Building Audiences: Early Literary

As writers, we dedicate countless hours to our craft, refining our words to fulfill our promise to our readers. Excellent writing is excellent thinking. It may look easy, but it's rarely done quickly. That's what happens when you become immersed in a story. You gaze into the window, but you don't notice the glass. This is why many of us—myself included—return repeatedly to cherished authors. We read everything they write, pre-order their upcoming releases, and often find ourselves anticipating our next fix, prompting us to revisit their earlier works. And, we actively seek out highly recommended authors within the same genre for our next dose.

The publishing industry thrives on growing readership: agents, editors, and publishers are all eager to connect with audiences. For career writers it's essential to connect with readers; otherwise, you risk losing them, which brings me to my point: audience building through early literacy.

Early literacy unlocks boundless improvements in life outcomes by increasing educational attainment, expanding career prospects, reducing poverty, and even supporting better emotional and physical health.The gift of literacy equips children with the communication and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate our world. Engaged minds participate in society. For the publishing industry, this widening community of readers serves as the foundation for its future, ensuring a continuous demand for diverse voices and human connection through stories. For you and me it means better communities.

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Porter-Leath Team at the 2026 Books from Birth Spring Luncheon

Community Initiatives Promoting Literacy

In Tennessee, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library has made significant strides in enhancing access to books for children and fostering early literacy across the state, instilling a love of reading from a young age. In the Mid-South, Porter-Leath serves as the local affiliate with its Books from Birth program.

The impact of Porter Leath is staggering, having distributed over 8 million books to local children from birth to age five. Statewide, through the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation, more than 55 million books have reached families across Tennessee's 95 counties. And the crowning achievement is the distribution of 300 million books nationally and globally for the benefit of families and young readers by Dolly Parton's Imagination Library since its inception.

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Christi Kelley, CEO, Kelley & Associates (left); Lynsey Freeman, Marketing Consultant and Author (right)

The Importance of Early Reading

So, who will read all these books? Moms, dads, older siblings, babysitters, and of course, you and me! Do you remember the first book that was read to you? Can you recall the moment you picked up a book because you were drawn to the artwork or because your teacher or your mom read it to you? That’s the essence of what we are doing here! We are building reading skills and fostering a love for reading early on—when it truly sticks. Early engagement with books builds curiosity and combats the intimidation of reading. While kids may not read all day during the summer, and may abandon their early reading—even for years—in favor of screens, dating, or sports, they will eventually return to it. This is because someone took the time to introduce them to the love of reading at an early age, making it a lasting part of their lives.

And that’s why I’m a volunteer reader! I encourage you to explore similar organizations and volunteer opportunities in your community. Share your passion for reading with a young person who will carry it with them throughout their life. Reading makes us better people!