Preparation meets opportunity lofty book events are golden for the independent author

Black Issues Book Review, July-August, 2005 by Victoria Christopher Murray

With so many books on the shelves, it is difficult for a spanking-new writer to break through the "noise." Traditional events, such as bookstore signings, are smart ways for an author to put themselves in front of readers. A number of special events, however, provide the self-published author exposure to large numbers of readers at one time. [See DESTINATIONS, page 42.] Established, mainstream authors are often present and even dominate such events. But being involved in them is even more crucial for the self-published author.

Pamela Walker-Williams is one of the founders of the African American Book Club Summit, an annual book festival at sea. Since 2000, readers have joined together for seven fun-filled days, enjoying sandy beaches and wining and dining with their favorite authors. For a self-published author, this event serves a two-fold purpose. "Not only are self-published authors exposed to book club members from all over the country, they also get a chance to network with mainstream, published authors," Walker-Williams says.

Networking by the Sea

This strategy has worked for a number of authors who've participated in the African American Summit at Sea. Parry "Ebony Satin" Brown (Fannin' the Flames, One World/Ballantine, June 2004), Norma Jarrett (Sunday Brunch, Harlem Moon, June 2004) and Victor McGlothin (What's a Woman to Do, St. Martins Press, October 2003) are just a few of the authors who were self-published when they first attended the summit and are now with major publishers.

"Over the years, we've had over seventy authors attend our summit, including Eric Jerome Dickey, J. California Cooper and Tananarive Due. So the cruise is great networking ground for a self-published or new author," Walker-Williams says. This year, more than 200 readers will be sailing upon the Carnival Pride as it leaves Los Angeles on October 16 and visits Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Ruth Bridges, the founder of Atlantic Bookpost, who also hosts literary retreats for women who love to read, agrees that the event is a good venue for the self-published author. "I found that readers have always been curious about self-published authors," Bridges says. "I read a lot of self-published books. And I have the same expectations from self-published authors that I have with mainstream authors--I expect a good book."

Because of this outlook, Bridges puts a lot of emphasis on the self-published authors she invites to her events. "I give the authors a chance to do workshops, participate in an author's showcase, and lead literary salons--all designed to give the self-published author more exposure."

Word of Mouth

In a smaller setting, usually with 50 to 75 participants, authors have the opportunity to spend time with readers--one-on-one. "When the reader can spend this kind of time with an author, up close and personal, they return to their home town and start spreading the word about the experience."

The National Book Club Conference in Atlanta, held August 5-7 this year, (see "Booklover's Bonanza,' page 12) is also a good place to make contacts. Its founder, Curtis Bunn, makes sure self-published authors have a special place in front of the 500 or so expected attendees. "I found that with many events, the same authors are promoted over and over.

"Exposure is critical, especially for the self-published author. And at the National Book Club Conference, self-published authors are in front of consistent readers. These are men and women who simply love to read. Even if the author doesn't make a book sale at the conference, it is a good bet that they will be contacted later."

Bunn provides self-published authors with opportunities to speak on panels, pass out promotional materials, and sell their own books. He presents them with chance to get their name and their book "out there."

"I don't take any money from self-published authors when they sell their books," Bunn says. "Because I want to give them every advantage possible, every opportunity to succeed."

Victoria Christopher Murray, a contributing editor to BIBR, is the author of the recently released Grown Folks Business (Touchstone, June 2005).

Shine on Me: The Biography of an African American Woman, Born Blind by D. Dexter Vizinau iUniverse Inc., September 2004 $25.95, ISBN 0-595-32464-9

This is a beautiful biography of Margaret Vizinau, born blind in rural Arkansas in 1927. The story is written by Margaret's son end chronicles in great detail the challenges she faced. This is a loving tribute to Vizinau's life and hardships as a church pianist end singer in San Francisco. Shine On Me is a compelling end important read.

--Reviewed by Antoinette Dykes Antoinette Dykes is the food and living editor for The Harlem Times in New York City and a freelance writer.

Bearing Witness: Not So Crazy in Alabama by Carla Thompson August Press, LLC, May 2005 $14, ISBN 0-963-57208-3

Thompson, an award-winning freelance writer and filmmaker, offers a chronicle of her six-year adventure as a Harlem-bred writer in Montgomery, Alabama. She writes with a critical and yet humorous voice end gives a quick examination of the New South. Bearing Witness is a charming, good read for anyone. (For more information, log on to her Web site, cwritesabook.com).