Urban Fiction News magazine has officially been launched and if you would like to continue receiving its newsletter please visit
www.urbanfictionnews.com and hit subscribe. It has more reviews, more company spotlights, more writing resources than ever before. Thanks for all of your support and look forward to seeing you all there.
Authors looking to gain more exposure can also place affordable ads on the site, become a featured author or learn about the most effective marketing and publishing solutions for you and your work.
You are all cordially invited to join me on the Literary Showcase Jan, 27th with your host The Master Communicator Sharon Jenkins. We are celebrating urban fiction!!! I will be sharing trade secrets, what I have learned on my literary journey and from helping fellow writers. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there!!!!
The interview will be from 8:30 pm to 9:15 anyone with a Google+ or YouTube account can participate. Thanks in advance.
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?
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!!!!!
I wanted to keep my loyal readers, authors and followers updated on the happenings of Urban Fiction News. Being an author takes A LOT of hard work, energy, diligence, sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears. It invokes labor pains, loss of friendships, marital discord and I can go on and on (I promise) however, it won’t be in vain. Urban Fiction News is taking things a bit further by crossing over into an online magazine.
Not only will authors have a new platform to promote their books and book covers but will all have an opportunity to participate in book trailer wars, (competitions) author spotlights, interviews and so much more. Authors interested in being one of the first to be interviewed on the online magazine platform should email me @ urbanfictionnews1@yahoo.com. I am extremely dedicated to spreading the news of up and coming Indie/self-published authors who may otherwise not have a place to be seen or heard. The online magazine will always provide real information and resources to any fiction writer especially those writing Urban Fiction.
The key to more book sales is exposure and the road to success means making your books more visible to the public. If knowledge is power don’t knowingly remain powerless. Urban Fiction News plans to be the biggest resource provider for authors and readers of fiction. Period!
Excited about the move and hope to see you all there!!
Another great feature to be released on Urban Fiction News is “EXCUSE ME, YOUR CRAZY IS SHOWING”
ANYONE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING OR SHARING A CRAZY STORY ABOUT A PAST OR PRESENT RELATIONSHIP DISASTER, A JEALOUS PARTNER OR MOMENT THAT MADE YOU WANT TO TAP SOMEONE ON THE SHOULDER AND SAY “EXCUSE ME, YOUR CRAZY IS SHOWING” BY ALL MEANS START SUBMITTING YOUR STORIES TO urbanfictionnews1@yahoo.com TO BE CONSIDERED FOR OUR SOON TO BE RELEASED FIRST ISSUE!!!!!!!! (Be sure to put ‘Crazy Story’ in the subject line)
Please remember to like or share any posts you found useful, insightful or news worthy on your social media outlets by following the links below. Thanks!!!!!
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.
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!!!!!!
The first annual urban fiction writing contest is now closed. All entries received before 12 midnight on March 15th will be read and considered. All winners will be notified by email on April 1st, 2013. I want to say good luck to everyone who entered and I sincerely look forward to reading your work.
Urban Fiction News 