Lauren Simone Blogs — ct authors

Exploring the Divide: Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

author black authors children authors connecticut authors ct authors diverse authors diverse book authors kid authors Lauren Simone Publishing House local author publishing self-publishing youth authors

Exploring the Divide: Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

Choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing requires careful consideration of your goals, resources, and priorities as an author. While traditional publishing offers prestige and wider distribution, self-publishing provides creative freedom and potentially higher royalties. Ultimately, the decision should align with your vision for your book and your willingness to take on various responsibilities along the publishing journey. Remember that both paths have their merits, and success can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a deep understanding of the publishing landscape.

Read more →


Friend Read Friday featuring Olivia Lauren's Olivia Travels

authors black authors black owned business blogger book club children authors childrens book connecticut connecticut authors ct authors diverse authors diverse book authors diverse book characters diverse children books diverse illustrators diverse kid lit diverse lit

Friend Read Friday featuring Olivia Lauren's Olivia Travels

Bridging the gaps between literacy and culture, Erica invited authors, Dr. Melissa-Sue John and her daughter, Olivia Lauren John to read Olivia Lauren’s Olivia Travels: A Guide to Modes of Transportation.

Read more →


Black History Month at Stetson Public Library

amazon authors black owned business book Book signing children events children's books communication devices Communications connecticut connecticut authors connecticut publishers ct authors disco balls of the universe diverse authors diverse book authors diverse book characters diverse children books diverse illustrators diverse kid lit five star imani ariana kid authors Lauren Simone Publishing House LOL Book Club new books Olivia Connects Olivia Lauren olivia lauren series olivia travels Professor John representation matters youth authors youth illustrators

Black History Month at Stetson Public Library

Writer Lucy Gellman from the Arts Council Greater New Haven interviewed Melissa-Sue John and Olivia Lauren John on Wednesday, February 26th at Visual Literacy, a one-night artist and vendor showcase at the Stetson Branch Library on Dixwell Avenue. She writes, "Melissa-Sue John was tired of books that didn’t reflect the two Black girls she had at home. Her daughters, Olivia Lauren and Alyssa Simone, were both budding writers. So the three of them did the only reasonable thing there was to do: they founded a publishing house to tell their own stories." After describing all the other artists at the event, she continues, "The Johns greeted...

Read more →


Double feature for author and publisher at Lauren Simone Pubs

amazon authors black owned business book book club Book signing children events children's books communication devices Communications connecticut connecticut authors connecticut publishers ct authors disco balls of the universe diverse authors diverse book authors diverse book characters diverse children books diverse illustrators diverse kid lit five star imani ariana kid authors Lauren Simone Publishing House local author LOL Book Club new books Olivia Connects Olivia Lauren olivia lauren series olivia travels representation matters saturday events youth authors youth illustrators

Double feature for author and publisher at Lauren Simone Pubs

We are so excited to share that January ended with double features of our publisher and one of our authors. Co-Founder and publisher at Lauren Simone Publishing House, Melissa-Sue John, was interviewed by award-winning author, novelist, poet, and non-fiction writer, Jean Moore. Learn more as she shares how the company started and how her vision was realized in Finding Your Invincible Summer.  Meanwhile, author, Yvette Phillips can be seen on News12 featured for reading to students about Lunar New Year. Democracy Prep High School and Bronx Charter School for Better Learning are the only two schools in New York City that teach Korean...

Read more →


That Book Store, newest bookstore around town, has Lauren Simone Pubs Books!

connecticut authors connecticut bookstore connecticut publishers ct authors diverse book authors grand opening new books that book store wethersfield ct

That Book Store, newest bookstore around town, has Lauren Simone Pubs Books!

On April 27, 2018, Olivia Lauren and I, Melissa-Sue John met this awesome mother daughter duo at Pitkin Elementary’s Vendor Fair, where the mission of the school was to fundraise for an accessible playground. Karen Opper and her 19-year-old daughter, Belle Opper were getting ready to open a bookstore and informed us they would be delighted to carry our books. Their dream fully materialized on July 15th when they opened their brick and mortar store located at 446 Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield, CT. We are so happy for them. All of this is #motherdaughterbosses #womenpreneurs #womenempowerment has us feeling...

Read more →