100 episodes

Children's book publishing’s secrets are revealed as we listen in on fascinating, unguarded, insider discussion from two uniquely qualified best friends: award-winning author/illustrator Grace Lin, and one of NYC’s top editors, Alvina Ling. Go behind the scenes of kid lit and catch a glimpse of the lives of the best-selling author and editor, and the relationship between them.

Book Friends Forever Podcast Alvina and Grace

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 220 Ratings

Children's book publishing’s secrets are revealed as we listen in on fascinating, unguarded, insider discussion from two uniquely qualified best friends: award-winning author/illustrator Grace Lin, and one of NYC’s top editors, Alvina Ling. Go behind the scenes of kid lit and catch a glimpse of the lives of the best-selling author and editor, and the relationship between them.

    Our Present and Future Selves!

    Our Present and Future Selves!

    Alvina is back from her 50th Birthday vacation to Banff! Grace and Alvina talk about how their present selves inform their future selves.
    For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about at what age they'd want to freeze themselves.
    See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com.
    Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.
    See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com.
    Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    • 51 min
    Sparkle and Awe!

    Sparkle and Awe!

    Grace and Alvina discuss two different podcasts on similar topics: how to bring sparkle back into your life, and how to experience awe. 
    For the fortune cookie segment, they talk about the last thing they’ve purchased.
    See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com.
    Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.
    See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com.
    Follow us in Instagram: instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    • 35 min
    Mid-year Check In!

    Mid-year Check In!

    Grace and Alvina look back at their new year's resolutions to see if they've made any progress (spoiler alert--they have!). For their fortune cookie segment, they talk about what song best represents their graduation. Also, hear about Alvina's mega family reunion trip to Puerto Rico!
    See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com.
    Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.
    See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com.
    Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    • 53 min
    BFF 257 Managing Editorial with Andy Ball!

    BFF 257 Managing Editorial with Andy Ball!

    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Andy Ball, Director of Managing Editorial, to talk about the Managing Editori's role in the publishing process. For the Fortune Cookies segment, they talk about what they're obsessed with right now! See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com. Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    • 54 min
    CHOP SUEY: Deadlines, Friendship Style, and AI!

    CHOP SUEY: Deadlines, Friendship Style, and AI!

    Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they tallk about how they deal with deadlines and time management, what their friendship style is, and two updates in AI in the industry! And, Alison Morris of First Book shares a few book recommendations.
    See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com.
    Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.
    See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com.
    Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    • 1 hr 11 min
    Book Production with Lillian Sun!

    Book Production with Lillian Sun!

    Grace and Alvina continue their "publishing curriculum" series and welcome special guest Lillian Sun, Production Director, to talk about the book production process.
    For the Fortune Cookies segment, they talk about what they're looking forward to reading this summer!
    See complete show notes at www.bookfriendsforever.com.
    Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.
    See info about Grace Lin's books here: gracelin.com.
    Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

    • 48 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
220 Ratings

220 Ratings

Dan Liu & Jun Yin ,

Made me read more books!

Discovered this podcast after reading “Chinese Menu” by Grace Lin. Fascinating insights into Children’s book publishing! I have a new-found appreciating for authors publishing diverse books — these books already have a positive impact on my child. The podcast also have tons of book recommendations and I have tried some and loved them, including “Simon sort of says”, “Mexikid” and “Last chance”.

B is for Brooklynite ,

Generous approach

I love that when I listen to Alvina and Grace, I feel like I am right there with them talking shop. I get to keep up with what’s going on in the industry while making art on my own books. Their approach is so down to earth and generous. I am grateful for all the knowledge they share and for the community they provide. I particularly enjoyed the recent episode on FOMO and envy.

Allisonm610 ,

Amazing insight and lots of fun

This isn’t Alvina or Grace’s main gig, but they are naturals

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