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The Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History (TAMIH) is dedicated to helping Texas authors promote their work, protect their creative freedom, and connect with readers across the state and beyond. Through membership programs, contests, festivals, publications, and advocacy, TAMIH offers a full range of services designed to strengthen authors’ visibility, credibility, and success.
Membership
TAMIH provides tiered membership opportunities tailored to fit every author’s needs. From free basic listings with photos and bios to advanced Authorpreneur packages with magazine features, monthly promotions, and event discounts, members receive tools and exposure that scale with their commitment. Low-income author grants ensure no writer is left behind.
Book Marketing & Contest Programs
Authors can elevate their visibility and credibility through TAMIH’s professional marketing services. The Best of Texas Book Awards celebrates outstanding works judged by librarians, while the Manuscript Mastery Assessment offers unpublished authors constructive feedback. Texas Authors Magazine provides both advertising space and feature opportunities, reaching readers and industry professionals alike.
ReadSafe Ratings Program
The ReadSafe Ratings system is TAMIH’s innovative defense against censorship and book bans. Authors can classify their books using a clear six-tier rating scale and optional content labels, signaling transparency while protecting their work. Affordable packages include digital badges, directory listings, stickers, press release templates, and social media spotlights. This program builds trust with librarians, educators, and readers while ensuring books remain accessible.
Publications & Media Exposure
Through Texas Authors Magazine, social media campaigns, newsletters, and video interviews, TAMIH gives authors consistent exposure across multiple platforms. Whether in print, online, or on screen, members benefit from features and spotlights that keep their names and works in front of new audiences.
Events & Festivals
TAMIH connects authors and readers through large-scale events like the Texas Author & Reader Con and the Lone Star Festival. These events include panels, book signings, performances, and vendor opportunities. TAMIH also sponsors themed short story contests and campaigns, offering authors the chance to gain recognition and be published in anthologies.
Sales & Retail Exposure (Coming Soon)
With the Texas Authors Online Bookstore and branded merchandise opportunities, TAMIH extends author visibility directly into the marketplace. These outlets give readers convenient access to Texas writers’ works while amplifying author presence beyond traditional sales channels.
Community Outreach & Advocacy
TAMIH is committed to preserving and promoting Texas literature. Through partnerships with libraries, universities, bookstores, and literacy initiatives, the museum ensures authors remain visible and their stories accessible. With advocacy programs like ReadSafe Ratings, TAMIH defends creative freedom while fostering a stronger, more supportive literary community.
✨ TAMIH stands as both a guardian of Texas literary history and a champion for its living authors. By joining, you gain not only visibility and marketing tools but also a powerful ally in protecting your voice and amplifying your story.
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Join the Books Outlast Toys Holiday Campaign – Boost Sales, Get Extra Promotion with ReadSafe
This holiday season, cheap toys aren’t cheap anymore. Tariffs and inflation have doubled the cost of toys, while books remain the affordable, lasting gift for families. That’s why the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History (TAMIH) is launching the Books Outlast Toys campaign—uniting Texas writers to show that books outlast toys in value, meaning, and impact.
Here’s How It Works
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Buy a Children’s Book, Get a Free eBook
Families who purchase a print children’s book from a Texas author will also receive a free eBook, (of their choice from the list provided) from a Texas author. Two stories for the price of one toy—double the value. -
Revenue & Legacy
Authors receive their normal share of sales, with 20% of each sale dedicated to TAMIH expenses, supporting our mission to preserve and promote Texas writers and cover our expenses. (This applies to both children’s and eBook authors. Every author makes money from this program.) -
Extra Promotion with ReadSafe
Titles listed in the ReadSafe Ratings program will receive priority promotion in ads, press releases, and social media. Families want books they can trust, and ReadSafe gives them that confidence.
Why Join?
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Exposure in a statewide holiday marketing campaign.
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Inclusion in gift set bundles and social media promotions.
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Priority placement if your book is ReadSafe-rated.
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The opportunity to be part of a campaign that highlights the value of books over inflated toy prices.
Next Step
Email us at
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Details on how to include your book(s).
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Marketing assets (graphics, hashtags, sample posts).
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Not enrolled in ReadSafe Ratings program, click here to begin the process.
Together, we can show Texans that while toys break, books build futures—and last a lifetime.
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As this program continues to grow, more information for each item below will be added.
Blog Posts
Stay up to date with the latest insights, tips, and conversations around book freedom and the power of choice.
Topics we cover:
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Why transparency matters for authors and readers
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Updates on new rating categories and program enhancements
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Best practices for authors marketing their rated books
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Library and community spotlights
[Read Our Blog]
Success Stories
We’re proud to share the stories of authors, librarians, and communities using ReadSafeRatings to stand up for creative freedom.
Discover how:
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Authors have used ratings to build trust and reach new readers
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Libraries have used ratings to confidently stock and defend diverse titles
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Communities are finding new ways to celebrate the power of books
[Read Success Stories]
Program Updates
ReadSafeRatings is a living, growing program—driven by feedback from authors, librarians, and readers like you.
Here you’ll find:
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The latest features and updates to our rating system
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Expanded content labels and clearer definitions
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Roadmap milestones and future plans
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Announcements about events, webinars, and partnerships
[See What’s New]
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The following items are in the process of being created. Please join our newsletter to stay up to date on this program.
Educational Webinars
At ReadSafeRatings, we believe that empowered authors are the best advocates for creative freedom.
Join us for free and low-cost webinars that cover:
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Understanding the Rating System: How it works and why it matters.
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Navigating Book Challenges: How to protect your work and advocate for access.
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Building Trust with Readers and Librarians: Using your rating to connect and grow your audience.
Check our calendar for upcoming webinars, or
Marketing Materials
Share your rating proudly and professionally!
We provide a range of resources to help you:
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Digital Badges: Add them to your website, social media, or email newsletters.
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Sample Press Releases: Announce your rated book to the world!
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Social Media Graphics: Show your rating visually to build reader trust.
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Tips & Best Practices: How to talk about your rating to attract the right readers.
These materials amplify your story—while helping to ensure it stays accessible.
Sample of Rating results that will be shared with Librarians and Bookstores:
Book Title: Pawnee Prisoner: The Story of Jane Gotcher Crawford
Author: Vivian McCullough
Rating: R
Content Labels: V, SC, ST
Explanation: This historical novel includes graphic and intense scenes of violence (including murders, scalping, and torture), explicit depictions of sexual violence threats, and deeply sensitive topics involving abduction, cultural conflict, and trauma. Given the severity of these scenes, it is best suited for mature readers ages 17 and up.
Book Title: PROVEN PATHWAYS TO WEALTH & HAPPINESS (2021 Revised)
Author: Victor Vonico Johnson
Rating: G
Content Labels: None
Explanation: This book is a motivational and practical guide on achieving financial well-being, wealth, and personal happiness through mindset change, goal setting, and practical financial strategies. It includes no explicit language, no violence, no sexual content, and no adult themes beyond general money and personal development. The book is suitable for general audiences of all ages.
Author: Vivian McCullough
Rating: R
Content Labels: V, ST
Rating: PG
Content Labels: ST
Book Title: Pillars of Creation: A Quest for the Great Name in a Nietzschean World
Author: Carlos Nicolás Flores
Rating: R
Content Labels: EL, DA, ST
Explanation: This literary novel explores themes of violence, poverty, and spiritual crisis along the Texas-Mexico border. It includes references to drug trafficking, mass graves, government corruption, and existential despair, as well as mild to moderate language and depictions of alcohol and substance-related trauma. While not graphically violent or sexual, the mature philosophical and social themes make it suitable for readers aged 17 and up.
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Why Ratings Matter for Libraries
As book bans and content challenges become more common, libraries and bookstores are on the front lines of defending access to diverse voices. ReadSafeRatings offers a transparent, neutral system to help you navigate these challenges.
By using our voluntary content ratings:
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You can quickly assess which books fit your collection development goals and community needs.
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You provide clear, factual context to support your selection decisions—especially if challenged.
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You demonstrate a commitment to informed choice and open access, not censorship.
How to Use Ratings
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Search by Rating: Our directory lets you find books rated from C (Children’s Books) to NC-17 (Adults Only), along with detailed content labels (EL, V, SC, DA, ST).
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Match to Community Needs: Use the ratings and labels to identify the right titles for your patrons—whether it’s a family-friendly children’s book or a mature work for adult readers.
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Support Diverse Voices: Ratings help you confidently stock a wide range of stories—while also addressing community concerns.
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Be Proactive: Stay ahead of potential challenges by demonstrating that your selection process considers reader choice and responsible stewardship.
- View the Database of current books that have been rated by our system. (Coming Soon)
Request a Presentation
We’re here to help!
Invite us to speak at your library staff meeting, regional conference, or local bookseller event. Our presentations cover:
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Why voluntary ratings matter
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How to use ratings to navigate new laws
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How to advocate for open access in your community