Joyful Invitations to Read

This month’s IWSG question asks:

Is there anything you’d like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?

My answer is simple.

We Are the Publishing Industry

It’s easy to think of “the publishing industry” as traditional publishers, but I don’t think that’s the whole picture.

Authors, indie publishers, booksellers, librarians, teachers, bloggers, reviewers, and readers all help shape the culture around books. We all have a role in inviting people to read.

A Reminder from Realm Makers

Last week I attended Realm Makers, a conference for Christian writers, where I spent several days talking with readers, writers, editors, publishers, and fellow creatives.

One thing stood out over and over again.

People still love stories.

Kids want adventures. Adults want books that leave them with hope, wonder, courage, and memorable characters. They aren’t just looking for another product—they’re looking for an experience.

My Hope

If I could change one thing, I’d love to see all of us help make reading joyful and invitational again.

Let’s recommend books because they delighted us. Let’s welcome new readers instead of assuming everyone already knows the language of publishing. Let’s celebrate imagination as much as marketing.

As authors, we don’t simply create books.

We invite people into stories.

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Now that I’m home, I’m back to revising Dark Blade Unchained, the third book in my Dark Blade Trilogy, and I’m sharing more writing thoughts on The Truth About Storytelling podcast. Thanks for following along on the journey!

What about you? What would you like to see changed in the publishing industry?