great book, or interesting personality.  

Book Giveaways

Giving out free, signed copies of your books to book nerds could generate some word-of-mouth buzz.  

Social Media Opps

Maybe someone with a strong social media platform comes upon your book at the fair and decides to blog about it, post a video, interview you, or write a book review.   

To attend these book fairs, festivals, expos, and conventions, you may need to signup or purchase tickets months in advance. Should you plan on not just attending but to seek out booth space, advertising, or speaking opportunities, you likely need to contact them four to six months in advance.   

What will you need to have or bring with you?

·         Your Books or Galleys

·         Take Business Cards

·         Carry Fliers

·         Have A Press Kit Available

·         Create/Update Your Web Site

·         Establish Social Media Accounts

 

Authors, when marketing their books, need to have an effective strategy when it comes to attending or participating in book fairs, expos, festivals, and trade shows. So, what should they do. 

 

First, search for a list of upcoming local, regional, national, and international book-focused events. Some may be open to the public and last a day, while others may be more geared towards members of the book industry and last several days. Determine which events — where and when — that you want to explore getting involved with.

 

Do google searches for things like:

 

* Chicago Book Fairs

* Illinois Book Festivals

* US Book Trade Shows

* International Book Fairs

 

Secondly, look to see what you can do at each event. For instance, are these available to you:

 

·         Speak in front or a subset group or the entire one

·         Rent a booth to peddle your wares

·         Do an autograph signing and book giveaway

·         Share free promotional items and swag

·         A way to sell books

·         Advertise in the event’s publication or on their site

·         Attend seminars to learn

·         Networking sessions

·         Talk to those who exhibit

·         Meet literary agents/publishers

·         Push a story onto attending media members

 

If not attending, will you pay for an ad or to have your book displayed at the event?

 

Third, set some goals for each event by knowing what types of people will attend. Assess your potential ROI. How many days/hours will you delegate to the prep, travel, attendance, and post-event follow-up?

 

Fourth, set a budget of money and time for your participation at an event. Will there be;

 

·         Entrance fees

·         Costs for specific activities

·         Travel or lodging costs

·         Ad costs

·         Shipping costs

·         Creating banners/fliers/giveaways

 

Fifth, look at the program of scheduled events. Learn what activities are available for your participation. Gage how many people might attend and best understand why they will be there. Who will attend: Customers? Publishers? Literary Agents? News Media? Social Influencers? Celebrities?  Writers? Librarians? Bookstore Owners? 

 

Sixth, conduct pre-event research.  Leverage any event-centric social media pages or apps

Dress appropriately but stick out.  Be assertive. Create opportunities. Talk to people running the show ahead of time.


If you are just attending an event…

 

·         Get a print or online directory of attendees and exhibitors

·         Pickup any event publications or fliers

·         See what others are doing at the event

·         Network and talk to people

·         Listen to speakers

·         Network with others

·         Hand out fliers

 

If you can be a speaker and/or participate in a book-signing event, even better.

 

If actively participating, do the above, and get a booth, and… 

 

·         offer a book sale deal there

·         give promotional items away

·         sponsor happy hour or give food/drink away

·         blow up poster or have a stand that displays a giant book cover image

·         display your books

·         dress in costume or a hot outfit

·         make noise/play music

·         get people’s cards/email by raffling something off

·         do a photo booth at your booth

 

There is a whole world of book-centric events to attend and participate in. Where are you going next — and what will you do there?

 

24 Upcoming Events in 2026

 

Savannah Book Festival

February 5-8 in Savannah, GA

www.SavannahBookFestival.org

 

Appalachian Wordfest

February 28 in Sevierville, TN

www.appalachiawordfest.com

 

Amelia Island Book Festival

February 28 in Fernandina Beach, FL

www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org

 

Williamsburg Book Festival

March 7 in Williamsburg, VA

www.williamsburgbookfestival.crg

 

Literary Festival of Women Authors

March 7 Long Beach, CA

www.literarywomen.org/festival

 

Dahlonega Literary Festival

March 7 in Dahlonega

www.literaryfestival.org

 

Tucson Festival of Books

March 14-15 in Tucson, AZ

www.Tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

 

Virginia Festival of the Book

March 20-26 in Charlottsville, VA

www.vabook.org

 

Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival

March 25-29 in New Orleans

www.tennesseewilliams.net

 

Woodstock Bookfest

March 26-29 in Woodstock, NY

www.woodstockbookfest.com

 

Venice Book Fair

March 28 in Venice, FL

www.venicebookfair.com

 

San Antonio Book Festival

April 11 in San Antonio, TX

www.sabookfestival.org

 

Greensboro Round Literary Festival

April 11 in Greensboro, NC

www.greensborobound.com/festival

 

BAMI Festival

April 11 in West Palm Beach, FL

www.booksartmusic.org

 

Midwest Literary Walk

April 18 in Chelsea, MI

www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org/midwest-literary-walk

 

Ohioana Book Festival

April 18 in Columbus, OH

www.ohioana.org/programs/ohioana-book-festival

 

LA Times Festival of Books

April 18-19 in LA, CA

www.events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks

 

Annapolis Book Festival

May 2 in Annapolis, MD

www.keyschool.org/community/annapolis-book-festival .

 

Montclair Literary Festival

May 2-9 in Montclair, NJ

www.succeed2gether.org/montclair-literary-festival

 

DSM Book Festival

May 2 in Des Moines, Iowa

www.Beaverdalebooks.com 

 

Santa Fe International Literary Festival

May 15-17 in Santa Fe

www.sfintrnationallitfest.org

 

Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books

May 30 in Pittsburgh

www.piuttsburghbookfestival.org

 

Bay Area Book Festival

May 30-31 in Berkeley, CA

www.baybookfest.org

 

Mid-Ohio Indie Author Book Expo

August 8 in Grove City, OH

www.midohioindies.com

 

Portland Book Festival

November 8 in Portland, OR

www.literary-arts.org/about/programs/portland-book-festival

 

So, where does one find lists of scheduled book fairs? Look no further than these resources:  

 

Book Fair Directory

http://www.author.pub/Book-Fair-Directory.html  

 

Writer’s Digest Book Fair List

https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/list-of-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-by-state

 

C-SPAN Bookfairs List

https://www.c-span.org/bookTv/?bookfairs

 

Best Indie Author Events

https://selfpublishingformula.com/the-best-indie-author-events-for-2023/

 

Writer Conferences

https://thewritelife.com/writers-conferences/

 

Book Events

https://aalbc.com/events/list.php

 

List of International Book Fairs

https://blog.kotobee.com/book-fairs-2023/

 

Calendar of Daily Book Events

https://www.google.com/search?q=book+conventions+2023&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#fpstate=tlexp&htiq=book%20conventions%202023

 

Good luck in reaching out to participate or attend these events.

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 5,250,000 page views. With 5,400+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum