Are you serious about becoming a published author? About reaching more readers?
Coming to you from New York City, the cradle of U.S. publishing, we're BookishNYC — a community of writers, authors, booklovers — and book publishing pros.
We use our industry knowledge to help motivated writers and subject matter experts strategically amplify their efforts to get their book published and to reach readers.
Whether you want to share your storytelling, expand your subject matter influence, or engage a larger audience, our BookishNYC methodology is designed to help move you forward on the journey to a signed a book contract and to being discovered by more readers —
No matter where you live.
BROWSE OUR PAGES TO LEARN MORE >>>WELCOME!
I'm Valerie Peterson
I'm a writer and the author/co-author of four — and counting — traditionally published books.
Before my writing career, I spent nearly two decades working at at major publishers.
But — despite my extensive industry knowledge — when my first book was published, I learned the hard way about the author's side of the business.
I established BookishNYC to help my fellow writers better understand the profession and the publishing landscape — in order to increase their chances of being successfully published.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY JOURNEY >>>
Ms. Peterson's knowledge of book publishing was vast and presented in a concise and entertaining manner... She answered questions with a thoughtful thoroughness, often going beyond the basic question itself to the deeper subject at hand."
Jon Henn, Co-founder
Creative Writers Studio
Over the past year I’ve probably referenced your [advice] dozens (if not hundreds) of times! I became a bit of an “accidental” author … Since I hadn’t set out to write a book, I had very little knowledge of the publishing industry… You became my online and “go to” resource.
"I wanted to let you know from the point of view of a newbie author, you’ve been extremely helpful!
"Thank you Valerie!"
Amy Morin, author
International bestseller
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
[Valerie's] workshop helped me have a thorough understanding of the steps involved in taking your idea and putting it into print. Valerie tells it like it is regarding marketing, hot topics, and what publishers and agents are looking for; it’s tough love for writers. Writers everywhere will take away something beneficial… "
Sara, student
Book Publishing 101
Northern Connecticut Arts Council
AMONG THE PUBLISHERS WE'VE WORKED WITH:
QUICK-START CONSULTING RESOURCES
What do you need right now?
Quick, expert, individualized book help."
Sometimes you just need a knowledgeable pro to give you new perspective and some actionable suggestions. Whether you need help reframing a problem or choice in order to move forward, or could use a marketing positioning or tactical brainstorm, an Author Strategy Session can help.
Someone to market my book for me"
Need a seasoned hand with your book's website or strategic marketing set-up? Want social or thought leadership content planning and creation? Need a hand with the marketing side of your book launch?
Publishing insight and knowledge
You've come to the right place! Check out the blog and free resources that can help you on your journey — and, while you're at it, sign up for a course to uplevel your pro author skills.
FREE SERIES
Embrace the Pillars of Book Publishing Success
Give your book publishing journey a boost with step-by-step guidance, hands-on resources, and daily group accountability check-ins.
YES, COUNT ME INONLINE COURSES
BookishNYC Learning Center
From transforming how you show up as an author to learning how to get your book discovered by readers, these courses are your gateway to a wealth of industry wisdom, practical tools, and actionable tactics to kick your writerly butt towards success.
Publishing Success Framework
Gain an understanding of how publishers think to increase your chances of signing a book contract. This course will provide foundational knowledge and tools to boost you on your journey to "published."
Cookbook Creation and Publishing
Get the "recipes" to overcome the unique cookbook publishing challenges to ensure yours is done to perfection — all from someone who held cookbook acquisition sign-off authority at major publisher.
90-Days to Your Book Proposal
For those who want to showcase their expertise in a non-fiction book, work 1:1 for expert guidance creating your most important sales tool.
Create an Effective Author Newsletter
Discover how to engage and grow your readership by strategically visiting their inboxes on a regular basis.
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Level up your bookish knowledge
Our blog contains a wealth of practical information and insights to help you better understand what it takes to be a successful author — with some pro guest posts, fun-with-books — and some serious book topics (literacy, book banning news) thrown in.
BookishNYC NEWSLETTER
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Depending on where you're starting, getting your book published can be a marathon, not a sprint. Our advice is designed to keep you informed and motivated along the way to your finish line — and provide some bookish + NYC fun along the way!
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