Tag: kindle

No, the Internet Has Not Killed the Printed Book

No, Technology Has Not Killed the Printed Book.
Books line the walls on at Common Grounds, in DeKalb, Ill., in August. KATIE SMITH / DAILY CHRONICLE, VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS

“Even with Facebook, Netflix and other digital distractions increasingly vying for time, Americans’ appetite for reading books — the ones you actually hold in your hands — has not slowed in recent years, according to a study by the Pew Research Center.

Sixty-five percent of adults in the United States said they had read a printed book in the past year, the same percentage that said so in 2012. When you add in ebooks and audiobooks, the number that said they had read a book in printed or electronic format in the past 12 months rose to 73 percent, compared with 74 percent in 2012.”

Click Here to Keep Reading

Beyond The Colored Line – A Year in Review

One year ago today, I published the second book in The Stella Trilogy, Beyond The Colored Line. I was shocked at the positive response I received from those who read it and the kinds of discussions it started. I hosted giveaways, book signings, and conducted an Interracial Interview series on this blog in which I interviewed couples in diverse relationships who still find themselves the victims of misunderstanding. I must say it seems more like a few years ago!  I’ve learned so much since then. Of course, there are lots of things I would have done differently with the knowledge I have now, but nonetheless BTCL still remains a favorite. And most importantly, still helping to expand the ongoing controversial subject that is race itself. I hope this book will live on through many generations and that my children will one day learn from this experience, as I did.

Author Yecheilyah Ysrayl used with permissionFeatured Image -- 481920160226_150037ReviewDSCN013120151207_114849 - Copy (2)DSCN014320160203_174649

My Favorite Review Quote:

“Move over To Kill a Mockingbird – the next best thing is here. If I had the power, I would put this book in the hands of every middle school child in America and let them truly understand what it means to be beyond the colored line. The thing is, the literary classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Huck Finn definitely bring up the issues of race, but they’re incredibly separated from what it’s portrayed as in today’s world. But this story, even though the setting went through the Great Depression and beyond, is still just as relevant. It is a concept of what it means to be of a race and how it affects us that still exists on every level, individually and socially. It is the name you put down on your resume. It is the cop that shoots. It is the indifference toward poverty and murder in non-white communities. It explains, in great detail and without fault, what white privilege is, and how it shows itself behind that line.”

– Anna Kopp

To learn more about Beyond The Colored Line, my blog buddy Colleen, host of the famous Writer’s Quote Wednesday weekly segment, did a special blog feature for me on the day of the debut last year. Check it out here.  You can check out the Interracial Blog Feature Here.

In the meantime, what kind of wine should I get tonight tho?

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My husband thinks my avatar is hilarious

Why Authors Need To Know About Book Sales Cycles

HNCK8984

Very insightful article. I’ll also add:

Release your books strategically. Launch those books during high reading cycles (Around Holidays, Black History Month if you’re a Black Lit / Historical Author, Weekends, and Summer).
Real Life Example: I released The Road to Freedom in February for two reasons:

Black History Month – My book is a work of Historical Fiction, Black History, and deals with identity and nationality.

Target Audience – My Target Audience were going to be in Atlanta for a Black History Stage Play. That’s when I decided to release it at The Metropolitan Library in ATL.

*Steps off soapbox*

Now to the expert lol:

Article Excerpt:

“A book is a product. Just like with most products there is a sales cycle on a year-to-year basis. Readers are still buying books in the same cycle as they always have. Just on a different medium.”

Keep Reading:

Why Authors Need to Know about Book Sales Cycles

6 Month Book Birthday Review Challenge – The Road to Freedom

I am sooo inspired by this post I just read! I also found it even more inspiring since I just published a post about reaching out and asking. Too bad I didn’t see this one until just now, I would have used it. Well, it’s either now or later. I’ll go ahead and use it now! First, here’s the link to the post. Check it out: 2 Easy Steps to A Massive Blog Tour

So following my recent post on asking. I’M ASKING FOR YOUR HELP. No, not a blog tour. More like a challenge.

I am trying to increase my number of book reviews on Amazon for The Road to Freedom – (Click Here to Learn What This Book Is About) in celebration of its 6 month birthday! The 3rd Book in the Stella Trilogy (also read as a standalone) was born on February 26, 2016. August 26th will make 6 months. In celebration, as I finish up the manuscript to my next book, I’d like to have a little fun. Right now I’m at the humble number of 8 Reviews. I am trying to at least make it to 15 which is just 7 reviews away! I know, I know, who am I? Well, nobody. But, like, you can help a nobody out right? Anyways, I have 3 Options for those who’d like to help:

Option #1:

Email ahouseofpoetry@gmail.com with the email header: Book Review Challenge Option 1.

Incentive: In response I’ll send you an e-copy of The Road to Freedom – Joseph’s Story AND the first Chapter to my upcoming novel, Renaissance which I have only released to my newsletter family.

…..AND

That’s not all. Finish the book and write the review and I’ll send you a signed paperback copy with my special author seal (must have written and posted review before I send the paperback copy)

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Time: Time is a valuable resource. For this reason, I am pleased to know it will not take up so much of your time to read this book. It’s only 65 pages long. Yea, you can read it in one day if you wanted to. That’s right, if you hate it I haven’t wasted much of your time. Though I seriously doubt you will ; ).

Deadline: I am asking for the reviews to be in no later than August 15th.

Serious Inquiries: I respect everyone’s time so I am asking for serious inquiries only. I have sent free e-copies of my book out before and I’ve never gotten a response back. Please only email me if you seriously want to read the book and are willing to provide an honest review. An honest review means you don’t have to like it, you just have to review it. The only true thing we have is our word. I don’t want to send my book to those who have no real intentions of helping me. If you are not interested in reviewing the book, please read on to the other options:

Option #2:

Can’t make my deadline? Not interested in reviewing the book? Interview me! Invite me as a guest on your blog and interview me about my writing process, Self-Publishing, Travel, Online / Offline Promo, whatever you want! Email ahouseofpoetry@gmail.com with the email header: Book Review Challenge – Option #2.

Option #3:

Yes! There is a 3rd Option. Not interested in Option 1 or 2? Mention me on Twitter! Don’t forget to follow me as well. I’ll follow you right back and RT your mention (This option is also open for those who have already reviewed the book). Just click the Tweet This Below:

Review Challenge: Check Out The Road to Freedom – Joseph’s Story by Yecheilyah @ahouseofpoetry– Tweet This

That’s it! That’s the challenge. Remember that you can participate using Options 1-3 if you want. Or use 1 and 3, or 1 and 2, whatever you like.

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I am not sure if this will work, but I am excited. We shall see. Anndddd…..go! (LOL)

Book Promotion Services – How They Actually Work

I stopped by OMs place today. See what I had to say about book promo. Remember: Book Promotion sites only work if the author does. To get the most out of any promo site you choose to use is to contribute to that process.

The Road to Freedom – On Sale 7/12 – 7/19

Amazon Review

Hi guys! Guess what’s on sale today? The Road to Freedom will be just $1.99 from now until next Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Just click on the button below to check it out. Buy or read the reviews for a better understanding of what the final book in The Stella Series is about.

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