TABLE OF CONTENTS
Publisher’s Letter
BookCAMP 2026: The Industry Trade Show for Authors & Publishers
Hollywood and Publishing:
The world is accelerating at breakneck speed, and the world of publishing is again being upended. Publishing is being fundamentally reshaped by technology, shifting consumption habits, and relentless economic pressures. To thrive, we must stop reacting and start leading. Never one to sit back and let the world pass me by, I’ve stepped up the game for this year’s BookCAMP.
While others in the industry are burying their heads in the sand, we’ll have industry experts not just to give you information, but show you how to take action.
April 24-26, 2026
Book CAMP by Printed Word Reviews magazine, Online format Library of Congress ISSN: 2994-4406 is published 5 times a year. Questions or comments are welcomed, please contact the Publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@ PrintedWordReviews.com.
No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission from the publisher.
To submit your book for our award programs, visit the websites:
Spring 2026: https://www.independentpressaward.com/ (Independent press and authors consideration; does not permit the big 5 publishing houses to participate; closes December 15th every year, winners announced in March of every year.)
Fall 2026: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ (More consumer focused; different judging; allows for all authors and publishers to participate; closes every August 15th, winners announced in October of every year.)
To advertise, please contact: Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com, or visit our website, https://www.independentpressaward.com/advertise
BookCAMP, www.PWRBookCAMP.com, isn’t about listening to passive information; it’s about giving you the strategic roadmap and practical tools you need to deliver content more effectively and connect with your readers more deeply. It’s talking about the problem, finding solutions, and reviewing your specific challenge with experts. It’s sharing, networking and learning.
We won’t run away from digital transformation and format diversification. We won’t claim artificial intelligence is the devil. We’ll show you how the shifting business and consumption models, as well as the economic and supply chain challenges impacting the industry, can be used to your advantage. It’s more important than ever to focus on what we do and provide so we can adapt to the new publishing environment.
The world as we know it is being changed forever. Join me in changing the world with the impact we want on it, and not let the logistics and computers determine our future.
Ted Olczak
to Empower Publishers and Authors with AI, Rights Licensing, and Next-Gen Marketing Strategies
BookCAMP, the premier conference dedicated to the success of publishers and authors, has announced the dates for its 2026 event. BookCAMP 2026 will be held from April 24-25, 2026, at the Doubletree by Hilton, Newark Liberty International Airport, 128 Frontage Rd, Newark, NJ, offering days of intensive workshops, networking, and expert-led discussions designed to navigate the rapidly evolving publishing landscape.
The 2026 conference agenda is specifically tailored to address the challenges and opportunities facing independent creators this year, with major themes focusing on technology integration and global reach. Key sessions will cover the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in book marketing, advanced techniques for rights licensing and global audience expansion, and practical strategies for effective outreach to librarians, independent bookstores, and big-box retailers.
“The publishing world is transforming at an incredible pace, and independent authors and small presses need a dedicated space to acquire cutting-edge skills,” said Ted Olczak, publisher of BookCAMP magazine. “BookCAMP 2026 is designed to be that critical resource. Whether attendees are focusing on the craft of writing, securing a film adaptation, or mastering digital marketing, they will leave with actionable strategies to turn their passion into a thriving business.”
This year, BookCAMP has instituted a multi-track schedule featuring dedicated sessions on:
Writing & Craft: Sessions on finding authentic voice, readings, and developing series.
Marketing & Publicity: Deep dives into metadata, transforming backlists into revenue drivers, and securing media coverage.
Book to Screen: Expert guidance on adapting novels for film and television, featuring insights from industry producers and consultants.
Personalized Attention: Each day features dedicated one-on-one “Meet-the-Expert” sessions for attendees to receive tailored advice on specific publishing hurdles, from book cover design to publicity plans.
The conference will also host the annual Independent Press Award / NYC Big Book Award ceremony and dinner on Saturday, April 25th, celebrating excellence in publishing. Notable NYC Big Book Award winners such as Martin Luther King, III for “What is My Legacy?,” www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-winners/97819647210950 as well as others yet to be announced in the spring for the 2026 Independent Press Award.
Registration for Bookcamp 2026 is currently open, with early-bird rates available at www.PWRBookCAMP.com/tickets.
About PWR Bookcamp: PWR Bookcamp is an annual conference dedicated to fostering the growth and professionalization of independent authors and publishers. Originally sponsored by the Independent Press Award, managed by Printed Word Reviews, the PWR BookCAMP event brings together industry professionals, experts, and writers to share knowledge, build networks, and drive the future of independent publishing through education and collaborative support.
HOLLYWOOD Publishing and
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Adaptation
Speaking at BookCAMP, entertainment industry veterans Eddie Gamarra and Kate Orsini offered a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the volatile intersection of publishing and Hollywood. From the booming demand for intellectual property (IP) to the crippling impact of strikes and mergers, they encouraged independent authors and publishers to adopt a resilient, Do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos to bring their stories to the screen.
The Good: IP is King
Eddie Gamarra, whose career has spanned book packaging (Alloy), agency representation (The Gotham Group), and studio buying (Nickelodeon), opened by highlighting the immense value of content. “Intellectual property—books, articles, comics, any kind of preexisting intellectual property—is very, very much in demand,” Gamarra stated.
He shared compelling statistics to underscore this demand:
• Half of all Best Picture winning movies at the Academy Awards are based off of books.
• Major streaming hits like “Slow Horses” (Apple TV+, starring Gary Oldman) and the Oscar-nominated animated film “The Wild Robot” are prime examples of books successfully adapted.
Gamarra noted that the independent book market has become a significant source of new material, especially since the breakout successes of titles like “The Martian” and “50 Shades of Gray.” Hollywood agents and producers are now actively seeking untold stories from new voices within the independent community, creating lots of opportunities that previously did not exist.
The Bad: Hollywood is in Crisis
While IP demand is high, the overall state of the entertainment industry is marked by instability. Kate Orsini, an actress and seasoned audiobook performer, detailed the economic and production struggles:
• COVID-19 Shutdowns: Required Screen Actors Guild (SAG) testing all the way into 2022 led to entire TV seasons being truncated when one person tested positive.
• The 2023 Strikes: The simultaneous Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG strikes lasted for seven to eight consecutive months, resulting in massive production slowdowns.
• Production Collapse: As a result of these events, production is now lower than it was during the strikes. TV dramas are down 40% and movies are down 35%. Los Angeles, having priced itself out, is no longer even in the top ten global shooting locations.
Gamarra added that, much like the publishing world’s consolidation, Hollywood is seeing massive mergers and acquisitions (e.g., Discovery/Warner, Skydance/Paramount), creating immense destabilization and putting the traditional gatekeepers “under siege.”
The Ugly: The DIY Ethos and Owning Your IP
In the face of industry contraction, both speakers emphasized that the independent publishing community’s “get it done” attitude is exactly what Hollywood is now forced to adopt. Gamarra stated “The top talent in Hollywood are doing exactly what you’re doing.”
Orsini pointed to the Duplass brothers (Mark Duplass), who are shifting from the old studio model—where “suits who know nothing about art” dictate a project’s fate—to the indie film model. Mark Duplass is now crowdfunding his own pilots, owning all the IP, and later syndicating the content. This reflects the two most important words in Hollywood: “Own and Control.”
Authors are urged to consider the “devil’s bargain” of traditional studio deals. Studios want to own all your rights for a small fee, and if the project never moves forward after years of development, the author has to carry the burden of those development costs if they try to sell it elsewhere.
The solution is what Orsini calls being a “shapeshifter.” “No one any more is just an actor. They’re an actor, a screenwriter and a producer, like you have to do it all yourself.”
This means authors must seriously consider adapting their own work, whether by writing the screenplay themselves or by hiring professionals on a consultative basis to guide them through the complex legal landscape.
The Three C’s of Hollywood Acquisition
When Hollywood does look for material, it boils down to three core elements: Concept, Cast, and Cost.
Concept: The Big Idea and the Cool Jacket: Hollywood often values a high-concept idea over the quality of the writing itself. Gamarra shared an astonishing anecdote: he once sold a book to Dreamworks Animation that was never even written. The title, “Imperial Death Monkeys,” elicited a smile from an executive, which was enough to option the rights.
What matters is discoverability and marketability.
The Title and the Jacket: High-concept titles like “Boss Baby” (a baby in a three-piece suit) or “Night at the Museum” instantly convey a marketable idea. The latter, published by a non-traditional educational publisher, became a billion-dollar franchise.
Personalized Marketing: Hollywood and streaming services excel at eventizing and algorithmic marketing. Gamarra noted that Netflix will show different thumbnails to different users for the same movie based on their viewing habits (e.g., an action-focused poster for one user, and a romance-focused poster for another). Independent publishers who embrace this digital, personalized marketing could gain a major edge.
Next, there is the Casting. Hollywood is always looking for star power. When a producer or studio is evaluating a book, they are asking: “Who’s the star that’s going to play the role?”
Lastly, one must consider the Cost. This refers to the budget required to produce the story. A project requiring an expansive period setting or massive special effects will be a tougher sell than a concept that is contained and requires fewer resources.
A Word on Audio and AI
Orsini, an audiobook narrator of over 25 titles, voiced the challenges performers face with AI:”I had a friend who wrote a book... and they were going to do like an online thing... And they came back and said, they’re just going to use a robot.”
While acknowledging the financial reality that AI is often chosen when a budget is $0, she warned that traditional performance pieces are beginning to “evaporate.” This further reinforces the need for performers to become multi-hyphenates, just like writers and producers.
Gamarra advised that authors should weigh the cost-benefit of hiring a professional right out of the gate, as “sometimes hiring the professional right out of the gate gets you farther, faster.”
The final takeaway for the independent author is clear: In a compressed and challenging industry, the power lies with the creator who owns, controls, and adapts their own IP.
To see experts such as Eddie Gamarra and Kate Orsini in person, join us for next year’s BookCAMP, www.PWRBookCAMP.com.
HOLLYWOOD Publishing and
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www.independentpressaward.com/membership
Sarah Lynn
Author: Between the Lines
Sarah Lynn is the author of Between the Lines. Her debut novel was awarded a Distinguished Favorite in the 2023 Independent Press Award for New Fiction and the 2022 New York City Big Book Award for New Fiction First Time Published. Originally from Jackson Township, Ohio, Sarah’s dreams led her to writing. She has lived in New York City, studied in Paris, and more recently received her Master’s in Mass Communications from the University of Florida.
Gabby: Let’s start with your journey. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to write fiction?
Sarah.: I’ve always liked to write, even as a child. I worked, went back to school at different points, and had some health issues. I lived in New York City and I thought I would document those experiences. It was really a labor of love.
Gabby: What’s the premise of Between the Lines?
Sarah.: Eva, the main protagonist, has moved away from her small hometown in Virginia to New York City. It’s been a dream of hers. She gets the dream job in a magazine as a photographer and finds herself dating a longtime crush. When he goes away on business, she begins to receive emails that she believes are from him, but they are not. It sends Eva down a spiral. She questions everything that she’s believed to be true.
Gabby: You dedicate Between the Lines to “young women everywhere who have nurtured an unrelenting dream with fierce protection.” What was the inspiration behind your female protagonist Eva and what did you want to communicate to young women everywhere?
How do you hope that your readers, especially women, will relate or maybe learn from her story?
Sarah.: It’s sort of a cautionary tale: don’t believe everything you hear, especially if it’s not right in front of your face. God always has more for us, even when we go through hardship, even though we go through trials, it’s not the end of the story. He can always heal a broken heart. That is the main thing I want to get across to my readers.
Sarah.: Eva is young and starting out in life. I think as young women we have certain goals in place or dreams in place, who want to find true love. I wanted to communicate to young women who have similar dreams or have gone through similar experiences that I’ve experienced, that there is hope. We can have our hearts broken, but that’s not the end of the story. There are so many other things out there for us.
Gabby: You say that Eva finds healing and then comes into her own.
Gabby: In your dedication page, you have a verse from Jeremiah. Why did you choose that particular verse? Does your faith play a role in the creative process?
Sarah.: The plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. That has been a life verse for me. It’s been true so many times in my life. It’s always darkest before dawn. There is always the next chapter. There is always life. It’s very important for me that people find that truth, because that’s where true healing comes from.
Gabby: As a debut author, what advice can you offer to aspiring authors?
Sarah.: Don’t give up before you start. Write one paragraph and then write another, then write another. You eat an elephant one bite at a time. Don’t assume that you can’t do it. Don’t assume that the finished product won’t be good enough. Take it in pieces. One step at a time. Ask people to read it after.
Listen to the entire interview www.thegabtalks.com
To learn more about Sarah Lynn and her debut novel, please visit www.authorsarahlynn.com
Book Review How to Best Leverage a
You got the review, Whoohoo!, now what?
First, pull quotes and use them in your marketing of your book.
Short attention spans dictate that you have a powerful message to draw a reader’s attention. So it’s best to highlight the best soundbites of the book review, and give them a nugget here and there.
Look for a memorable phrase, a compelling description, or a single positive sentence that highlights a strength of your book. For example, if a reviewer calls your horror novel “gory, gruesome, and utterly disturbing,” those are all fantastic words in that phrase to use in marketing to your target audience.
Where you ask?, here: on your book cover (front or back), your website and book’s landing page; social media graphics and postings; press releases; pr / media kits; event flyers and banners; blog, eNewsletter, bookmarks, postcards, shelf-talkers, book trailers, giveaways or contest if you offer them, and of course, Amazon Author Central and Goodreads pages. You can even add your favorite quote to your email signature. Let’s outline:
Physical Marketing Materials
• Bookmarks: A classic and effective tool. Print a striking bookmark with your book cover on one side and a powerful, punchy quote on the other. Include your website and social media handles. If you have other titles, be sure to mention them.
• Postcards: Similar to bookmarks, postcards are great for handing out at events or including with book orders. Feature the book cover and a key quote, along with a QR code that links to the book’s sales page. The cost of mailing a postcard is no longer inexpensive, but still are great marketing tools as there is no envelope acting as a barrier to your message.
• Posters and Banners: For in-person events like book signings, conferences, or library visits, create professional posters and banners that feature a large, eye-catching pull quote. This immediately tells passersby what the book is about and who it’s for. And, they are impressive!
• Shelf Talkers: These are small signs that attach to a bookstore shelf and “talk” to customers about the book. A concise and compelling quote can be a powerful way to grab a browser’s attention right at the point of sale. It can make a difference, and engage a prospective customer.
• Book Trailers: If you have a book trailer or plan to create one, weave the quotes into the video. You can use text overlays or a voiceover to bring the words to life. A quote from a critic adds an air of professionalism and authority.
• Email Signature: Simplest way to utilize and get mileage out of a quote is to add a line to your professional email signature that features a short, impactful quote and a link to your book.
• Podcast and Media Pitches: When you’re pitching yourself as a guest on a podcast or a subject for an interview, include a “praise for the book” section in your media kit or pitch email. A few key quotes from a mix of professional reviewers and readers can significantly increase your credibility.
• Back Matter of Your Book: If you are a prolific author, a fantastic way to sell your backlist is to include a “Praise for the Author’s Previous Works” page at the end of your new book. This uses your success on one book to leverage sales for your others.
• Metadata: Believe it or not, you can use positive language from reviews in your book’s metadata on retail sites like Amazon. For example, if a reviewer calls your book “A gripping sci-fi thriller,” you can incorporate those terms into your book description and keywords to help it get discovered by the right readers.
Other Creative Uses
• Book Club Discussion Guides: If you create a guide for book clubs, you can include review quotes as talking points to spark conversation. For example, “Reviewer Suzie Q said the protagonist was ‘unlikable.’ Do you agree? Why or why not?”
• Author Bio/About Me Page: Weave a powerful quote into your author bio on your website or social media. It’s a quick and effective way to establish your writing style and what readers can expect from your work.
• Giveaways and Contests: When you run a giveaway, create a graphic that features your book cover and a review quote. This helps build buzz and shows why your book is worth winning.
Bottom line, the truth is simple: in a crowded market, personal recommendations move books. Your book review isn’t passive validation; it’s a ready-made testimonial. Stop seeing a book review as just a critique—see it as your silent, 24/7 sales team. Recommendations are gold, and a great review is the ultimate endorsement. Leverage it, syndicate it, and let it sell your book in every corner of the market, even while you sleep.
BookCAMP's Publishing Services Directory
AUDIOBOOKS
Turn your story into an audiobook with Audible’s Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) service for independent creators. As the allin-one marketplace, we’ll help you create your audiobook, reach a global audience, track your insights, and optimize earnings. All you need is an eBook version of your story to get started. Learn more at ACX.com.
Pro Audio Voices, a Portland based company serving clients internationally as a go-to place for exceptional audiobook production and marketing, and producer of the AMPlify Audiobook app, which offers the highest royalties and most control to authors of audiobooks of any platform in the industry. AMPlify Audiobooks is currently available for iPhone and Android. For more information, visit https://proaudiovoices.com/
AUTHOR SERVICES
The Cadence Group | Book Consulting Services www.thecadencegrp.com We help authors and small presses publish high-quality, professionally designed, cost-effective books that can compete and stand out in today's marketplace. Bethany Brown, 708.689.0908 or services@thecadencegrp.com
Catalyst Press was founded in 2017 as a literary spark. Publishing genre and literary fiction, non-fiction and memoir, graphic novels, and picture books, our authors explore stories and places in ways that make our global community feel more connected. We believe change begins one page at a time. Contact Jessica Powers at jlpowers@catalystpress.org or visit www.catalystpress.org
eBooks2go
About eBooks2go: eBooks2go is the single source for all of your book publishings needs. We offer an array of affordable solutions to assist self-publishing authors at every stage of the publishing process including cover design, eBook conversions, hardcover and paperback book printing, worldwide distribution, marketing packages, and much more.
Email: info@ebooks2go.net • Phone Number: +1 (847) 598-1150 ext. 4141 Website: https://www.ebooks2go.net
Gatekeeper Press
Gatekeeper Press is a premium full-service publishing partner empowering indie authors with expert guidance, 100% rights, 100% royalties, and global distribution for life. From editing and design to marketing, we help authors publish professionally and confidently. Gatekeeper Press — Where Authors Are Family. Website: www.gatekeeperpress.com/online-consultation/
BOOK AWARDS
Independent Press Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every spring; awards independent authors and publishers. www.independentpressaward.com/ • gabby@IndependentPressAward.com
NYC Big Book Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every fall; awards authors and publishers of all persuasions: independent, self, and traditionally published books. www.nycBigBookAward.com • gabby@nycBigBookAwards.com
EDITING SERVICES
Write On, Inc., Nonfiction Book Editor
Editing for indie authors writing on business/leadership, self-help, true crime. Work with a seasoned editor who literally wrote the award-winning book: Cover to Cover: What First-Time Authors Need to Know about Editing. Sample edit, assessment and project pricing for the level of edit your book needs and deserves. Free ebook and more information on editorial services. www.WriteOnInc.com
MEMBERSHIPS
Membership isn’t just a status; it’s an invitation to a life-long poetry community. By joining The Poetry Society of New York, you gain more than perks—you become a key player in shaping a more vibrant, accessible poetry landscape. Members of PSNY become poetry insiders who receive members-only experiences, platforms to share work, and an ongoing poetry conversation with some of the most iconic poets in the country. www.poetrysocietyny.org/membership.
PSNY The Poetry Society of New York is an artist-led non-profit that creates fun, innovative poetry experiences. Our mission is to bring the transformative impact of poetry to those seeking a more creative life.
Visit us at www.poetrysocietyny.org/.
PRINTERS
HF GROUP. At HF Group, we specialize in high-quality book production tailored to meet the diverse needs of publishers and authors. With state-of-the-art printing technology and a commitment to craftsmanship, we offer both soft cover and hard cover binding options with customizable formats. Whether you’re producing a limited edition or a large print run, our team ensures every project is completed with precision and care. Let us help bring your stories to life!
Contact Tim Malott, Business Development Manager, 260.306.3965 (direct) or email at Tim at tmalott@hfgroup.com
Total Printing Services is a digital book manufacturer offering single to full color on covers and interiors in all bind styles. Our niche is short-run book printing using the latest digital technology with high-speed inkjet web and toner presses. All binding is done in-house and we specialize in short-run case binding. Print-On-Demand, Ship-On-Demand fulfillment, inventory management, and warehousing services are also available. Visit www.tps1.com to experience our Instant Quote pricing tool.
Marketing Manager/Account Representative: Meg Souza, 618-783-0532, meg@tps1.com
REVIEWS
FALCON REVIEW
Falcon Reviews: Reviews call a significant amount of attention to your book. By purchasing a FALCON Review by Printed Word Reviews, you will have the opportunity to get noticed by agents, book buyers, publishers and other industry influencers. Receive an affordable book review that can generously boost your writing career. www.independentpressaward.com/falconreviews
RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
DropCap is a global rights marketplace used by rights agents and editors around the world to find great books (dropcapmarketplace.com). Our mission is to provide independent authors and publishers access to rights licensing opportunities and help indie books go global through foreign rights, audio, and other subsidiary rights licensing.
SALES & MARKETING
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE reaching over 10,000 authors and publishers Or here: https://issuu.com/independentpressaward reaching over 10,000 librarians and booksellers, 20,000 additional book lovers and consumers. Contact the Publisher Ted Olczak Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com
Want attention of over 10,000 librarians and booksellers as well as 20,000 additional book lovers and consumers. Contact the Publisher Ted Olczak Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com
