Judging a Book by Its Cover (Don't Do It!) + The Outrageous Attack on Library Funding

This is all about books!

If it appears I’m reading many books at once, it’s because I am…

I share every book I’m reading in my Instagram stories and do a monthly roundup of reviews. If it looks like I’m reading a ton of books at once—it's because I am. Just yesterday, I posted two "currently reading" IG stories because, well, I was listening to an audiobook while cleaning and then sat down to read a different book. I wasn’t always someone who read multiple books at a time, and sometimes I wonder if I’d finish them faster if I just focused on one. But honestly? I read based on my mood.

Right now, I’m in the middle of two client books—both nonfiction but completely different. I’m reading a book with each of my kids, one chapter every afternoon so we can discuss it together (which, by the way, has been a game changer for their reading comprehension). For my podcast, I have two books lined up—because I always read every book cover to cover before interviewing an author. And at night, I’ve got Big Magic on my bedside table, reading a chapter before switching to a novel—because just like reality TV helps me unwind, so does a good book.

Judging a book by it’s cover

I don’t read reviews before picking up a book. I rarely even read the back cover because I feel like it gives too much away. Recently, a publisher pitched me a book for my podcast, sending only the cover image and a two-sentence description. It looked fun and lighthearted, so I said yes and dove in.

It turned out to be nothing like I expected. The bright cover and blurbs made it seem like a feel-good, entertaining read, but inside, it was deeply layered—unexpectedly so. It had moments of charm, humor, and hope, but also wove in a WWII storyline about loss—not just of property, but of people. By the end, I was in tears. And I wasn’t alone—the author told me she had heard this reaction from so many readers.

It made me wonder (cue Carrie Bradshaw voice-over)… should a book cover better reflect the story inside? Does it do a disservice to both the author and readers when the two feel so disconnected?

Let’s take this a step further when it comes to pitching an author for podcast interviews. You’re not just pitching the book—you’re pitching the author. Most podcast hosts won’t read the book beforehand, so it’s crucial to clearly define what the author can speak on. This isn’t just about promoting the book; it’s about marketing the author’s brand.

The book I’m referring to had incredibly relevant themes for today’s world, yet that wasn’t part of the pitch. Even more surprising? The author’s entire previous career directly shaped how she was able to write the story—but that key detail was never mentioned. That kind of missed opportunity can make all the difference in securing and maximizing an interview. It also means that there are entire categories of podcasts that aren’t being pitched for this book!

As you market your book, keep all of this in mind. If you’re traditionally published, you may not have much control over your book cover or how it’s positioned—and speaking up about marketing decisions can feel like a slippery slope. But here’s the reality: no matter how you’re published, you’ll need to do some marketing yourself. That’s just a fact.

When developing your speaking topics and pitching yourself for podcast interviews, think beyond the book itself. How do you and your book connect in a meaningful way—beyond just your name on the cover? Did your publisher overlook a key aspect of your book that feels timely and important? If so, lean into that when positioning yourself. And don’t limit yourself to literary podcasts—consider shows in other spaces where your story and expertise might resonate even more.

Books are political…I’ve said this more than once

Whether someone wants to admit it or not, books are political. I’ve said it on multiple occasions and this week, it became even truer than ever before. My political activism and updates are all on

California Moms For Good

, but this new Executive Order involves ALL of you. The newest federal cuts apply to not only homelessness reduction and an international media organization…it applies to libraries! Why? Because Trump views libraries as “unnecessary”.

"Cutting these governmental entities will save taxpayer dollars, reduce unnecessary government spending, and streamline government priorities," the fact sheet from the Trump administration says.

For anyone who doubts how beneficial libraries are, the American Library Association listed out just some of the things that libraries do.

• Early literacy development and grade-level reading programs

• Summer reading programs for kids 

• High-speed internet access

• Employment assistance for job seekers 

• Braille and talking books for people with visual impairments

• Homework and research resources for students and faculty

• Veterans’ telehealth spaces equipped with technology and staff support

• STEM programs, simulation equipment and training for workforce development

• Small business support for budding entrepreneurs

My love for libraries started at the earliest of ages. We went to the library multiple times a week and I’ve done the same with my kids. Now that they have devices, we also all have the Libby app and check books out regularly from the library and we participate every school break in the reading programs offered. Libraries are a safe haven for many offering books, warm shelter, community spaces and so much more.

Speak Up, Show Up, Save Our Libaries

It’s time to take action. Call your Representative and Senators (the Capital Switchboard is (202) 224-3121). Tell them they need to speak up and stop this order. Support your libraries by utilizing them. Download the Libby app and check out ebooks and audiobooks. Find outwhat kind of events your library is hosting and attend them. Hold your own event at a library community center.

San Diego Writers Festival

On Saturday, April 5th, I’ll be speaking at the San Diego Writers Festival as well as podcasting from it. The lineup is absolutely incredible and I’m so excited to meet so many authors in person, many of whom I have interviewed or had an online friendship with. I’m pinching myself at getting to meet Ed Begley Jr!

Booked & Unfiltered

This week is the launch of my new Wednesday series on the podcast, Booked & Unfiltered. I’ve dropped some hints on who my cohost is and here are some more…she’s a book lover, advocate and I think she’s a big deal in the book world. She’s been on Today, GMA and has met Oprah. Not only that, but Reese Witherspoon calls her a “friend”. Should I unveil who my cohost is before Wednesday or can you all wait it out?

Speaking of adding Wednesdays to the podcast, I don’t want to overwhelm you with emails. I do have emails for each episode coming out this week, but I’d love to hear from you if you’d like just one big email like this and include all 3 episodes or a separate email for just the podcasts. Please select from the poll what your preference is!

Keep reading and don’t forget to use your voice to save our libraries!

P.S. Don’t forget to read Women Are Angry for our Books That Build Book Club!