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Reese's Book Club
Wait - so what is Reese’s Book Club?
Only, the best book club ever! Okay, we’re a little biased but hear us out. Each month, Reese, our founder (and book-lover-in-chief) chooses a book with a woman at the center of the story. There’s not a formula to the books we spotlight in our club, and we like it that way. Reese will tell you the special sauce is a story with honesty and sincerity, celebrating all the ways we are women. And along the way (buckle up) we’ll also introduce you to new voices, authors, and perspectives. We do this together, because at our core Reese’s Book Club is about the joy of reading. And joy isn’t something we keep to ourselves.
I’m in! How do I join? And at what cost?
There’s no cost to join, which is definitely SOMETHING. To become a member, you simply download the ‘Reese’s Book Club’ app and set up your profile. While downloading the app gets you into the club, finishing your first book seals the deal.
I follow Reese’s Book Club on social. Am I already a member?
Wait, we love that - so let’s make this Official. To get all of the perks and presents of membership, you’ll need to download our app (do that here) and set up a profile. Once that’s set, you’ll get a club card, access to our calendar of events, and even more book joy that we can’t reveal until you’re in the club.
Do I have to download the app to be part of the club?
Of course not! You can follow along with us on Instagram, but warning, that’s kind of like watching someone drink a glass of wine: delightful, but not exactly the same as having your own glass. Also, did we mention there’s presents (we call them PPPs*) involved?
*PPPs is RBC speak for Pick Party Presents. Find out even more not-so-secret voCLUBulary inside our app (have you download it yet? How ‘bout now?)
*PPPs is RBC speak for Pick Party Presents. Find out even more not-so-secret voCLUBulary inside our app (have you download it yet? How ‘bout now?)
The Help Desk: The Readership
What is The Readership and how does it relate to Reese’s Book Club?
The Readership is how we harness the power of our community and make a commitment to use these books and our platform to lift others. As a member you’ll help advance the mission of The Readership (more on that here) to get more of us reading. Together, we’ll be working to amplify diverse voices and support programs that promote literacy.
What types of organizations and programs will we be supporting?
Initiatives powered by The Readership fall into three areas: championing diverse writers, supporting indie booksellers, and increasing access to books. To that end, we’ll be using every dollar we make to do things like organize library drops, support writing programs and install book nooks in underserved communities.
Let’s Talk Dollars. How much of your proceeds will go towards The Readership?
100% of proceeds generated through Reese’s Book Club (like buying books through our affiliate links) will go toward funding The Readership‘s programs. We are giving it our all, literally! And that’s just the first chapter. Stay tuned for more ways to get involved as we grow.
Excited? Us too.
We believe The Readership has the power to do some pretty big things and get more of us reading together. Want to talk ideas, collaborations or shout out a great indie bookseller? Download the app, navigate to The Readership and join the chat.
The Gift of Reading Box
What is The Gift of Reading Box?
Only the best gift for book lovers ever! Seriously though, the Gift of Reading Box is a limited-edition gift box, filled with goodies handpicked by Reese’s Book Club. Inside, you’ll discover one of our book picks (chosen by you!), wrapped in a scarf, along with a candle, cookies, our exclusive Lavazza coffee, and even more surprises.
Do I get to choose what’s in the box?
Yep-ish! You can choose a book from our library to pair with our pre-picked goodies.
What if I want to add another book to my box?
Right now, we only allow one book per box, but are working on a bigger version for generous book lovers like you.
How does the Gift of Reading Box support The Readership?
100% of the proceeds from your purchase supports The Readership, our pay it forward platform on a mission to elevate diverse voices, promote literacy, and make book joy available to all.
Can I just make a donation?
Wow, that’s generous! We can’t accept donations just yet, but we’re working on giving you more ways to support The Readership in the near future. through the purchase of a box.
Do you offer free shipping?
Not yet. Since 100% of proceeds from each box benefits The Readership, we are choosing to maximize funds to our pay it forward efforts.
How long does it take before my box ships?
We process orders Monday through Friday and boxes ship from Tennessee. We will do our best to ship the box to you within 48-hours of receiving your order. We will send you a confirmation once your box is on its way.
Where do you ship?
We ship anywhere in the United States and Canada (yes you, Hawaii and Alaska!) as well as APO and FPO military addresses and all U.S. territories. Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer international shipping and apologize for any inconvenience.
What’s your return policy?
To discuss any issues or returns, please email us at orders@reesesbookclub.com.
How do I know if I won a prize? How do I redeem it?
Open your phone camera, point it at the code on the bookmark, and follow it to a special site that will tell you if you’ve won. If you’re a winner, you can enter your details to checkout with your prize and we’ll take care of the rest.
I have another issue or question, who can I talk to?
You can email us at orders@reesesbookclub.com with any questions – we’re happy to help!
LitUp: Application Process
What is your definition of women?
LitUp recognizes that the community of women consists of a diverse array of individuals, including cisgender women, transgender women, and nonbinary women.
I'm nonbinary, genderqueer, agender, bigender, etc. Can I apply?
LitUp is open to diverse women writers, so not all nonbinary individuals are eligible for this contest. If you are nonbinary, genderqueer, agender, bigender, etc. and you are a woman or consider yourself a part of the community of women, then you are welcome to apply.
Do I need to use she/her pronouns to apply?
No, we welcome diverse women writers who use any pronouns, no pronouns, or multiple sets of pronouns. You do not need to use she/her pronouns to qualify.
What is your definition of diversity?
LitUp’s definition of diversity is based on We Need Diverse Books’ Definition of Diversity and recognizes diverse experiences that include (but are not limited to) LGBTQIA people, Native people, people of color, people with disabilities*, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities.
*We subscribe to a broad definition of disability, which includes but is not limited to physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, chronic conditions, and mental illnesses (this may also include addiction). Furthermore, we subscribe to a social model of disability, which presents disability as created by barriers in the social environment, due to lack of equal access, stereotyping, and other forms of marginalization.
*We subscribe to a broad definition of disability, which includes but is not limited to physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, chronic conditions, and mental illnesses (this may also include addiction). Furthermore, we subscribe to a social model of disability, which presents disability as created by barriers in the social environment, due to lack of equal access, stereotyping, and other forms of marginalization.
What if I’m already a published writer and/or already have an agent—can I still apply?
All applicants must be unpublished, including self-publishing (in any book category) and unrepresented by an agent.
What do you mean by published? If I have a blog, written for a magazine, or published a non-fiction book (adult non-fiction or textbook, etc), am I eligible?
You must be unpublished as an author. This includes both trade publishing and self-publishing. If the applicant has a book deal for an as yet unpublished book, the applicant is considered published for purposes of this fellowship.
Applicants who have published essays, short stories, and articles (online or in print) are eligible.
Applicants who have published essays, short stories, and articles (online or in print) are eligible.
What do you mean by a manuscript?
A novel length work of fiction – minimum 40,000 words. It does not need to be fully polished, but must be complete. You may submit a collection of connected short stories (where in when read together tell a full story) ex: BLACKOUT.
This fellowship does not accept: screenplays, unconnected short story collections, essay collections, or memoirs.
This fellowship does not accept: screenplays, unconnected short story collections, essay collections, or memoirs.
How do I write a synopsis?
Refer to ReedsyBlog’s How to Write an Incredible Synopsis in 4 Easy Steps.
Do I need to have a finished manuscript at the time of entry?
Yes. Each applicant must submit their full manuscript at the time of submission. No exceptions will be made.
Can I apply with more than one manuscript? Can I apply with both and adult and YA manuscript?
You may only apply with one manuscript. If multiple applications are submitted by a single applicant, all submissions will be disqualified. Please submit your strongest work.
Can I submit a manuscript I collaborated on with another writer?
At this time we are not accepting books that are co-written.
What do I get from this fellowship?
Those selected to participate in LitUp by Reese’s Book Club will receive:
- An all expenses-paid writer’s retreat where fellows will deepen their craft knowledge as well as learn about the business side; a stipend will also be included
- A 3-month mentorship with an author to work on and polish the fellow’s manuscript
- An exclusive agenting period with agents vetted by Reese’s Book Club
- A guarantee of marketing support by Reese’s Book Club when their first book is published
Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee to apply for the LitUp by Reese’s Book Club.
Can I apply if I live outside of the United States?
Applicants must be a US resident and have US citizenship, permanent residency, or work visa / sponsorship.
Is there an age limit?
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of submission but otherwise there is no age limit.
Do I need an English degree or previous publications to apply?
There are no degree or publication credits required to apply for LitUp and having such credits will not give an application a leg up in the selection process.
How will I know if you have received my submission?
You will get an email confirmation when your submission has been received. Be sure to check your spam folder.
I’m not a diverse writer, but I am working on a diverse book. Am I eligible?
No. LitUp by Reese’s Book Club Fellowship looks to diversify the authors we see on our shelves. Only authors who meet our definition of diversity are eligible for this program.
What name should I use to apply?
Please apply under the name you wish to use with us. Please be advised Hello Sunshine may use this information to conduct background checks in accordance with federal and state law.
How soon will I know if I’ve been chosen to participate?
We evaluate all applications from Mid-April to late November and successful applicants will be notified in December 2022 / January 2023.
How are applications being evaluated?
Applications are judged across the manuscript and application questions on both technical and artistic merit. We are looking for compelling narratives centered on a woman character, written with a strong, clear voice.
All judging will be under the supervision of We Need Diverse Books and Reese’s Book Club by a group of evaluators. Applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will be eliminated. Applicants who advance to the final round may be asked to do a video interview. The decision of the judges will be final.
Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to give you feedback on your application or manuscript. No entries will be returned.
All judging will be under the supervision of We Need Diverse Books and Reese’s Book Club by a group of evaluators. Applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will be eliminated. Applicants who advance to the final round may be asked to do a video interview. The decision of the judges will be final.
Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to give you feedback on your application or manuscript. No entries will be returned.
Do I retain the rights to my novel?
Yes, you retain the rights to your novel.
LitUp by Reese’s Book Club retains no rights to your manuscript whether you are selected or not.
LitUp by Reese’s Book Club retains no rights to your manuscript whether you are selected or not.
LitUp: Mentorship Program
How often will I talk with my mentor?
The logistics and frequency of communication will be mutually agreed upon by you and your mentor after the selection process. Because we have chosen an award-winning lineup of authors who are active in the industry, there will need to be flexibility on both the part of mentors and mentees, which is why the details of each mentorship will be individualized after selection. Most or all of the communication will be done through email or other mutually agreed upon forms of correspondence.
How much work is the mentorship going to be?
The schedule and depth of the mentorship will be mutually agreed upon by you and your mentor, but you will only get out of it what you are willing to put into it. Please don’t apply if you can’t fully commit to the opportunity or if your schedule does not allow some flexibility.
When will the retreat be?
The retreat will be held in the first quarter of 2023.
What can I expect from the retreat?
The retreat will be five days where you will have the chance to take classes on craft as well as the basics of the publishing business.
Is the mentorship a guarantee that I’ll get published?
The fellowship is an opportunity to gain insight into the publishing world and work with a well-established author on your craft. While there will be a first look with agents and guaranteed marketing support from Reese’s Book Club, there is no guarantee of your manuscript being published.
Do I have to pay taxes on the stipend money?
We can’t advise you on the taxability of your stipend, so we encourage you to consult a qualified tax preparation professional.