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… 

-Tee C. Royal


“Keeping you In the Know regarding the African-American Literary community.”

Filed under: Event Info & News, General Forum
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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!

Filed under: Event Info & News, General Forum
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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.)

Filed under: Author Spotlights, Book Clubs, DAY 6 (SATURDAY), Event Info & News, General Forum, Promo & Resources
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Spotlight Ad – Let’s Talk Live Radio

December 12, 2008 by admin · 4 Comments 

If you can not view this ad, CLICK HERE.

Filed under: Event Info & News, General Forum, Promo & Resources
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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

Filed under: DAY 6 (SATURDAY), General Forum, Panels & Workshops
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Sharing Literary Resources

December 12, 2008 by admin · 16 Comments 

Sharing Literary Resources
by Tee C. Royal

I will be sharing literary resources, but don’t feel slighted if you’re not listed.  Instead, share your information (or any other links) you recommend in the comments section. 

 RECOMMENDED BOOKS (FOR WRITERS)

  • Guide To Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents, 2006: Who they are! What they want! How to win them over! by Jeff Herman
  • Kirsch’s Guide to the Book Contract : For Authors, Publishers, Editors and Agents by Jonathan Kirsch
  • Negotiating a Book Contract: A Guide for Authors, Agents and Lawyers by Mark L. Levine
  • On Writing by Stephen King
  • Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne
  • The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.
  • The First Five Pages: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman 
  • The Shortest Distance Between You and a Finished Book by Susan Page
  • Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe’s Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O’Connor
  • Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook: Hands-On Help for Making Your Novel Stand Out and Succeed by Donald Maass
  • Writing the Fiction Synopsis – A Step by Step Approach by Pam McCutcheon

RECOMMENDED BOOKS (FOR READERS)

  • A Book Lover’s Diary by Shelagh Wallace
  • A Passion for Books: A Book Lover’s Treasury of Stories, Essays, Humor, Lore, and Lists on Collecting, Reading, Borrowing, Lending, Caring for, and Appreciating Books by Harold Rabinowitz
  • Booknotes: The Booklover’s Organizer by Marilyn McDonald
  • How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler
  • Only in Books: Writers, Readers & Bibliophiles on Their Passion by J. Kevin Graffagnino
  • So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson

GENRE SPECIFIC LINKS & ORGANIZATIONS

PUBLISHERS (includes major publishers & imprints)

  • Amistad
  • Dafina Books
  • Hatchette Books
  • Hyperion
  • Kensington
  • Kimani Press
  • NAL
  • QBoro Books
  • Random House
  • Simon & Schuster
  • St. Martins Press
  • Strebor
  • Urban Books
  • Urban Christian
  • Urban Soul

LITERARY GROUPS, BOOKSTORES & OTHER WEBSITES

LITERARY MAGAZINES & INDUSTRY NEWS

BOOK CLUBS & BOOK REVIEWS

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES 

Again, this list isn’t all-inclusive (and was compiled last year), but I hope it is useful to those wanting to stay IN THE KNOW regarding the literary industry.  Also, be sure to check out the resources accumulated over the years on the RAWSISTAZ site under Reader’s Rack and Writer’s Block.

*List originally compiled for an article on Blogging in Black in 2007*

Filed under: Articles, DAY 6 (SATURDAY), General Forum
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Spotlight – Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour

December 12, 2008 by admin · 2 Comments 

Have YOU missed the past 12 days of the Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour sponsored by TheGRITS.com and All the Buzz Reviews?  Well, it’s not to late to go back and catch up on this wonderful 12 Day celebration of romance authors…just in time to add their books to your holiday shopping list.

Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour Coming - December 1st

Filed under: Day 5 (FRIDAY), General Forum, Promo & Resources
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4 Hrs of Literary Fun this Saturday

December 12, 2008 by admin · 3 Comments 

Give the Gift of Knowledge


Saturday, December 13, 2008
4-Hours of Literary Fun at BAN!
Showtime: 6pm-10pm EST
Open mic for all things literary
Join us to win prizes and free books!
Showtime: 8-10:00pm EST
Days: Mon, Wed, and Friday nights
Open line to call in: (646) 200-0402 

Chat live with the guests in our chat room www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network
Every 10th visitor wins a free book!

 
The Black Authors Network is opening its doors to
all things literary December 10-22, 2008. If you are a chat host, author, publisher, magazine, pro-blogger, writer, poet, book club president, radio host or literary service provider–we want you to Give the Gift of Knowledge to the BAN Audience! Tell us about your 2009 projects.
The Black Authors Network Talk Show has the best RSS feed syndication in the business! Your news and information will feed out to 130 podcast directories and social networks, including iTunes. The radio program also creates its own newsletter which is distributed to my entire network of 133,000 email subscribers! To date we have a 89% open rate for our email newsletter.
To share your blog, book, book club, product, magazine, service or business with the BAN audience, email Ella today to confirm your appearance. Email: elladcurry@edc-creations.com
Feel free to share this with your network. Open to all.

Ella Curry, president of EDC Creations

Filed under: Event Info & News, General Forum
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Friday Spotlight – Literary Professionals

December 11, 2008 by admin · 63 Comments 

In addition to our industry professionals panel today, we are also spotlighting some of the best literary professionals on the net. Join me in welcoming: Marlive Harris (MsGRITS) of TheGRITS.com Literary Services, Pam Perry of Ministry Marketing Solutions, Ella Curry of EDC Creations, Sylvia Hubbard of Motown Writers Network, LaShaunda Hoffman of SORMAG, 3 Chicks on Lit (Nakea, Tiffany & TuShonda).

Bios (read full bios on the 2008 Participants page):

Marlive Harris – http://www.thegrits.com/literaryservices
Marlive Harris, aka MsGRITS, is the founder and business owner of The GRITS COM Literary Service, a niche web publicity service created in 2003 that develops online book campaigns for authors and publishers.

Pam Perry – http://www.ministrymarketingsolutions.com
Pam Perry is the founder of Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc. a marketing consulting and public relations agency that brings a high level of understanding of positioning, branding, and promoting products and services that target the African American Christian Market (AACM).

Ella D. Curry – http://www.edc-creations.com/EDCCreationsMagazine/index1.html
Ella D. Curry is the president and CEO of EDC Creations, a marketing and branding firm in Prince George’s County Maryland, a radio show host, marketing director, and literary advocate. She is also the founder of Sankofa Literary Society which empowers independent and/or self-published authors through mentoring programs, Internet workshops, marketing and brand coaching.

Sylvia Hubbard – http://motownwriters.homestead.com/

Sylvia Hubbard is an author, lecturer & coordinator of Motown Writer’s Network and owner of Hub Books Publisher/Distributor. Established in 2000, the Motown Writer’s Network provides literary education and events in metroit Detroit.

LaShaunda Hoffman – http://sormag.blogspot.com
LaShaunda is the founder of SORMAG, an award winning online magazine for readers and writers of multi-cultural literature.

Filed under: Day 5 (FRIDAY), General Forum, Panels & Workshops, Promo & Resources
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Panel – Industry Insider Roundtable

December 11, 2008 by admin · 33 Comments 

I’m sure you have all been looking forward to our Industry Insider Roundtable. Joining us today, we have: Candace K – Web Designer/CanDann.com, Melissa Forbes – Freelance Editor/Carbon Copy Editing, Doug Siebold – Publisher/Agate Publishing, Misherald Brown – Literary Agent/ML Brown & Associates, and Chanel Smith/Web Design Presence.

Bios:

Candace K – http://www.candann.com
Candace Cottrell has been a web developer for over ten years. With her additional background in editing, design, and project management, she lends a wide spectrum of talents and strengths to her projects. Her company, CanDann Productions, is a full-service design and web technology firm. They pride themselves on keeping abreast of the latest technologies and trends and how they affect their clients.

Doug Siebold – http://www.agatepublishing.com
Doug Seibold, president and publisher, founded Agate in 2003. Formerly executive editor of The Noble Press, he most recently was founding editorial director of UNext, an online education company that creates graduate-level business coursework in partnership with Stanford University, the University of Chicago, and other leading universities.

Melissa Forbes – http://www.ccediting.com
Melissa Forbes has been copy-editing and proofreading since she can remember. Really. Her childhood and adult friends have dubbed her “Miss Know-It-All,” but they don’t hesitate to ask for help when they need their writing to be perfect. Melissa’s formal copy-editing and proofreading experience began in high school and continued throughout college. She was an editor and writer for both her high school and college newspapers. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Theater from Ursinus College in May of 1999 and her Master in Journalism degree from Temple University in January of 2005.

Misherald Brown – http://www.mlbrownassociatesllc.com
Misherald “Missy” Brown is the founder & lead agent of ML Brown & Associates LLC. Missy has extensive experience in the literary industry including years of being a publicist, acquisitions editor, reviewer and bookseller. As an agent, Missy uses her love for books and industry connections to help her clients make their dreams a reality.

Chanel Smith – http://www.w-p-d.net
Web Presence Designs is based in Stone Mountain, Georgia where Chanel Smith provides web and graphic design services. Whether you are looking for a one page design, a complex design utilizing flash and web forms, she can develop a web presence that complements your company image. She specializes in professional web and graphic design at affordable prices for authors, individuals, and small businesses. Allow Web Presence Designs to creatively design your web presence.

Attendees, as a reminder our panelists will be in throughout the day, so if they’re not here when you arrive, go ahead and post your question.

Filed under: Day 5 (FRIDAY), General Forum, Panels & Workshops
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