Share Your Feedback!
December 14, 2008 by admin · 11 Comments
Well all, this is it. The conference is over and it’s time to share your feedback, (which may be added to our testimonials page for future events). Also, please fill out the SURVEY, sign our GUESTBOOK and consider making a donation.
A special thanks to all our presenters and to our attendees. You’ve made this a wonderful, wonderful event. If there’s anything RAWSISTAZ can ever do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Until next time, keep on reading and writing…
“Keeping you In the Know regarding the African-American Literary community.”
Prizes Announced!!
December 13, 2008 by admin · 1 Comment
Prize winners are below. Thanks so much for your participation!
Please email your mailing address to RAWSISTAZ@aol.com, with “Conferene 08 Prize Winner” in the subject line. Your information will be forwarded to the contributors if it’s not being mailed from the RAWSISTAZ home office.
An advance reading copy (ARC) of BLACKBIRD, FAREWELL by Robert Greer, Compliments of North Atlantic Books & Caitlin Hamilton Publicity (20 winners) — WINNERS: Tonya Saqiid, Trice Hickman, Susan Chisolm, Swaggie Coleman, Unika Molden, Vanessa Johnson, Patricia A. Bridewell, Debra Owsley, Criss, Mary C, Makida B, Renee Flagler, Ella Curry, Mozell Fleming, Patricia Neeley-Dorsey, Wana, LaShaunda Hoffman, Roishina C. Henderson, Zaria Garrison, TL James
A customized website banner, compliments of Chanel Smith of Web Presence Designs. (1 winner) — WINNER: Cheryl A. Pullins
Romance lover’s gift pack of Kimani Press books (1 winner) — WINNER: Missy Brown
1 month free advertising on RAWSISTAZ.com (12 winners) — WINNERS: Dyanne Davis, Patricia Neely-Dorsey, Linda A. Haywood, Lord’ Williams, Melissa Forbes, Monica Marie Jones, Mozell Fleming, Dr. Ni, Lutishia Lovely, Maxine Dorsey, Carleen Brice, Maxine Dorsey.
Gift basket with goodies (1 winner) and free book (2 winners), compliments of author Ana’Gia Wright. – WINNERS: Shelia Goss // Paula, LaTreka Cross
Copies of the following books, compliments of Hachette Book Group:
Erotic City by Pynk (5 winners) — WINNERS: Lissa Woodson, Linda Chavis, Missy Brown, Shai, Sharon
Gunmetal Black by Daniel Serrano (5 winners) – WINNERS: Linda Moses, Joyce Dickerson, Kimmie, Gerri Robinson, Ana’Gia Wright, Radiah Hubbert
The Bishop’s Daughter by Tiffany Warren (5 winners) — WINNERS: DD, Eraina Tinnin, Tanya Marie Lewis, LaShaunda Hoffman, Renee Williams
The American Journey of Barack Obama by the Editors of LIFE Magazine (5 winners) — WINNERS: JD Mason, Minnie Miller, Brenda, Monica Marie Jones, Marlive Harris
We Take This Man by Candice Dow and Daaimah Poole (5 winners) — WINNERS: Kim Floyd, Trice HIckman, Ella Curry, Makida Birges, Mary C
Black Expressions Journals (for your book club–limit 10) — WINNERS: Eraina Tinnin & Piedmont-Triad RAWSISTAZ
3 SORMAG goody bags (3 winners) and 3 Newsletter ads (3 winners) — WINNERS: Criss, Joyce Dickerson, LaShanda Oakes // Melissa Forbes, Ella Curry, Patricia Neely-Dorsey
30 minutes free book coaching, Compliments of Ella Curry of EDC Creations (1 winner) — WINNER: Mozelle Fleming
A Simply Said custom package – 1/2 giftmarks 36 pieces to an up and coming author, Compliments of Debra Owsley & Simply Said Reading Accessories (1 winner) — WINNER: Patricia Neely-Dorsey
1 autographed copy of A Preacher’s Passion (1 winner) and 1 autographed copy of Lies Lovers Tell (1 winner), Compliments of author, Lutishia Lovely – WINNERS: LaTreka Cross// Lissa Woodson
One month of advertising in LIVE Magazine (12 winners) and Radio interview for authors only (2 winners), Compliments of C. A. Griffin, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of LIVE Magazine – WINNERS: Bettye Griffin, Lissa Woodson, Carleen Brice, Dr. Ni, Victor McGlothin, Pam Perry, LaShaunda Hoffman, Marilyn Griffith, Marlive Harris, Michelle Larks, Monica Marie Jones, Ella Curry // Barbara Joe Williams, Dwight Fryer
A Bulletproof Soul Gift Pack (1 winner), Compliments of Author Michelle Buckley. Included would be: Autographed copies of the novels Bulletproof Soul and Trippin’, Bulletproof Soul notecards, Bulletproof Soul and Trippin’ pens, Bulletproof Soul mug, Bulletproof Soul hat, Bulletproof Soul tote bag. – WINNER: Wana
*Booklover’s gift pack of books & journal (1 winner) — WINNER: Shadae
*The Mpire Gift Basket: books, collector’s item and surprise (1 winner), Compliments of Author TL James – WINNER: Debra Owsley
**A Special prize will be awarded to five of most active attendees. WINNER: TBD (but will be announced in one week)**
A special thanks to all our contributors!
Visit the Bookstore!
December 13, 2008 by admin · Comments Off
Before you leave today, now’s the time to load up on books by all our spotlight authors, workshop presenters and even attendees. So, Don’t forget to stop by the BOOKSTORE. Remember, books make great gifts!
Did you miss a day?
December 13, 2008 by admin · Comments Off
If you missed a day of the conference and want to go back, just VISIT THE ARCHIVES and view the “by post” section for discussions, panels, workshops, articles, and spotlight ads.
Participants Only – List Your Link!
December 13, 2008 by admin · 26 Comments
Okay, listen closely. This is a link only post. (And this is for those who actually participated, so we can have everyone’s info in one spot.) If you do NOT follow directions, you will be deleted. If you DID NOT participate, you will be deleted. Also, do not include your pitch or your book title, your company bio, or any of that for this post. So, please follow my lead and share your link and the info as shown.
(Did I say you will be deleted if you don’t follow directions? LOL. Just wanted to say it one mo’ time.)
Example:
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group – http://www.rawsistaz.com (Book Club)
Maya Angelou - http://www.mayaangelou.com (Author)
(And it is okay to post more than one link in a reply vs sending a million replies.)
Survey & Event Wrap-Up
December 13, 2008 by admin · 15 Comments
Quick Requests: fill out the conference SURVEY & sign our GUESTBOOK
Wow! I sincerely hope everyone is enjoying the conference and will continue to share with us today, our last day. We have some great workshops, spotlights, and literary resources for you today, so be sure to check out the agenda.
I want to thank you all for attending, participating and sharing so much great information. I am still drowning in all I’ve learned and looking forward to reviewing everything else. Our participants have gone above and beyond to give useful information for those in the industry. THANK YOU!! For those who keep saying “I can’t believe all this is free” consider DONATING to RAWSISTAZ (imagine if everyone gave just $5) to help support the cost of having the conference and running the RAWSISTAZ family of sites. Our services continue to be free to the literary community. Help us keep it that way!
As far as prizes, they will be announced TONIGHT at 11:00PM, so be sure to check back to see if you’re a winner.
There will also be a post requesting feedback on the event, so we know what people enjoyed, as well as what we can work on for our next event. Also, if you could take a minute to fill out our SURVEY, we’d appreciate it.
And for those who are asking to be included next year, we’d love to have you. We are tentatively planning our 8th annual event for September 18-20, 2009 and it will be held in Atlanta, GA. This isn’t set in stone, so be sure to stay connected to www.rawsistaz-affair.com for further details & updates. Join the mailing list too.
Spotlight Ad – Let’s Talk Live Radio
December 12, 2008 by admin · 4 Comments
If you can not view this ad, CLICK HERE.
Author Spotlights (Saturday)
December 12, 2008 by admin · 4 Comments
Our Spotlight Authors today are Aundrea Lacy, Gil L. Robertson IV, Regina Louise, and Darrell King.
Aundrea Lacy – http://luvsbrownies.com
Author’s Bio: Aundrea Lacy, born and raised in San Francisco, has been a model, a television journalist, and a marketing executive for Fortune 500 companies. She earned her MBA from Golden State University. In 1996, she went from baking brownies for friends to building her own online bakery business, Luv Brownies. In addition, she gives career presentations for girls and women from around the country.
Gil L. Robertson IV – http://www.notinmyfamily.com
Gil L. Robertson IV is a journalist whose work has appeared in Essence, Billboard, Black Enterprise, the Source, Los Angeles Times and Atlanta Journal Constitution, among others. He has appeared on The Tavis Smiley Show, CNN, and BET, and his syndicated column, The Robertson Treatment, appears in over 30 newspapers, reaching more than 2 million readers across the country.
Regina Louise – http://www.reginalouise.com
Author’s Bio: Regina Louise has been a keynote speaker at numerous foster care and social workers’ conventions across the country. She has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, the CBS Early Show, and the Tavis Smiley Show, and a one-woman play version of her story was produced by the Sacramento Theater Company in May 2007. A successful businesswoman and salon owner, she currently lives in Berkeley.
Darrell King – http://www.myspace.com/dak1968
Mr. Darrell King, Sr. has been writing ever since the age of eight. His first published work of fiction was penned during the fall of 1976 as a student of Mary Field’s Elementary School on South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island. This effort, an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkein’s “The Hobbit,” was both written and illustrated by Mr. King and was published in the school’s quarterly periodical, “The Daufuskie Kid’s Magazine.” Mr. King went on to write several unpublished stories and numerous poems, several of which were published in the 1995-1996 “Poetry Anthology” by the National Library of Poetry in Owings Mills, Maryland. During the 90s, Mr. King was attracted to and inspired by the lurid tales of inner city crime and drama that he read on the pages of novels by great writers such as Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim. This, coupled with an enduring appreciation for the hard-edged, yet enlightened lyric of the era’s gangsta rap icons like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Easy E and others prompted Mr. King to begin writing his very own stories of urban crime and inner city drama.
Workshop – Top 10 PR Secrets for Christian Authors
December 12, 2008 by admin · 10 Comments
TOP 10 PR SECRETS FOR CHRISTIAN AUTHORS
Presented by Pam Perry
http://www.PamPerryPRCoach.com
1. Pray. Ask God to show you WHO to contact and WHEN. If you are hiring a publicist, ask God to lead you to the right person. Know in your “knower” that it is a divine connection.
2. Be a database collector. I have been known to go to my 30-year reunion and add folks from there to my database. Eblasts are great. It’s called viral marketing – it spreads like virus. Have a system to stores and retrieve your names/contacts.
3. Join groups where media attend. I joined the National Association of Black Journalists as an associate member. I go to their meetings and some have become friends and it’s a lot easier to get things in the press if people know you. Go to CBA!
4. Read what the “best sellers” are doing. Go to their websites. Look at their previous hits. See if you can get their galley and see what their marketing plan entailed and modify to fit your book.
5. Ask your target market (you have defined one right) what they read, listen to and how they get their news and information – and you read the publications too. Research.
6. Go to other author book signings. You reap what you sow and you will learn a lot in the process. They may even share their “secrets” with you. Fellow Christian authors are never competitors…. we are all in the business of spreading the Gospel.
7. Know what constitutes a best-seller. How many copies need to sell? What stores report? How to they report?
8. Contact at least two media people a day. Building relationships is key. Use your “signature” on everything. Never let something go out without your website on it!
9. Look at other author press kits. Go online and see other author’s “press rooms” on their sites. Embellish your kit to add the “best” ideas of the best.
10. Apply at least ½ the information you know about PR and marketing from conferences, books and articles you read. You’ll be ahead of the game for sure.
Pam Perry, www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com
for Greater Grace Temple’s Pastor & Church Leaders Conference
www.blogtalkradio.com/ministrymarketingsolutions
www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com
http://www.PamPerryPRcoach
NEW: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pamperryprcoach
If you believe the invisible — you can do the impossible.
VICTORY is assured to those who endure!
visit My Blog! http://www.ministrymarketingsolutions.blogspot.com
10 Ways to Promote Your Writing During the Holidays
December 12, 2008 by admin · 12 Comments
10 Ways to Promote your Writing Through the Holidays
Presented by Dee Stewart
We have a few more weeks before Christmas, Kwanzaa, Watch Night and New Years. Bookstores have geared up for holiday shoppers, so no instore events for you to grab at the last minute. Public libraries have geared up for holiday reading events, so no author readings for you to participate in at the last minute. So what do you do? Table selling your books until 2009 or do you take advantage of Holiday Cheer? I say take advantage. Here are 10 ways to do promote your writing through the holidays.
1. Host a free children’s book drive at your local library.
It’s not too late to schedule a meeting room or space at your local library or church bookstorefor a free children’s book drive. If you plan it now, you have time to get a local reporter and local vlogger to the event. Invite the public to drop off new books to the library for either giveaway or for the libary’s children’s section. On your event day have holiday punch and cookies and invite the public to pick up their free children’s book.
2. Give your book to local coffeehouses to include in holiday gift baskets.
Next week I meet with a popular lil house in my town by request of the owner. He loves authors and great books. And he’s Christian. We’re going to talk gift baskets with my client’s books inside and whether the spot will the my new spot for my Winter Reading Series. Local Atlanta Authors, let’s do this.
3. Host an Under the Dryer Book Signing at a Beauty Salon.
Have you ever been in a beauty salon? The long wait, the old reading material. What if someone was selling a book I could read while sitting under the dryer. Bingo!! A client of mine sold out this weekend doing this event.
4. Write a Christmas story and have it published in your local community paper or regional magazine.
I wrote a story for Precious Times Magazine a few years back titled “Kissmas Time” from that story I received so many invitations to write articles for other magazines. I have a mailing list of people interested in my book (whenever that comes.) And I have had speaking engagement requests since that story.
5. Sponsor your local Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts Christmas Parade Float.
I just participated in my town’s annual Christmas parade. Loads of fun. I saw many familiar faces and have become a friend of the mayor. Yippee. Just because I’m out and about in the community. Sponsoring a float, making a banner, providing costumes, or just chaperoning kids in the parade will put you out in the community. People will become familiar with you. If you are an author, have the kids pass out bookmarks with candy attached to them or take your little Christmas story package it up and give it out to those on the parade route.
6. Read Christmas Stories at your local elementary school media center.
If writing is your life long passion, if you write for a young adult market, a soccer mom market, then get yourself to your local school and read the coolest book to kids. Host a Santa letter party.
7. Host an Online Book Giveaway, but not your book, instead giveaway:
· one you know your readers want like Ted Dekker’s Kiss that comes out in January, or
· one tied to the holidays like a Paula Dean Holiday Cookbook, or
· give away a book to your friends you know are afraid to buy, but would love to read (for instance Carleen Brice’ Buy a White Friend a Black Book Month Project)
promote the giveaway and the winner by sending a press release to the winner’s local paper.Put the book in a gift basket from your local coffeehouse, Avon lady, you know what I mean…
8. Host a Holiday Book Party at a local restaurant
Publisher and author Dwan Abrams will be hosting a party this weekend in downtown Atlanta to celebrate her birthday, the holidays, and her fourth novel book release Married Strangers. The event is free to attend. It is also a book drive for a Women’s Prison Literacy Project. She’s got localebrities, book reviewers and bookstore managers popping through. The event has been promoted on local gospel radio stations, online mags, local papers, and to anyone within two paces of her.You do know now is the time to throw a party?
9. Build a tip sheet
Center the sheet around your book’s theme and the holidays, submit the tip list as filler for major local magazines and online magazines your readers read. My client’s can pull these tip sheets out throughout the year and tweak the
10. Be a frontdoor vendor at your local bookstore.
Ask your local bookstore if you can set up a table on the weekend to sale your books. Ask for two tables. One to sell your book and another to giftwrap patrons book gifts as a free service to the bookstore. All bookstore chains allow authors to do this. However, some bookstores will only talk to publicists or publishers.
Bonus, contact your bookstore every week to see if any big time authors had last minute cancellations for their Holiday In Store Events. But be prepared to get books to them on short notice. You can do that right? If not, you might not to sign up for my BMP coaching sessions in 09.
If you read the lines, you will see that the most important thing here is to become a part of your community. The holidays are the best and most opportune to do this. There’s something to say about holiday cheer. It comes once a year. Take advantage of it.
This month Christian Fiction will host it’s last 1 question interview series of the year. The question is what’s your favorite Holiday book. Send me a private message with your answer, blog site address, and book blurb, and I will post your answers on the blog.
Related Posts:
· Pay it Forward Fall: Gifting Your Service
· How to Maintain Peace through the Publishing Process
· 10 Book/CD Release Party Don’ts
Dee Stewart is a bookseller, multimedia journalist, novelist, publicist and now talk show host. She is also inspirational book reviewer for Romantic Times Magazine, Atlanta Satellite Bookseller for The Mocha Bookstores, and owner of Christian Fiction Blog. Her writings have appeared in: Spirit Led Woman, Gospel Today, Advanced Christian Writer, Atlanta Christian Family, Mosaic Literary, Precious Times, Vertical Fix just a few. In 2009 she will begin hosting book marketing coaching sessions for Christian artists. Follow her on Twitter at DeeGospel. Or visit her site at www.deestewart.com.
Don’t forget every Tuesday at 8pm EST join Dee and her gal pal, EIC of Good Girl Book Club Magazine, Marina Woods on Dee & Marina Reports on Blog Talk Radio. It’s a current events talk radio show discussing book publishing, media, and Christian entertainment from a progressive Christian WOman’s point of view.
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Recent Posts
- Share Your Feedback!
- Prizes Announced!!
- Visit the Bookstore!
- Did you miss a day?
- Participants Only – List Your Link!
- Survey & Event Wrap-Up
- Spotlight Ad – Let’s Talk Live Radio
- Author Spotlights (Saturday)
- Workshop – Top 10 PR Secrets for Christian Authors
- 10 Ways to Promote Your Writing During the Holidays
- Workshop – So You Want to Write
- Sharing Literary Resources
- Spotlight – Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour
- 4 Hrs of Literary Fun this Saturday
- Friday Spotlight – Literary Professionals
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- Gumbo For The Soul Publications
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- Lutishia Lovely (Author)
- Michelle Larks (Author)
- ML Brown & Associates
- Paula Chase Hyman (Author)
- Roishina Clay Henderson (Author)
- Sexy Ebony BBW African American Book Club
- Simply Said Reading Accessories
- SORMAG
- The African American Electronic Literary Network
- Tina Brooks McKinney
- Vanessa A Johnson (Author)
- WrittenVoicesBlog.com
- Zuri Day (Author)
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