For me and Regina, Book Worms Horror isn’t just a zine—it’s a mission. We believe real things matter. In a world that’s gone almost entirely digital, we wanted to create something you can hold in your hands. Something that exists off-screen, that smells like ink and paper, that doesn’t buzz, blink, or beg for your attention.
That’s why Book Worms is analog only and limited to only one print run. When you sit down with one of our zines, you’re taking a break from the constant noise of your devices—and science says that’s one of the healthiest things you can do for your brain.
Research shows that heavy screen time is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and shorter attention spans. One large study of more than 40,000 kids and teens found that each extra hour of daily screen time led to worse psychological well-being—more stress, less focus, and higher emotional instability. Another review of nearly 200 studies confirmed the same pattern: more screen time equals worse mental health, especially when it replaces time outdoors or unplugged.
Screens also mess with your sleep. The blue light from your phone or tablet literally suppresses melatonin—the hormone that helps you fall asleep. Reading a physical book or zine, on the other hand, helps calm your brain and lets your body wind down naturally. One study even found that reading just six minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%, more than listening to music or going for a walk.
So yes—reading Book Worms might actually be good for your brain chemistry.
Beyond the mental health perks, there’s a deeper kind of connection that only comes from print. Studies show that people comprehend, focus, and retain more when they read from paper rather than a screen. You’re less distracted, more immersed, and you actually remember what you read. When you sit with Book Worms, you’re engaging in the kind of slow, focused reading that’s disappearing in the digital age—and that’s exactly what helps protect long-term brain health.
But Book Worms isn’t just about saving your sanity—it’s about supporting real art and real people. Every time you buy an issue, you’re helping us pay writers at a professional rate. You’re putting your money directly into the hands of humans, not algorithms or the rich billionaires that design them. For many of our contributors, Book Worms was their first-ever acceptance letter—and that matters. We’re proud to discover and champion new voices who might otherwise never be heard.
And while Book Worms is a horror zine, it’s also drenched in nostalgia. Our biggest inspiration is Mad Magazine—that beautiful mix of satire, chaos, and creativity that defined an era. We wanted to bring that same spirit back, but through a lens of horror, humor, and weirdness that feels both timeless and fresh.
So if you want to be part of a community that celebrates real things, supports writers and artists, and believes that unplugging is good for your soul, we’d love for you to join us.
Our latest issue is folk horror–themed, featuring some amazing writers and plenty of fun, eerie content to keep you company this spooky season.
Subscribe. Share. And take a break from your screen—your brain will thank you.
Take it easy,
James