One of the biggest misconceptions about publishing is that the best writers don't need editors. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, some of the strongest authors we've ever worked with have also been the most collaborative during the editing process.

A good editor isn't simply looking for misplaced commas. They're looking at the book through a different set of eyes—the eyes of someone encountering the story for the first time. Your editor is a stand-in for your readers. And a good editor is your advocate, pushing for the very best version of your book to be the version that makes it into the world.

Over 300,000 writers brought a federal lawsuit against tech giant and AI juggernaut Anthropic in 2024 stemming from their claims of copyright infringement due to the fact that their works were used to train AI models without their consent and without compensation. That lawsuit has just reached a conclusion that will have implications in the publishing world and beyond for years to come.

After a slower start to the year, the publishing industry is showing renewed strength. According to the Association of American Publishers' (AAP) StatShot report, publishing sales climbed 6.8% in May across the more than 1,400 publishers reporting results, a welcome sign that readers continue to invest in great stories and meaningful content.

First Flight Books President & CEO John Minnec talks about the enduring value of independent publishing, what has changed over the past 46 years, and why he believes there's never been a more exciting time to tell stories.

How the unreal may help us to better understand the real. By Guest Blogger and First Flight Books Summer Intern, Olivia Morelli Comparative Literature Major, American University of Paris A pervasive idea about reading has emerged alongside the decline of reading for pleasure: nonfiction is more valuable than fiction. As fewer American adults turn to reading as a pastime, people become more selective about the few books they will spend their time on. It would seem that ficti

The daily onslaught of artificial intelligence slop can feel pretty discouraging. Especially in the business of writing and publishing. At once, AI has made “writing” easier and some “writers” more prolific. But the result sort of feels like a bunch of crap in your newsfeed—prose that is flat and generic and relatively devoid of spark. “A tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Or something like that. While it can feel a little bleak, we th

One of the most common fears we hear from authors at First Flight Books is also one of the most human: “What if nobody wants to read this?” It’s a terrifying thought. You spend months, sometimes years, carrying around an idea, a story, a message, or a deeply personal perspective only to wonder if it will disappear into the noise the moment it reaches the world. The fear is understandable. But in our experience, the exact opposite is usually true. The world is not runnin

At First Flight Books, we’ve always believed that the right story doesn’t just entertain, it transforms. It lingers. It challenges. It reminds you of who you were…and who you still have time to become. What’s coming next is exactly that. Three very different voices. Three deeply human journeys. One shared truth: the most powerful stories are lived before they’re ever written. Jeff Rimer — “It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This” For over 50 years, Jeff Rimer has been the voice b

Every great book begins with a moment of courage. Not the moment a reader opens the first page, but the moment a writer decides their voice matters. And they’re ready to use it. At First Flight Books, we believe that moment deserves support, mentorship, and a publishing partner that values bold ideas and distinctive voices. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we are actively seeking new authors and fresh manuscripts. We’re a publishing house with history, and now a new

We hope you’ve brought your appetite, because our latest release—Remy’s Kitchen Celebration, by Remy Powell—is here. The MasterChef Junior finalist and Florida Future Chef Champion has already made a name for herself in the culinary world, and her debut cookbook promises to “bring good vibes to the kitchen” while inspiring young chefs everywhere. Inside Remy’s Kitchen Celebration, readers will find recipes that run the gamut from full holiday meals to playful party ideas like

We believe the most powerful books are the ones that bring readers into a world they may never have known otherwise. Author Bob Kumaki does exactly that in his unforgettable memoir, Eat-A-Ducky-Mouse: A Gastro-Memoir and Love Letter to Japanese American Food Culture. Part memoir, part culinary journey, and part cultural history, Kumaki’s book invites readers to the table where food becomes the starting point for stories about identity, memory, and belonging. Published by Firs

Every book begins with a spark. A moment, a question, a memory, a character, a line of dialogue that refuses to leave you alone. Some people carry book ideas for years. Transforming that idea into a complete manuscript is where real writers begin to separate themselves from dreamers. At First Flight Books, we regularly hear from authors who feel they have a powerful concept but aren’t sure what comes next. If that’s where you are, you’re not alone. The journey from idea to ma