K.C. Blaze's Blog, page 11
May 1, 2013
Book Review: The Wanderer’s Game
It’s always nice to read from an author who has the range. Keri Singleton takes his reader on a literary journey to the darker side of city living. Follow Reggie Watson a handsome young man with his eye on the bigger picture as he tries to make his dream of becoming an actor a reality. He leaves the only home he has ever known for the glitz and glamour of New York City only to find himself placed in one bad situation after another.
A meeting with a fast friend introduces him to the dark underworld of male prostitution, where he finds himself questioning his morals and desire to make it. Each male ‘sponsor’ provides fast cash and another opportunity to see the world he didn’t know existed. If you are looking for a good read that makes it hard to put down, then you’ve found a winner. My only complaint is that the story ended to soon. I wanted to know all of the little details and found myself flipping through the book to see if there was something I may have missed.
The Wanderer’s Game can be purchased on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Wanderers-Game-Keri-Singleton/dp/1482740982/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367463163&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wanderer%27s+game
Mr. Singleton will also be in town for a book signing at Black & Noble Bookstore on May 17th, (Broad & Erie) at 4pm. Residents of the Philadelphia, Chester and Delco areas go out and show some love!!!!!!
Don’t forget to like my post and Follow my blog for more updates on the latest Urban Fiction News, Reviews and Resources
April 29, 2013
Urban Fiction Marketing Strategies!
If you are done writing your urban fiction title and followed the steps found in “The No Bull Method to Publishing” then this post is for you. I can’t stress enough how many new writers I run across who are absolutely clueless when it comes to marketing their new books. Simply having it published and placing it on major retailer’s websites will not yield sales. You must become an active participant in the success of your book’s sales. There are many services that can help you. The Urban Fiction Genre is producing many millionaires but you must know how to get the word out or you will be just another unknown published author in the sea of words. A previous post went over some of these marketing strategies but I will go over them again. I have found new information as always I am eager to share.
Urban Fiction Book Flyers
Unlike traditional paper flyers urban fiction book flyers are high-resolution postcards with a gloss finish. They have a picture of your book cover a brief synopsis and purchasing information. This powerful method of marketing gives authors a direct line of advertising to their target audience. It puts something tangible in the hands of your potential readers without you verbally providing a sales pitch. One of the best services out there providing authors and (every type of business owner) flyer designs with local distribution is Blazon Posts. http://www.blazonposts.com. They also offer advertising solutions which include TV marketing. I also had my other website http://www.thenobullmethod.net designed by them also. Great customer service and attention to detail. The owner makes sure he brings your vision to life.
Urban Fiction Book Stubs
Book stubs are the size of a business card showing a picture of your book’s cover with a download code for your book. It allows authors to provide one free download of your ebook. Everyone loves free so this service is a great marketing strategy that will allow debut authors a chance to give potential readers or even reviewers a free copy of their book which ultimately leads to word of mouth marketing. Authors can also use book stubs as free giveaways or contest winnings. It helps create a buzz around new titles and can help with getting more attention to your titles. Booktango authors can purchase book stubs as low as $99. http://www.booktango.com
Urban Fiction Press Releases
Many writers underestimate the power of press releases in spreading the word of your new title. Not only is a press release a valuable source of putting the word out there but it can also provide new authors with interview requests, book features and radio interview spots. Many press release services do not cater to the urban fiction genre so many of the genre’s authors are limited in their attempts at marketing. For a well written press release and distribution to major Urban fiction venues check out my service page.
Hope you found these strategies useful and find success implementing them in your urban fiction marketing strategy. Follow my blog Urban Fiction News for more insightful information so you can stay up on the latest happenings on the streets of the urban fiction genre. Don’t forget to like my posts and remember NOW is the time to see your DREAMS come to past!!!!!!
Urban Fiction Book Review: Platinum Dust
[image error] Platinum Dust is part one of the recently released urban fiction trilogy. It’s a fast paced tale that follows the life of self-proclaimed pretty boy/player Raheim Starz. Raheim is the son of a dead man and the woman who killed him. He lives life with a deep seeded desire to never be “like them” Follow this three part trilogy as one fatal night in a club leads him down a path of revenge, forgiveness and finally into the arms of the only woman prepared to love him.
After the Dust settles from his Platinum lifestyle you may be surprised to see who is the last one standing!!!!!
Platinum Dust is currently available at booktango bookstore and soon to be offered on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all of the other major retailers.
To get your copy follow the link below. I will update when it becomes available on other retailers.
http://bookstore.booktango.com/Products/SKU-000655350/Platinum-Dust.aspx
All book reviews will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
April 25, 2013
Book Review: The No Bull Method to Self-publishing
Reblogged from Urban Fiction News:
Finally!!!!!!! The No Bull Method to Publishing is finally available.
Everything you need to know about writing, publishing, marketing and promoting your fiction and urban fiction titles. Sometimes the hardest part of recognizing your dreams is knowing where to go or what to do. This small ebook is filled with resources and actual steps on starting your writing journey
The No Bull Method to Publishing eliminates the fluff other how to gurus seem to specialize in.
April 18, 2013
The Power of Urban Fiction Book Reviews
I have decided to write this post specifically for the urban fiction genre because the information is powerful and can change the life of your book and its sales. Many new writers are like fishes out of water. They may know that they want to write and to be recognized for their work but many are not salesmen or even marketing specialist. The many you finish writing your book and decide to have it published you stop being a writer and put on the hat of sales/marketing professional. Below is some information on the power of book reviews and why is important for your marketing campaigns.
What is a Book Review?
I know this is not kindergarten but just for the sake of spelling things out a book review is a first hand opinion on your book from someone who has read it. It’s as simple as that.
Other Peoples Opinions
Follow me for a moment down memory lane it will be a short trip, I promise. When is the last time you bought anything based on the opinion of someone else? Whether it was a home goods item, a service or even movie tickets. If you answer honestly you may find the opinions of others is an important part of many of your buying decisions. No one wants to take a risk on the unknown and when others gives a rave review you are more willing to spend your money. Why is that? Simple actually, a good review from a trusted source leaves you feeling confident you will get value for your dollar. No one wants to spend their hard-earned money on crap!
How Can Book Reviews Help You?
Urban Fiction book reviews can help you in multiple ways the first is it provides a bit of credibility to your novel. The more positive reviews you receive the more willing others are to buy the book also. It’s the best type of marketing, word of mouth marketing. A well written urban novel gives the reader enough drama to keep them talking to everyone that will listen. When others see them reading they ask questions and you want them to rave about it. If you are a reader of urban fiction also you know how powerful word of mouth recommendation are. Look at “Fly Girl” written by Omar Tyree that book literally swept through my high school and into the hands of every other teen girl I knew in the city just from word of mouth.
If you have written an urban fiction tale you need to make sure you get as many reviews as possible on your titles. This is especially important on sites like Amazon because it helps your title rank higher on their search engine. The more visible your title the greater the potential to make sales.
April 17, 2013
Book Trailers: An Effective Marketing Tool
Book Marketing is one of the biggest challenges for self-published authors. Most of us are usually unsure on what steps they need to take, what is necessary and what is vital to their success. I have decided to dig a little deeper into one of the most under used book marketing strategies which is book trailers. I will discuss what it is and why it is a key component to your book marketing strategy and who I recommend.
What is a Book Trailer?
A book trailer is simply put a 1 to 3 minute book commercial. It provides book buyers and readers with a visual picture of your title and what they can expect from reading your work. It is also a great way to leave an impression in the minds of your potential reader also. Think back to how many commercials you have seen that have left you wanting to buy what was advertised. It’s no different for your target audience.
Why are Book Trailers Important Marketing Tools?
New authors are often lost when it comes to advertising and spreading the word about their books. They often rely on friends and family to purchase copies and don’t go any further. If your plan is to become a well-known author or even to make a part-time or full-time living from your work then you must step up your marketing game. Book trailers gives the author a platform to speak on their behalf. You don’t have to worry about how to tell the world about your book simply refer them to your trailer. Videos are quickly becoming the most popular form of information sharing. Think about how much YouTube has grown over the last few years. People love to see videos on all types of subjects. It also gives you an edge over your competition.
Are Book Trailers Expensive?
The honest truth is that they can be. However, you must know where to go for superior service without a high price tag. Many book trailer designers will charge upwards of $500 for one 3 min book trailer. But like many new authors that may be unrealistic or out of your budget. No worries though I have an affordable, high quality solution which I personally recommend.
Book Trailer Recommendations
As you all know I recently published by book “The No Bull Method to Publishing” and I decided to use a book trailer to help market and promote my ebook. I went with Book Video Creations www.bookvideocreations.com and only paid $199 for a high quality video I am excited to share. Their customer service was incredible and they even made multiple changes per my request. I was having problems getting the domain name I wanted for my website www.thenobullmethod.net so I needed them to update and re update my url info which they did pleasantly and without making me feel bad. To check out their work visit my website www.thenobullmethod.net and click play.
April 16, 2013
Book Review! Shakedown: The Church Street District
It’s not often I run across an excellent read. So I was pleasantly surprised at the Shakedown: The Church Street District. It’s a gritty tale that captured my attention from the first page. The story follows a displaced Katrina survivor named Tony who finds success as a night club owner in FL. Things go terrible wrong when Patrick a notorious thug decides to get paid from all of Tony’s hard work.
Tony refuses but finds himself preparing for an all out street war. This fast paced tale is a literary page turner. I couldn’t put the book down and found myself engrossed with each detail. The brutality of the violence is so well written you almost feel sorry for the victims. I loved the story from start to finish. Compelling ending that leaves you wanting more from author Shawn P.Lytle
Shakedown: The Church Street District can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shakedown-lytle/1112965829?ean=9781479294466
April 11, 2013
Urban Fiction Contest Results!!!!
First I would like to thank everyone who participated in my First ever Urban Flash Fiction contest. It was fun reading everyone entry and I must say there is lots of talent out there. After careful deliberation and mulling over each entry I have come across my top 3. Congratulations to our winners and good luck to every one who entered!!!!!!
Third Place : “No Body’s Business” written by Kaleah McIntyre in Detroit, MI
Second Place: “Hell’s Storm” written Michael Williams in Chicago, IL
First Place Grand Prize Goes to: “Vixen” written by Chanelle McAlister in Baltimore, MD
Winners have been notified by emailed and please look for the Interview with Chanelle in the coming weeks. Happy Writing everyone and Good Luck on your writing Journey!!!!!!
