What authors are saying…
-
"As an indie press author, I have long admired the way in which Kayla Torres consistently shows up for writers, sharing our books, celebrating our poems, and cultivating an online space that is kindhearted, generous, and deeply invested in the literary community! She is also savvy in every regard. She has built a vast network of writers, editors, and publishers; she possesses an intuitive understanding of social media, from which I have learned so much; and she offers thoughtful, highly specific creative ideas to connect books with readers. On a personal level, I am continually moved by and grateful for her support of More Flowers and Dressing the Bear! Kayla is someone who genuinely models the engagement and expertise we all aspire to, and she is, without question, the publicist to lead your book marketing efforts."
— Susan L. Leary, Poet
-
"Kayla's steadfast commitment to supporting and elevating authors is rare. Her work at @the.bookish.mama has been invaluable to the writing community. As a debut author published by an indie press, I was deeply moved by Kayla's generous, attentive, and welcoming reception of my work, as well as her genuine enthusiasm to share it widely with her audiences-for which I am immensely grateful. Kayla possesses a unique talent not only for understanding a book deeply and introducing it to new audiences, but also for generating excitement among readers who may not have encountered it—or its author —before. This kind of support is truly invaluable to an author. With immense care and thoughtfulness, Kayla curates and nurtures spaces where authors and readers can connect and build lasting relationships. I believe any author would be incredibly fortunate to work with her."
— Holli Carrell, PhD, Poet
-
"Kayla is so helpful! I appreciate her patience and insight. She is such a wonderful champion for the literary community and I'm so thrilled that she has taken her talents to the next level. I look forward to continuing to work with her."
— Nicole Zwolinski, Poet
-
"For many poets and writers the skills needed to write a book are different from the skills needed to help a book find its ideal readers. Kayla truly wants to help authors connect with readers, and she has the skills to do it!"
— Rebekah Hewitt, Poet
-
"Kayla is a true connector. She understands small presses and the poetry community, and she is an enthusiastic collaborator who advocates for authors and their books. I thank my lucky stars that Kayla said yes to working with me and with the authors I publish. She is smart, engaged, and reliable."
— Laura Van Prooyen, Poet and Founder of Next Page Press
-
"Kayla Torres offers that rare and crucial combination of passion, know-how, and consistent commitment. As a forever fan of literature I love the ways she shares. As a Next Page Press author I have regularly felt so lucky to work with her, and am amazed by both her vision and her welcoming energy -- her supportive invitations to connect in meaningful ways. May you be lucky enough to work with Kayla, too. "
— Hari Alluri, Poet and Editor
-
"Kayla Torres goes above and beyond to not only connect with writers, but also to celebrate their achievements. Her sincerity and literary citizenship knows no bounds as she strategically promotes writers' latest offerings. She tirelessly reviews the books that are lighting up her reading world, and shares them with others. Kayla's generous readings offer writers valuable insights into the layered motifs and nuances that exist within their work. Kayla poses questions, and offers suggestions that can help writers take their craft to the next level."
— Shannon Vare Christine, Poet & Reviewer
-
"Due to the financial limitations and staffing shortages of presses, many authors are left to their own devices to amplify, market, and steward their work. For poetry, in an already limited audience and market, these circumstances make the process of launching and promoting a book even more challenging. When my debut Raíces, Relics, and Other Ghosts was released, I wasn’t prepared with the tools or knowledge to successfully launch my book, especially amidst massive life and career changes. I felt like I was on a book marketing island, shouting at seagulls and hoping my pleas for connection and publicity sounded like fries. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Luckily for me, Kayla exists. She not only modeled what a thorough, honest review sounds like, but she also took the time to do a customized, thoughtful consultation for her PR and marketing services. She didn’t take my book and mass spam opportunities. She thoughtfully researched and curated opportunities that were best for my book, the themes in it, and the audiences I needed to reach. Kayla cultivates relationships with authors, publishers, and outlets alike, laying the groundwork for authors who need a boost in stewarding their book into this busy and chaotic world. Kayla goes beyond being a strong marketer and creative publicity person—she is a literary citizen who has spent years giving her energy and talents to poetry, and in this new format, she continues leaning into her giving nature at the benefit of poets everywhere. Because she loves poetry. Because she believes in what poets set out to do. As a result of my work with Kayla, my book, even two years after its release, continues to find its readers. If you choose to work with Kayla, your book is sure to find its readers for years to come too."
— S. Salazar, MFA Poet & Editor