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.
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 chapter 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 chapter click my books above and check for Platinum Dust!!!!!! or feel free to click the link below
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.
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!!!!!
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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!!!!
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!!!!!
Q: Legacy Publishing Grp is spearheaded by none other than Michael McGrew. How did you get started in the Urban Fiction publishing game?
As a youth my grandmother used to read Donald Goines books all the time so reading has always been in my family but didn’t get into the game until 2008 after deciding to write for a living. Urban Fiction to me is the gritty reality of the black community. Similar to the ghettos of little Italy and the mob stories. It’s just our tale of the street. Starting my journey was a challenge though and I learned a lot to get where I am today.
Q: It must also be noted that you are the author of such titles as “My kinda Girl” “Room 111” and “Taking Losses.” Being an urban fiction writer means you understand its challenges. Where do you see urban fiction going in the future?
I see urban fiction diversifying into more colorful characters and optimistic backgrounds. The drug dealer plot lines are thinning and getting too boring. The game needs change like life as it progresses in my opinion.
Q: When reading your bio which can be found on Authors-Rock.com I noted a few of your struggles which it seems are paramount in writing a good urban fiction story. Would you say your past has made you a better writer?
I would think so, before I began writing I would consider my experiences as research, so yes it has and definitely getting better.
Q: Is Legacy Publishing Grp only interested in publishing urban fiction titles?
Not at all, in fact we’re moving forward with children’s, self improvement and teen fiction titles.
Q: What can viewers expect from you in the coming years?
Great success, with our relationships growing in Hollywood we are positioning the company to transition into film and television also while maintaining a leading position in trade paperback sales as well.
Q: Where can authors and readers of urban fiction find out more about your publishing company?
It’s been great having you on Urban Fiction News Any last words of wisdom?
The Mind of The Person is Often Unknown to The Person Who Has the Mind. Be who you choose to be but be prepared for challenges, rejection and the doubt that may attempt to throw you off course. It’s a test to see if you deserve to board the vessel of your blessing.
When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinx like. Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.
A passage taken from one of my favorite books The 48 Laws of Power (Robert Greene) I wanted to share with my readers something that has been making me reflect on the power of words. Never has the above statement been so true. I receive lots of requests for reviews and advice and in my line of business I have many people ask for a service only to offer up an explanation of their situation or “too much information” in most cases they are pouring out reasons why I shouldn’t help them. This has led me to begin thinking about talking too much as it relates to writing.
As writers we tend to think more is better. However, it can actually have the reverse effect. I will give a few examples below along with a few reasons why saying less can actually help your cause.
“Talking” too much in your query Letter
A query letter is supposed to be a brief introduction. It introduces a publisher to you, your writing style and the work you wish them to publish. I have noticed the biggest mistake many writers make is over explaining their work. Quick example:
Dear Mr. Publisher,
My name is so and so and I would love to send you a copy of my manuscript it’s about a man who ran away from home. I am new to the writing game but all of my family and friends think I have potential. I believe you will love it if you give it a chance. There are a few errors I am having worked on but will send it to you and will take any advice you have to help with the finished product……..
I don’t know about you but that clearly reads “Amateur, unprofessional, unsophisticated” and the list can go on and on. When approaching a publisher present yourself and your work professionally even if you are unsure of the writing game. Keep things short and to the point. Add a bit of confidence but steer clear of overt arrogance. Remember you are coming to them for something but you are a potential asset.
In examining the above example the first thing that should stand out as being wrong is the name introduction and its request. ” My name is so and so and I would love to send you a copy of my manuscript” Never introduce yourself and then state what you would love to do. Of course you would love to get your book in their hands but so would the thousands of other writers who send in submissions every week. Your introduction should state your name but also tell them who you are and the general reason for your query. By keeping things professional it shows that you are not a newbie in the industry or that you don’t know proper etiquette.
Saying Less Gets You Further
Has anyone ever been intrigued by the silent, mysterious type? They seldom speak but when they do it’s usually powerful, insightful or has a thought-provoking response? They are mysterious and by nature humans are curious and challenge seeking. A person who gives less may find themselves always surrounded by others seeking to figure them out or please them. Now on the reverse of that have you ever been around a person who talks so much it makes you want to run from them. Most likely you avoid them at every opportunity or they may start to contradict themselves. The same goes for writing. Only state what is necessary but do it in a way that it is both professional and appealing.
Never allow your over zealous or uncertainty to cause you to talk your way out of a publishing deal. Publishers have limited time and they are more likely to choose a writer who is confident and self-assured. Don’t give them any reason to say no before they read your masterpiece.
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