Book Friends Forever Podcast

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Children's book publishing’s secrets are revealed as we listen in on fascinating, unguarded, insider discussion from two uniquely qualified best friends: award-winning author/illustrator Grace Lin, and one of NYC’s top editors, Alvina Ling. Go behind the scenes of kid lit and catch a glimpse of the…

Alvina and Grace


    • Jun 5, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 50m AVG DURATION
    • 303 EPISODES

    4.9 from 208 ratings Listeners of Book Friends Forever Podcast that love the show mention: book friends, friends forever, grace lin, book publishing, children s publishing, book industry, illustrator, children s book, kidlit, publishing world, publishing industry, asian american, children's, editor, personal lives, book reviews, bff, two friends, m grateful, friendship.


    Ivy Insights

    The Book Friends Forever Podcast is an enjoyable and insightful podcast that covers a wide range of topics related to book publishing, friendship, and trending issues. The easy flow of conversation between hosts Grace and Alvina makes for a delightful listening experience. They provide insider information about the children's book publishing scene, giving listeners a better understanding of the world of authors and illustrators. Additionally, their discussions around timely issues in the children's book world are thought-provoking and engaging. The podcast also offers excellent book recommendations.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the genuine friendship between Grace and Alvina that shines through in their conversations. They share personal stories from their lives and discuss various topics with poise and thoughtfulness. It feels like having brunch with your best girlfriends as they offer insights into their lifelong friendship.

    Another positive aspect is the wealth of experience both hosts bring to the podcast. With backgrounds in children's book publishing, they share valuable pearls of wisdom along with updates on what's happening in their own lives. This creates an engaging and enlightening listening experience.

    The inclusion of Alison Morris' book reviews adds another layer to the podcast. Her recommendations help listeners discover amazing titles they may not have come across otherwise.

    While it is difficult to find any major flaws in this podcast, some listeners may want more episodes or longer discussions on specific topics. However, given that this is a weekly podcast, it provides a consistent stream of content for fans to enjoy.

    In conclusion, The Book Friends Forever Podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in children's books, publishing, or simply seeking enjoyable conversations between friends. Grace and Alvina offer valuable insights while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps listeners coming back for more.



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    Latest episodes from Book Friends Forever Podcast

    Episode 302: CHOP SUEY: Library of Congress, AI summer reading lists, and Summer of…!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 58:40


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they give some updates on the recent firing of the Librarian of Congress, they talk about the AI-generated summer reading list, and they ponder what they're hoping to focus on this summer. Then, children's literature specialist Alison Morris joins to give some book recommendations, and they end as always with what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com.  Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.  See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor.  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 301: Personal Organization!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 40:13


    Grace and Alvina talk about their personal organization techniques, including what kind of tools they use and how they coordinate with their family. For the Fortune Cookie segment they share some book recommendations. Grace recommends Stan Yan's upcoming book The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang, and Alvina recommends TJ Klune's Somewhere Beyond the Sea. They end as always with what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.  See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor.  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 300: Book Tours!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 60:24


    Grace and Alvina record an episode while Grace is in the middle of her book tour for THE GATE, THE GIRL, AND THE DRAGON, so of course the topic is everything having to do with book tours! Grace shares some highlights and lowlights, gives some tips and tricks for travel and touring, talks about what her expectations about book tours vs the reality, how she prepares for book tours, and more. For the Fortune Cookie segment they discuss the firing of Dr. Carla Hayden from the Library of Congress. For the Tell Me About segment, Alvina tells Grace about THE SINGULAR LIFE OF ARIA PATEL by Samira Ahmed. And, they end by sharing what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 299: Editing Middle Grade: The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 58:08


    Grace and Alvina are celebrating the launch of Grace's THE GATE, THE GIRL, AND THE DRAGON and they talk about their writing, editing, and revision process for the book. They cover the writing process, how Alvina edits the novel, how Grace receives edits and revises, and more. For the Fortune Cookie segment they discuss a new publishing imprint focusing on male authors. And, they end by sharing what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 298: CHOP SUEY: Mahmoud v Taylor, MG to picture books, and group chats!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 80:40


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they talk about several topics. They discuss the recent Supreme Court case Mahmoud v Taylor about religious freedom to opt their children out from certain storytimes. They also talk about three recent picture books adapted from middle grade novels, including THE WILD ROBOT ON THE ISLAND by Peter Brown, and they talk about their relationship to group text chats! Alison Morris joins to share some book recommendations, and they end with sharing what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 297: How the New Administration is Affecting Publishing!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 50:40


    Grace and Alvina talk about how the current presidential administration has and could affect publishing. They discuss how the increase in book banning, cuts in funding for libraries, changes in how diversity is valued, and increased tariffs may or may not affect publishing.  For the Fortune Cookie segment they talk about what's making them happy right now. And then, Grace tells Alvina about her two Spring-themed math board books, UP TO MY KNEES and WHERE ARE THE EGGS?   Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bookfriendsforever_podcast  

    Episode 296: Independent Publishing with Janet Bruins!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 58:16


    Grace and Alvina welcome special guest Janet Bruins, who has started her own independent publishing company, Picnic Heist. They talk about how she decided to start her pubilshing company and what steps she took to make that happen, including her mission for the company. They also discuss the reasons one might decide to publish with an independent publisher vs a larger one. For the Fortune Cookie segment they talk about what they've been reading lately, and of course they end with sharing what they're all grateful for. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/   Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bookfriendsforever_podcast    

    Episdoe 295: Authentic and Hubristic Pride!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 58:27


    Grace and Alvina talk about two different types of price: authentic pride and hubistric pride, and how that might apply to their work and lives. For the Fortune Cookie segment they discuss a recent executive order to defund libraries. Alvina tells Grace about the book BIG ENOUGH by Regina Linke. And, they end by sharing what they're grateful for. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 294: Six Styles of Leadership!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 62:36


    Grace and Alvina talk about leadership styles, specifically the Goleman six styles of leadership. They also talk about a recent Hidden Brain podcast episode about how great leaders rise to the occasion. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they discuss Meta AI and how published books (including Grace's) were pirated to train their AI program. Then Alvina tells Grace about the book BLOW OUT THE MOON by Libby Koponen--Alvina's very first acquisition! And then, as always, they end with what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 293: Chance and the Unknown!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 51:41


    Grace and Alvina talk about chance, flukes, and the unknown and how small changes and chance encounters can change the whole course of your life. For the Fortune Cookie segment they share something that gives them hope (and end up on a bit of a tangent about politics). Alvina tells Grace about the book ATOMIC WOMEN by Roseanne Montillo, and they end by sharing what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 292: CHOP SUEY: Pandemic anniversary, soft censorship, and mission statement follow-up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 71:10


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they discuss several topics. At the five-year anniversary of the global pandemic, they look back on how their lives have changed for the better or the worst; they discuss soft censorship, especially in relation to the Young Media Award winners. They continue to brainstorm their mission statement using adjectives some of their listeners used to describe the podcast. And then Alison Morris joins to share some book recommendations, and they end with sharing what they're grateful for.  See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 291: Freelance Editing with Sangeeta Mehta and Julia Scheina!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 91:08


    Grace and Alvina continue their publishing curriculum series and welcome special guests Sangeeta Mehta and Julie Scheina to the podcast. Both of them are former editorial colleagues of Alvina's who now run their own freelance editorial companies. Julie also does some coaching. They discuss how they got started in publishing and when they started freelance editing. They discuss how they structure their days, how they market their services, and advice for authors on how to both improve their work on their own and also work with freelance editors. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they each share what they've been reading lately. And, of course, they end with what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 290: Jealousy vs. Envy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 50:01


    Grace and Alvina talk about the emotion of jealousy and how it differs from envy, and how both are normal emotions. They discuss how to better reframe feelings of jealousy. They also discuss the feeling of compersion, which is the opposite of jealousy. For the Fortune Cookie segment, Grace shared some insights from a Winter Institute panel about the middle grade market. And then Alvina asks Grace to tell her about her book DIM SUM FOR EVERYONE. They end by sharing what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 289: Mission Statements!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 38:59


    Grace and Alvina talk about different organizations and their mission statements, and start brainstorming a possible mission statement for this podcast! They start by talking about their values. For the Fortune Cookie segment they talk about the announcement of a surprise new book by Stephen King and Maurice Sendak. Then, Grace asks Alvina to tell her about the book MIRROR GIRLS by Kelly McWilliams. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com.  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 288: CHOP SUEY: blurbing, social media, and how publishing has changed for the better

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 54:39


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they discuss book blurbing, where the kidlit community is on social media, how publishing has improved over the years, and then Alison Morris joins to give some book recommendations. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 287: Community!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 61:26


    Alvina is back from Kindling Words and so she and Grace talk about the importance of community (Alvina's word of the year!) and how to build community. They talk about which communities they are currently a part of, and which communities they want to build--including the Book Friends Forever community! For the Fortune Cookie segment they talk about two bits of publishing news: the naming of Mac Barnett as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, and AI-generated books in the library. And then, in honor of Black History Month, Alvina tells Grace about the book DAVE THE POTTER by Laban Carrick Hill and Bryan Collier.  See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/   

    Episode 286: ALAYMA and Publishing news!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 56:35


    Grace and Alvina talk about the ALA Youth Media Award winners, as well as a bunch of other publishing news, including about book bans, children's book relief efforts as a result of the LA Fires, publishing staff changes, and a book publishing scam. For the Fortune Cookie segment Grace shared about the Year of the Snake in honor of Lunar New Year. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/   

    Episode 285: CHOP SUEY: Social Media, How to Cope, and Barnes & Noble!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 39:19


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they discuss the state of social media, including new updates on the TikTok ban and Facebook, they talk about how to cope when everything feels like it's too much, and talk about Barnes & Noble under James Daunt after five years. They also talk a little bit about three books: I AM AN AMERICAN: THE WONG KIM-ARK STORY; HELLO, TREE; and PARADISE ON FIRE. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 284: Simple Joys!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 59:13


    With all the terrible things going on in the world right now, Grace and Alvina decide to help make themselves and others feel a little better by listing 25 small things that bring them joy. Listen to find out if their lists have any overlap! For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about the TikTok ban, and a potential replacement. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 283: 2025 New Year's Resolutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 58:34


    Grace and Alvina kick off their first episode of 2025 by sharing their words of the year and their new year's resolution. They also share what word sums up their 2024. For the Fortun Cookie segment, they share small things that make them happy! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 282: 2024 Year-end Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 63:57


    Grace and Alvina wrap up the year of 2024 by looking back on the year, sharing some highlights and lowlights, and also taking stock of how successful they were at keeping their new year's resolutions. They also talk about the favorite things they consumed in 2024! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 281: CHOP SUEY: Making reading fun, remember why we write, and favorite holiday books with Alison Morris!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 55:07


    Grace and Alvina are joined by special guest Alison Morris to talk about various topics, including the industry's efforts to help encourage children to read, especially in the middle grade space. They discuss end of the year "best of" lists and how authors should try to remember the reason they write. And, they talk about some of their favorite holiday books. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/  

    Episode 280: Deep Work and Attention Span!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 58:10


    Grace and Alvina talk about the concept of deep work, and our diminished attention spans. They discuss the books Deep Work by Cal Newport and Attention Span by Gloria Mark, and share takeaways and how they've incorporated deep work into their lives, including tips and techniques. For the Fortune Cookie segment they talk about the Taylor Swift book and how it was self-published. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 279: 2024 Gift Guide!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 48:44


    Grace and Alvina give some holiday gift recommendations for readers, editors, authors, illustrators, kids, and more! For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about two bits of publishing news regarding Artifical Intelligence. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ 

    Episode 278: Children's Sales with Danielle Cantarella!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 52:21


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Danielle Cantarella, Executive Director of Sales at Hachette Book Group. They discuss everything from how she got her start in publishing (it's a surprising path!), how she used to sell in to Barnes & Noble, what she thinks about preorders, and what her least and most favorite parts of her job are. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about what they're favorite Thanksgiving foods are! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ Follow LBYR's social media platforms: https://www.instagram.com/thenovl/

    Episode 277: CHOP SUEY: Reading trends, the Black List, and House Trust!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 48:49


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they discuss what they think the trends for next year will be, they discuss a new site for discovering writers called The Black List, and they talk about the concept of "house trust" and how that might relate to authors and publishing. And then Alvina shares some recommendations from the LBYR list for potential holiday gift giving. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ 

    Episode 276: Library and Educational Sales with Katie Tucker!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 53:31


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Katie Tucker, Senior National Account Manager at Hachette Book Group. They discuss everything from how she got her start in publishing, how she works closely with the School and Library Marketing department, if she pitches every book on the list, and her favorite part of her job. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about what they've been reading lately. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ Follow LBYR's social media platforms: https://www.instagram.com/thenovl/

    Episode 275: Work to vacation to work transitions!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 43:37


    Alvina and Grace are back from vacation and have been dealing with transitioning back to work mode. They also talk about how it was transitioning to vacation mode from work! They share some tips on making the transition as well. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they discuss a Publishers Weekly article about four children's book imprints that are celebrating their 5-year anniversaries. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 274: 50! with Anna Alter

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 58:13


    Grace and Alvina and their friend and special guest Anna Alter are in Bermuda celebrating turning 50 this year! They talk about the past, present, and future in terms of how they feel being a half-century old. They discuss how they felt before turning 50, how they feel now that they're all 50 years old, and what they're looking forward to in their next decade of life. For the Fortune Cookie segment they share what their favorite parts of Bermuda and their vacation have been so far. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ Find out more about Anna Alter here: https://annaalter.com/

    Episode 273: CHOP SUEY: Hybrid work, Boba tea, and MacArthur Genius Grants!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 60:07


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they discuss hybrid work vs full remote work, the controversy surrounding the company Bobba and actor Simu Liu, and how they would use the money if they won the MacArthur Genius Grant. Then Alison Morris joins to share some book recommendations. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 272: Indie Bookstore Sales with Julie Isgrigg!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 62:35


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Julie Isgrigg, Independent Bookstore Representative. They discuss everything from how she got her start in publishing (Julie, Grace, and Alvina have all worked in the industry for 25 years!), her philosophy for selling books into bookstores, what she feels authors can do to help sell their books, and her favorite part of her job. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about what they've been reading lately. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ 

    Episode 271: Longevity in the Industry!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 55:54


    Grace and Alvina discuss longevity in the publishing industry, both as an author and illustrator and as an editor, using a recent podcast episode and a Publishers Weekly article as a jumping-off point. They discuss the two main qualities authors (and editors!) need to survive in in the industry, and they also discuss how publishing jobs have diminished in the last 30 years, and how to increase your chances of survival. They introduce a new segment called "Tell Me About..." and Alvina talks about ALL THE BOOKS by Hayley and John Rocco. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about the National Book Award finalists and the new MacArthur Foundation Fellows. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 270: Cynicism Vs. Skepticism!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 46:19


    Grace and Alvina are recording together in Brooklyn! They discuss the difference between cynicism and skepticism, and which one is "a poison pill" and why it's important to stat hopeful. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they discuss a recent article in Publisher Weekly related to Banned Book Week, about the impact of book bans on authors. And, of course, they end with what they're grateful for. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 269: CHOP SUEY: Internet Archive, self publishing after a bestseller, and screen adaptations!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 66:53


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they're joined by Children's Literature Specialist Alison Morris to catch up with each other's lives and see what her life has been like since leaving First Book! Alvina and Grace discuss the Court of Appeals ruling on Hachette vs Internet Archive, and a recent essay about a bestselling author self publishing. Then Allison rejoins them and they all share their favorite book to screen adaptations, and then Alison shares some book recommendations. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 268: Digital Marketing with Savannah Kennelly!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 73:11


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Savannah Kennelly, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at LBYR. They discuss everything from how she got her start in publishing, what digital marketing actually means, and tips for authors about social media, including some of the specific challenges of marketing middle grade books. She also reveals how long it takes her to film and post a video, and whether she's ever been recognized in public for being the face of LBYR's YA social media platform, THENOVL!  For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about what they've been eating lately.  See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ Follow LBYR's social media platforms: https://www.instagram.com/thenovl/ https://www.instagram.com/littlebrownyoungreaders/

    Episode 267: Trade Marketing with Bill Grace!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 68:07


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Bill Grace, Senior Marketing Manager at LBYR. They discuss everything from how he got his start in publishing, what trade marketing actually means, if publishers can "make" a bestseller, and how marketing has changed over the years. Plus, he gives some advice to authors about social media and working with your publisher on marketing. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about what they've been reading lately.  See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ Follow LBYR's social media platforms: https://www.instagram.com/thenovl/ https://www.instagram.com/littlebrownyoungreaders/

    Episode 266: Publicity with Cheryl Lew!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 50:27


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Cheryl Lew, Associate Director of Publilcity. They discuss everything from how she got her start in publishing, to what goes into the decision to send authors on tour or to festivals, to how books and authors are pitched to media, and how important preorders are. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about what they're looking forward to in the Fall. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 265: CHOP SUEY: Q&A, four stages of retirement, and Chat GPT

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 60:04


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they answer some listener questions, including a couple about the middle grade market. They discuss a TedTalk about the four stages of retirement, and they talk about a New York Times piece where author Curtis Sittenfeld challenged ChatGPT in writing a short story beach read. And then they give some book recomendations. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 264: 25-year Anniversary career highlights so far!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 79:27


    Grace and Alvina celebrate their 25 years in the publishing industry and share their top ten career highlights so far, including how they got their starts. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about what they've been eating lately!  See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 263: School & Library Marketing with Christie Michel!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 59:26


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Christie Michel, Senior Marketing Manager, to talk about School and Library Marketing. The discuss everything from how she got her start in publishing, to how authors are pitched for conferences and what Christie's favorite conference is. For the Fortune Cookies segment, they talk about what they've been reading lately. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 262: Retirement!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 52:46


    Grace and Alvina talk about what they envision their eventual retirement will look like (don't worry, it's still a long time away for both of them), including some of the things they need to do to prepare. They were inspired to talk about this topic because of the recent retirement of some long-time editors. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about their favorite moments of the Summer Olympics! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 261: CHOP SUEY: Publishing News1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 61:22


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they discuss a bunch of publishing news, including publishing imprint closures, new imprints, moves, and changes. The talk about the firing of a literary agent due to social media, soft censorship, Authors Against Book Bans, and Barnes & Noble. And then Alison Morris shares some big news involving herself, and gives some book recommendations. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 260: Our Present and Future Selves!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 51:54


    Alvina is back from her 50th Birthday vacation to Banff! Grace and Alvina talk about how their present selves inform their future selves. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about at what age they'd want to freeze themselves. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 259: Sparkle and Awe!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 35:58


    Grace and Alvina discuss two different podcasts on similar topics: how to bring sparkle back into your life, and how to experience awe.  For the fortune cookie segment, they talk about the last thing they've purchased. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 258: Mid-year Check In!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 53:47


    Grace and Alvina look back at their new year's resolutions to see if they've made any progress (spoiler alert--they have!). For their fortune cookie segment, they talk about what song best represents their graduation. Also, hear about Alvina's mega family reunion trip to Puerto Rico! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    BFF 257 Managing Editorial with Andy Ball!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 54:27


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Andy Ball, Director of Managing Editorial, to talk about the Managing Editori's role in the publishing process. For the Fortune Cookies segment, they talk about what they're obsessed with right now! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 256: CHOP SUEY: Deadlines, Friendship Style, and AI!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 71:33


    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they tallk about how they deal with deadlines and time management, what their friendship style is, and two updates in AI in the industry! And, Alison Morris of First Book shares a few book recommendations. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 255: Book Production with Lillian Sun!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 48:28


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Lillian Sun, Production Director, to talk about the book production process. For the Fortune Cookies segment, they talk about what they're looking forward to reading this summer! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 254: Novel Design with Sasha Illingworth!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 51:06


    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Sasha Illingworth, Associate Creative Director, to talk about the middle grade and young adult book design process, and Sasha shares some tips for aspiring illustrators, and the talk about cover trends. For the Fortune Cookies segment, they talk about what they want for their personal styles! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ Find Sasha Illingworth at https://www.sashaillingworthdesign.com/  

    Episode 253: Change!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 47:44


    Grace and Alvina talk about change--what the major changes in their lives have been, and how one can become better at adjusting to change. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about posting children on social media and privacy issues. See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    Episode 252: Growth Mindset!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 58:40


    Grace and Alvina are recording together on the day after Grace's 50th birthday! They talk all about the concept of growth mindset and what it means, and if they feel that they themselves have growth mindset. For the Fortune Cookie segment, they discuss birthday wishes and whether it's "game over" for them! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

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