K.C. Blaze's Blog, page 6
December 15, 2013
Interview and Company Overview: Jazzmyne PR Firm
For everyone who didn’t catch my article on 5 Reasons you need a Book Publicist I have decided to interview one of the publicity firms that I wrote about which was Makeda Smith with Jazzmyne PR
Q: When reading your bio I was extremely impressed with you and your desire to fight the odds. Being a woman and a single mother what caused you to start your own PR firm?
Thank you ~ I initially started my own agency for two reasons – the first being my father was self-employed and he instilled within me to ‘always work for yourself – be your own boss.’ The second reason is at the time – my oldest daughter ( now 31 ) was five or six years old – and I wanted to spend more quality time with her and be home with her more.
Q: Your business started at home and is about to celebrate over 20 years of being a successful home based Public Relations Firm. What would you attribute your success too?
We are actually celebrating 25 years now! I attribute the longevity to my tenacity, perseverance and faith. I also follow the rule of giving clients more than what they pay for!
Q: What would you say to authors looking for marketing solutions or a good publicist but think its outside of their reach?
Well my first thought is to change your mindset – nothing is outside of your reach these days! With that in mind, Google is one of the greatest resources on the planet – start there and do your research! Many of my clients have found me via a Google search!
Q: What types of services does Jazzmyne Public Relations offer?
Our agency specializes in generating publicity – which is creating media exposure on the client’s behalf. Publicity is important for long-term branding.
Q: What big name celebrities have you worked with?
In the realm of 25 years it’s been many – our roster has included Jamie Foxx, Mo’Nique and Dorien Wilson, Kevin Eubanks, Michael Baisden, Laila Ali, Raven Symone, Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Vivica Foxx, J. Anthony Brown, Anna Nicole and the list goes on and on …..
Q: Does your PR firm work with authors?
Yes! We love our independent authors as well! We assist them with getting ‘the word’ out about their new publications and create a media voice for them.
Q: Where is your business going in the near future?
It has been 25 long years and I am extremely grateful for them. For the future, I’m just looking to continue to provide excellent and affordable pr services to those in need of them.
Q: How can authors and companies looking for quality public relations service find you.
Our website is www.jazzmynepr.com . A sampling of our work with authors can be found at http://jazzmynepr.com/category/popular-posts/publishing/ .
We are also on Facebook at Jazzmyne Public Relations and Twitter @makedaqueen. They can also email us at jazzmynepr@gmail.com .
Thank you so much to Urban Fiction News for the interview! Blessings ~
December 10, 2013
It’s Not Worth It
It’s Not Worth it is a young girl’s tale of reckless behavior and often brutal experiences. It follows the life of Cameron and her crew of beautiful Divas. Cameron and her friends hold the city’s title for baddest chicks around with their pick of any man they lay eyes on. However, they often find themselves lusting after other women’s men.
It’s no different for Cameron especially when the one man she desires the most has recently tied the knot. Never one to back away from a challenge she finds herself offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Continue on the path of immoral behavior or walk the straight and narrow. Not everything that glistens is gold. Will Cameron learn this lesson before it is to late?
I loved how well this story flows and the amount of drama keeps the pages turning. The author gives you a clear picture of how dangerous life can be as it relates to matters of the heart. It’s Botta Bing’s debut novel with a Christmas release date. Just in time to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket. Don’t wrap to tight though cause this story will have your blood boiling by its end.
If you liked the review please remember to press like.
And remember if you aren’t already follow for more Urban Fiction News, Reviews and Resources!!!!
November 26, 2013
5 Reasons You Need a Book Publicist
Just like the name implies a publicist’s sole responsibility is to publicize your work or build your brand. They are the reason celebrities become famous. They are the behind the scenes workers getting interviews, spreading buzz worthy tales and making sure the people who moves and shakes have you in their direct line of vision. How does this relate to an author? Very simple without a great product, a marketing plan and enough buzz created around your book it will become a pretty little wall flower on a wall filled with wall flowers. An added benefit is that most book publicist will read your book and if they are sold on it they are adamant about pushing your success. What can a publicist do for you that you can’t do for yourself? Well unless you have a long list of contacts and industry insiders you can call in favors on than they can do a great deal. I hope to give you five reasons why you need a book publicist and in true Urban Fiction News style I will provide you with a list of publicist that are specific to the urban fiction genre.
Reason #1 You Need a Book Publicist to take you From Unknown to Known
Self published authors have the disadvantage of not having a large big named publisher to fall back on. It’s easier to gain the attention of industry insiders when you have a large traditional publisher backing you. However, a disadvantage can also be an advantage because once you show the big boys you know how to sell your book the potential to be picked up by the big boys is much greater. That could mean higher advance checks and companies fighting for Your attention. The publicist will put you or your work in front of the world giving you more exposure. The great news is their job is to make you known/famous.
Reason #2 A Book Publicist has Connections
We have all heard that it’s not what you know but who you know. Well if that’s true many of us wouldn’t go far on our own. The most valuable aspect of a publicist’ job is networking and building relationships with media outlets. The author doesn’t have to know anyone personally as their representative puts them in front of their long list of contacts. That alone is valuable. How many authors are interested in hunting down folks to talk about their book? I know I am not (but I will) With a publicist you won’t have to. They get you interviews threw newspaper, magazine and radio or TV. They also create campaigns that will generate a buzz around you the author and the book.
Reason #3 A Book Publicist Help with Reviews
As I’ve said before book reviews are the literary gold of the book world. Having quality book reviews on retail sites can make or break your book. Word of mouth marketing can make your book a top seller. A publicist is able to get your book in the hands of reviewers by sending out review copies.They locate popular bloggers in your genre, from media resources and get your book in their hands. One great review can take you from an unknown to a known.
Reason # 4 Book Publicist Create Detailed Ad Campaigns
Many self-published authors may find it overwhelming to market their own work. When you employ the services of a book publicist they not only locate the best ad campaigns but do the ad placements for you. Many will tell you that not only is important to increase your books’ visibility through interviews etc… but also to have your book displayed prominently throughout the places readers of your genre are located. Your book cover should be placed on multiple sites for maximum exposure.
Reason #5 Social Media Should Be a Book Publicist’s Specialty
The world of marketing has changed so greatly that having an online presence is vital to your book’s success. You must know how to work the social media platform to get ahead. Many publicist are well versed on social media marketing and will use it to their advantage. They create enough buzz that gets Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc… discussing your book which ultimately means more book sales.
Below is a list of book publicist that cater to African-American Authors and also to the Self-Published author enjoy!!!
Dawn Michelle Hardy http://www.dreamrelations.com
Gwen Richardson http://www.gwenrichardson.com
Heather M. Palmore ESq. http://www.ceciliacapers.com/publicistfortwmig.htm
V. Michelle Stephenson http://www.vmscommunications.net/main/bio.php
Makeda Smith http://www.jazzmynepr.com/pages/makeda.htm or http://jazzmynepr.com/
Publicist for the Indie Author
Smith Publicity http://www.smithpublicity.com/self-published-books/
Kelley & Hall http://www.kelleyandhall.com/sample-page-2/
Novel Publicity http://www.novelpublicity.com/publicity/
This is a small amount of publicist resources but if you enjoyed the post don’t forget to like and share with the links provided below.
Remember to Follow for more Urban Fiction News, Reviews and Resources!!!
November 17, 2013
Platinum Dust Free Preview!!!!!!!
With the rapidly approaching Re-Release of Platinum Dust (Part One) I’ve decided to let my reading audience in because I value your opinion. I have provided a free preview of my book in the My Book section at the top under Platinum Dust. The first three chapters are available there with a warning Adult Content!!. Perfect opportunity for avid urban fiction readers to get a glimpse of my debut urban fiction novel and also for readers wanting to review me!!!! Hope you enjoy and always feel free to let me know what you think!!!
Platinum Dust follows the life of a self-proclaimed playboy Raheim Starz. Raheim is the son of a dead man and the woman who killed him. Kicked out of his home at the age of 11 for looking like his father he is dead set against being like both his parents. He avoids love at all cost and has a woman for every night of the week until his Friday girl Felicia does the unexpected that is. One fateful night in a nightclub will send him down the road of redemption, forgiveness and into the arms of the only woman ready to love him. After the dust settles on Raheim’s platinum life style you will be surprised to see who is the last man standing.
To read the first three chapters click my books above and check for Platinum Dust!!!!!! or feel free to click the link below
http://platinumstarz.wordpress.com/my-books/platinum-dust/
As always feel free to comment, share or tell me what you think!!!!! Book Trailer provided below
November 11, 2013
Book Review: Two Way Mirrors by Just Jewel
I love a good story especially one that is written by a great storyteller. Two Way Mirrors appeared to be a story of a young woman in love with the typical bad boy but readers soon find out that is all on the surface. The story follows the tale of Angela Delimar a young lady who shares a close bond with her mother, is in love with her incarcerated bad boy and does things she doesn’t care for the world to know. Through a series of events which include deep family secrets and breathtaking brutality Angela finds herself fighting for not only her life but for her sanity. She is in a race to find out the one woman who can expose the truth and help Angela heal but will the ever elusive stranger come from out of the shadows long enough?
I loved how well the story was told. There were scenes that literally had me flipping the pages anxious to know what would happen next. There were also some scenes I could have lived without such as excessive details at the most inappropriate times. Overall I would rank Two Way Mirrors a 4 star **** read and I think it’s a read that doesn’t disappoint. Excited to see what else this author can come up with.
To get your copy today visit the link below
If you enjoyed the review please like and remember….
Remember to follow for more Urban Fiction News, Reviews and Resources!!!!!
November 10, 2013
Interview with Azarel: Owner of Life Changing Books Publishing
Q: You were at one point a teacher which is very different from being the owner of a well-known publishing company. What made you change your career path?
I sort of fell into publishing. I was pregnant at one point during my teaching career and received news that I had to be put on bed rest. That took me by surprise, especially when they said, “Six months!” A family member suggested that I spend my time wisely, by writing a book. I took a stab at it and penned my first novel, “A Life to Remember,” while on bed rest. I had just finished my Masters in Education so it was a bitter-sweet moment when I decided not to go back to the classroom. I created Life Changing Books (LCB) and sold 5,000 copies of my novel so quickly through my distribution channels that I knew, I had embarked on a new career.
Q: You’re not only the owner but also a successful writer with titles that has gained you much attention. Which of your titles are you most proud of or count as your best work?
My novel ‘Bruised’ is closest to my heart. It’s based on a true story and always makes me feel like I’m watching a Lifetime Movie when I discuss it. It’s gritty yet informative. It’s also a piece of work that doesn’t put me in a box. People of all ages can relate. My most successful title in terms of sales has been “Daddy’s House”. People love sex, drama, and craziness, so I guess it hit the spot. LOL
Q: Life Changing Books has shaken the urban fiction publishing world with some of the hottest titles around. Did you always know you wanted to own a publishing company?
I never wanted to be a writer or own a publishing company. I’ve always been an entrepreneur even while teaching, so I knew I would always run companies, but not at this level. LCB became successful rather quickly and became my passion even quicker. I began meeting motivated authors like Tiphani , who penned The Millionaire Mistress Series and J. Tremble wrote Secrets of a Housewife early in the company’s history. From there, the company skyrocketed because my authors really wanted to become successful.
Q: Many writers are interested in learning what it takes to be selected by a reputable publishing company. What are you usually looking for in a writer?
We want unique stories. It seems that every book on the shelf is similar to the masses. Also, at LCB we normally look for writers who have researched the industry and know how to do the basics; have a properly formatted manuscript, have a pre-mature marketing plan, and come with the passion to become a best seller.
Q: How many titles has Life Changing Books Publishing Company published so far?
To date, we’ve published 86 titles; 10 of which are National Bestsellers and 1 New York Times Best Seller (Game Over by Winter Ramos).
Q: What’s next for your company and its league of writers?
We’re super excited over here at LCB. Some projects we can’t discuss at the moment but will eventually blow your mind. Let’s just say, we haven’t stopped at producing books. We have one book series that is headed for TV. In addition, a few books have been turned into scripts. There’s so much more. Check out the behind the scenes here.
Q: Where can fans, readers and writers alike find out more about you and your company?
LCB is everywhere! We love our readers wholeheartedly. Contact us at www.lifechangingbooks.net
@lcbooks
Facebook- LCB
IG- @Lcbooks
Kisses!
Azarel
November 3, 2013
Urban Fiction News Wins An Award!!!!!!!
As I previously mentioned to all of my faithful followers and friends Urban Fiction News was nominated for an award. The award show was hosted in Texas this year and unfortunately I was unable to attend however, I am very happy to report that I took home the award for the Best Author Blog. Thank you for all of the support everyone. For pictures on the event and to see all of the other winners please visit http://www.blackweblogawards.com/
5 Tips on How to Get Your Self-Published Book in Bookstores
Having your book sold in actual bookstores is not only a dream by many if not all fiction writers. It is also a far-fetched dream as many bookstores do not stock their shelves with self-published titles. There are a few ways around this, as I will show you five ways you can get your titles sold in bookstores. Before I begin let me first state that diligence is one of the keys to success. If you want to succeed you must first believe in your work and then follow through until you see every mountain as a small hill. My tips are not intended to be done in any specific order. Applying any of these tips could help you land your book in independently owned bookstores.
Tip# 1 Your Book Needs to be Bookstore Ready
This may seem obvious but many self-published authors are not following the basic rule of book sales, which is having an ISBN number. In order for your book to be sold it must have both a bar code and an ISBN. Bookstores will not consider your book if it doesn’t have them both. Book sales are tracked using the bar code and the ISBN number is your book’s social security number of sorts. If you are not intending on selling your book to family and friends. This also means it can be ordered through the distribution channels many bookstores use to purchase books.
Tip# 2 Do Book Signings
Contact local bookstores to set up book signings. Bookstores are usually ok with book signings because it brings attention to their store but also because it brings patrons as well. Ask the bookstore owner if you can display your book on the counter or in the area surrounding your signing table. This will help bring attention to your cover and shoppers who were not aware of your signing will also be more interested when they see you signing.
Tip# 3 Ask Local Bookstores For a Trial Run
It’s no secret that many African-American bookstores are having troubles keeping the doors open. Urban Fiction titles have helped many independently owned bookstores pay the bills. If your book cover has mass appeal approach the bookstore owner with a sure plan. Ask if they would be willing to purchase a few of your books on a test run. A test run could be between five to ten copies. If your book was published with a POD publisher you may want to find out if they offer a buy back policy. Meaning the bookstore can return unsold books. This won’t affect your royalties. It may be wise to ask many family or friends to help support your effort by buying your book from the bookstore. This will impress the bookstore and compel them to purchase more copies. Having people request the copies from bookstores will also generate buzz around your title and also compel them to stock it in their store.
Tip# 4 Ask Bookstore Owners or Employees to Read Your Book
Many bookstore owners and its employees are avid readers. Use this to your advantage, this is especially true of specialty bookstores and shops. If you can compel them to read your story they may become fans of your work and help you in your mission to land in bookstores. Remember bookstore owners are usually friends with other bookstores. This could help you through word of mouth marketing.
Tip# 5 Create Buzz around Your Book
The more buzz created around your book the more likely bookstores are willing to put it in bookstores. You may have to create your own buzz. This can be done by having flyers strategically put around your local city. Place them in areas that has heavy traffic. Local grocery stores usually have boards by the front entrance posting events and things going on in the community. Hang flyers in obvious places such as bookstores, libraries. Use sites like meetups.com to find book clubs that cater to your genre of fiction and ask to become a sponsor of their next book club meeting. Whether its you providing them with copies of your book, or having them hang posters during their meetings (which are usually held in local cafe’s or restaurants in your local area) or provide them with bookmarks or small postcards featuring your book cover.
You can even connect with local cafe’s asking them if you can host a book club meeting at their shop. A great way to network with cafe’s and create a buzz for you both is to ask them if they would be willing to offer a discount on their signature drink or sandwich or specialty items during the time of your book club meeting. This helps them get involved with promoting your book also.
Hope you found my tips useful and if you enjoyed it please press like and share on your social media outlets using the links below. Thanks!!!!!
Remember to follow for more Urban Fiction News, Reviews and Resources!!!!!
5 Tips on How to Sell Your Book in Bookstores
Having your book sold in actual bookstores is not only a dream by many if not all fiction writers. It is also a far-fetched dream as many bookstores do not stock their shelves with self-published titles. There are a few ways around this, as I will show you five ways you can get your titles sold in bookstores. Before I begin let me first state that diligence is one of the keys to success. If you want to succeed you must first believe in your work and then follow through until you see every mountain as a small hill. My tips are not intended to be done in any specific order. Applying any of these tips could help you land your book in independently owned bookstores.
Tip# 1 Your Book Needs to be Bookstore Ready
This may seem obvious but many self-published authors are not following the basic rule of book sales, which is having an ISBN number. In order for your book to be sold it must have both a bar code and an ISBN. Bookstores will not consider your book if it doesn’t have them both. Book sales are tracked using the bar code and the ISBN number is your book’s social security number of sorts. If you are not intending on selling your book to family and friends. This also means it can be ordered through the distribution channels many bookstores use to purchase books.
Tip# 2 Do Book Signings
Contact local bookstores to set up book signings. Bookstores are usually ok with book signings because it brings attention to their store but also because it brings patrons as well. Ask the bookstore owner if you can display your book on the counter or in the area surrounding your signing table. This will help bring attention to your cover and shoppers who were not aware of your signing will also be more interested when they see you signing.
Tip# 3 Ask Local Bookstores For a Trial Run
It’s no secret that many African-American bookstores are having troubles keeping the doors open. Urban Fiction titles have helped many independently owned bookstores pay the bills. If your book cover has mass appeal approach the bookstore owner with a sure plan. Ask if they would be willing to purchase a few of your books on a test run. A test run could be between five to ten copies. If your book was published with a POD publisher you may want to find out if they offer a buy back policy. Meaning the bookstore can return unsold books. This won’t affect your royalties. It may be wise to ask many family or friends to help support your effort by buying your book from the bookstore. This will impress the bookstore and compel them to purchase more copies. Having people request the copies from bookstores will also generate buzz around your title and also compel them to stock it in their store.
Tip# 4 Ask Bookstore Owners or Employees to Read Your Book
Many bookstore owners and its employees are avid readers. Use this to your advantage, this is especially true of specialty bookstores and shops. If you can compel them to read your story they may become fans of your work and help you in your mission to land in bookstores. Remember bookstore owners are usually friends with other bookstores. This could help you through word of mouth marketing.
Tip# 5 Create Buzz around Your Book
The more buzz created around your book the more likely bookstores are willing to put it in bookstores. You may have to create your own buzz. This can be done by having flyers strategically put around your local city. Place them in areas that has heavy traffic. Local grocery stores usually have boards by the front entrance posting events and things going on in the community. Hang flyers in obvious places such as bookstores, libraries. Use sites like meetups.com to find book clubs that cater to your genre of fiction and ask to become a sponsor of their next book club meeting. Whether its you providing them with copies of your book, or having them hang posters during their meetings (which are usually held in local cafe’s or restaurants in your local area) or provide them with bookmarks or small postcards featuring your book cover.
You can even connect with local cafe’s asking them if you can host a book club meeting at their shop. A great way to network with cafe’s and create a buzz for you both is to ask them if they would be willing to offer a discount on their signature drink or sandwich or specialty items during the time of your book club meeting. This helps them get involved with promoting your book also.
Hope you found my tips useful and if you enjoyed it please press like and share on your social media outlets using the links below. Thanks!!!!!
Remember to follow for more Urban Fiction News, Reviews and Resources!!!!!
October 30, 2013
What’s Next For My Novel?
Just a quick blurb as I have been getting tons of emails with authors asking very good questions. Questions have been ranging from where can they find a good editor, can I recommend a good cover designer, how can they spread the word about their new books? Many of these answers can be found by searching through my previous posts as I try to cover many of these topics for everyone. However, The NO Bull Method to Publishing is also available if you’d like to have all of the information right at your fingertips. Thanks again everyone and much success on your literary journey!!!!
or for more details visit http://www.thenobullmethod.net
