New Online Magazine Shows Books Make A Difference

WOODBURY, Minn., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Books Make A Difference launched its premiere issue this week at www.BooksMakeADifference.com. The free online bimonthly magazine takes readers behind the scenes with authors, illustrators, book lovers, and industry professionals. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121101/CG04515)

"We're celebrating the power of books to change lives, for both their creators and fans," says publisher Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito.

Lori McElrath-Eslick (The Good Fire Helmet) and Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) headline the first issue. When a heart aneurysm threatened her life, Eslick drew on the courage she found illustrating two young boys in a picture book by firefighter and 9-11 responder Tim Hoppey. Kinney, preparing for the official release of the seventh book in his hugely popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series reflects on the unlikely path that got him here.

"We add a different perspective to book chatter," says senior writer Meagan Frank. "There are so many books and people promoting their books. We wanted to create a more relaxed space to contemplate books and their importance."

The magazine hopes to draw a diverse audience of book readers, writers, illustrators, librarians, booksellers, teachers, publishing professionals, and organizations that use books to make a difference in their communities.

"We're limiting the number of articles and the timing (bimonthly) of the magazine itself," says Frank, "to keep it simple, not in-your-face. A different rhythm than what you'd find on book news and review sites."

For those who want more immediate engagement, the BooksMake community includes a Facebook page (/ReadTheDifference) and Twitter (@BooksMake). Subscribers can also sign up for a monthly Readers Write email, which gives them a chance to share their perspective in the Readers Write column. For the premiere issue, readers weighed in by answering "Should parents read what their teens are reading?"

The magazine's range of topics provides something for everyone. First issue articles highlight the national nonprofit Reading is Fundamental; the popular book industry publication Shelf Awareness; and the online business book group 12 Books.

"We're interested in the back story, beyond the jacket flap – why people do what they do and how readers respond," says Fragnito. "Whether it's a community event, a unique book club, or a peek into the world of a best-selling book translator, we're searching for the inspiring stories between the lines."

She adds, "The process of creating, reading, or sharing books can change our lives in positive ways. That's something to celebrate."

Join the conversation:
www.BooksMakeADifference.com
www.Facebook.com/ReadTheDifference
www.Twitter.com/BooksMake
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Books Make A Difference