In this thought-provoking episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith (aka Pie Lady Books) dive deep into the world of book influencing, shining a light on what integrity and authenticity really mean in today’s crowded literary landscape. From spotting trustworthy book influencers to discussing the true impact of genuine engagement, Michelle and Steph unpack how staying authentic can shape careers—and conversations—around books.

They explore why quality engagement trumps follower count, how transparent reading habits build community trust, and why emerging voices in the book world shouldn’t underestimate the power of staying true to themselves. Whether you're a reader, author, or aspiring book influencer, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about preserving the soul of storytelling and championing diverse, authentic literary voices.

What We're Talking About

• Trust is built through genuine engagement with book influencers.
• Integrity is essential for lasting influence in the literary world.
• Books have the power to change perspectives and foster empathy.
• Authenticity in recommendations is crucial for building trust.
• Emerging voices in the book community should stay true to themselves.
• Quality of engagement matters more than quantity in influencing.
• Reading can provide insights into diverse experiences and cultures.
• Influencers should be transparent about their reading habits.
• The literary world is competitive, but authenticity can set you apart.
• Every voice in the book community matters, regardless of their following.

Chapters

00:00 Summer Reading and Family Activities 03:39 Trusting Book Influencers 06:39 The Role of Integrity in Influencing 09:27 The Impact of Authenticity in Book Recommendations 12:36 The Power of Books and Their Influence 15:29 Navigating the Book Influencer Landscape 18:31 The Importance of Genuine Engagement 21:37 The Responsibility of Influencers 24:35 The Future of Book Influencing