SORMAG - JUL/AUG 2013 - Indie Publishers

SORMAG

Shades Of Romance - http://sormag.com

http://sormag.blogspot.com

Multi-Cultural Literary Magazine

DIGITAL

Non Fiction Author

Shalena D.I.V.A Romantic Suspense Author

Stacy-Deanne Publisher

PHE Ink

Christian Fiction Author

Dr. Linda Beed - pg 42

Romance Author

Nathasha Brooks-Harris Publisher

Delphine Publications Do You Have The Write Plan?

Publisher

Urban Prints Productions Christian Fiction Author

Charmaine Galloway INDIE PUBLISHERS JUL/AUG 2013

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Dr. Cannon Arrington’s mission is to help people in need. But when his ex fiancée re enters his life after twelve years, he has a new mission. Never let her get away again.

Yasmine Dubose never stopped loving Cannon.

Instead, she learned to live without him, guarding her heart in the process. However, when they are brought together to plan a wedding for their best friends, Yasmine is faced with the challenge of following her heart this time around or risk losing the only man she’s ever loved.

Candace Shaw - Author of fun flirty and sexy comptemporary romance http://candaceshaw.net/

Widowed and officially retired, EUGEENA PATTERSON throws herself into organizing the neighborhood association.

This presents a great opportunity to re-connect with old friends and get to know new neighbors like recently widowed Amos Jones, that is until Eugeena stumbles upon her estranged neighbor’s dead body. Eugeena’s daughter is fingered as a prime suspect, but where is she?

Determined to find her missing daughter, Eugeena and Amos sort through a list of neighbors with shady or unknown backgrounds. The more she searches, the more Eugeena becomes unsure about this neighborhood association idea.

Someone closer than Eugeena thinks, wants to keep it that way.

Tyora Moody - Soul-Searching Suspense http://TyoraMoody.com http://sormag.com

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Contributors Dr. Linda F. Beed is an author, educator, speaker and performing artist.

Volume 2, Issue 4 http://sormag.com http://sormag.blogspot.com Calendar http://sormag.com/guide.htm

Visit her online at: www.lindabeed.com and www.thewriteplan.net

Letters To the Editor 1sormag@gmail.com Advertising http://conta.cc/VBY9zS

Francis and LaShaunda - Photographer Louise Brown - pg 6 Other_Business_Conce_g200-Hand_Drawing - Image courtesy of Photokanok at FreeDigitalPhotos.net - pg 20

Ads In This Issue Writing Coach Phyllis Wheeler – 2 The Realest Ever

by Keith Thomas Walker - 2 Only One For Me by Candace Shaw - 3 Deep Fried Trouble by Tyora Moody - 3 Save The Date – A.C. Arthur – 4 Books To Read – 14, 31 The Linen God by Jim O'shea - 26 Mama Don't Like Ugly

by Rekaya Gibson - 26 Colorful Covers - 50

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In This Issue:

Cover Author Dr Linda Beed - 42 Memorial Francis Ray - 6 Romantic Suspense Author Stacy-Deanne - 8 Publisher Delphine Publications - 12 Christian Fiction Charmaine Galloway - 15 Article - 20 Do You Have The Right Plan?

by Dr. Linda Beed Non Fiction Author Shalena D.I.V.A. - 22 Romance Author Nathasha Brooks-Harris - 27 Publisher PHE Ink - 32 Publisher Urban Prints Productions - 36

JUL/AUG 2013

C O N T E N T IN EVERY ISSUE Note From The Editor - 7 5 Things To Do This Month - 19 5 Things To Motivate Your Writing - 25 Simple Promotions - 35 SORMAG Author - 39 Businesses Helping Writers - 40

INDIE PUBLISHERS http://sormag.com

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In Memory OfFrancis Ray

Ms. Francis was one of the authors I created SORMAG for. I wanted to give back to them as a THANK YOU for the many hours of wonderful reading they had given me.

I had the pleasure of meeting Francis in the 90s when RWA came to St. Louis. A group of Black romance writers met at a local bookstore and I made it my business to get down there and meet them. The meeting started a wonderful friendship that I will always cherish. The last time we spoke was at the Romance Slam Jam in 2012. She introduced me to her daughter, Michelle.

Francis was one of those kindred spirits who was willing to share what she’d learned about writing and the business. I loved talking to her; it was like talking to a big sister. I’m deeply saddened to know that I won’t have any more conversations with her.

I loved her books. They were those types of books you sit down and you didn’t get up until you finished it. Her heroes made you go out looking for them because you believed there was a Daniel out there waiting for you.

I’m thankful for the many sleepless nights from reading her books, I’m thankful for our friendship and what she taught me about writing. I will continue to promoting her books because I know her books will inspire other readers.

I will miss you Francis. My deepest sympathy to Michelle and your family. http://sormag.com

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The first Indie published author I ever met Note From The Editor came to speak to a writer’s group I help start. I was impressed with his speech to us and I wished I’d listened to him when he told us to take our best writer of the group. Publish his or her book and then use the money we made to publish the next book. We looked at him Books like he was crazy because back then selfLaShaunda Is publishing had a bad reputation and everybody Reading was dreaming of the call from the big publishing houses. If we’d gotten the smoke out of our eyes we would have seen that he’d given us some solid advice and we all would be published right now. Only one of the members of the group would go on to be published and would you know he became an indie publisher – H.D. Campbell.

As I learned more about the business of publishing, Indie publishers began to hold a special place in my heart. These were the writers who stepped out on faith and believed in their work enough to invest in their book from the beginning to the end. As the industry changed, indie publishers no longer were the stepchild; they were moving up to becoming a route many writers were taking. No longer did you have to go through the big publishers to see your book with your name on it. If you completed the right steps and had the correct funds, you too could become a published author.

This issue I will introduce you to some authors who chose to publish their own manuscripts and you’ll meet some publishers who decided to not only publish their own, but to help other writers see their publishing dream come true.

This issue is dedicated to friends who passed this month, Shon Hart and Francis Ray. Thank you both for your friendships.

Thank you for taking time to check out this issue of SORMAG Digital. I’d like to hear what you thought of this issue. Drop me a line 1sormag@gmail.com.

See ya on the net, LaShaunda C. Hoffman Editor/Publisher of SORMAG http://sormag.com

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Stacy-Deanne Stacy-Deanne (Dee-Anne) is a published novelist of crime fiction, mystery/suspense, and romantic suspense with interracial subplots. She started writing professionally in 1997 when she was nineteen years old.

Stacy grew up loving the suspense genre. Her idols are Edgar Allan Poe and Alfred Hitchcock. Her love for Psycho and many of his movies fueled her fire for suspense.

How did you start out your writing career?

At the age of 19 I decided to become a writer. I’d always enjoyed writing but I never thought of pursuing it professionally until that age. Something just clicked in me because I realized that writing made me very happy. I wanted to see how far I could go. So like many beginning writers I dipped my toes into submitting work. It took years of honing my craft before I finally got my first contract in 2005. From there the doors continued to open.

What did you learn while writing this book?

My new release, The Wild Life is my seventh book and the third installment in my Interracial Mystery/Romantic Suspense series. In this book I delved deeper into the main character, Bree’s relationship with her estranged father. While learning more about Bree, I ended up thinking about strained relationships I’ve had in the past and how important it is to forgive. Bree learns the exact same thing in the book. There comes a time where you might not understand how others are, but you have to just forgive in order to be happy in your own life. Bree struggles with past demons concerning her father but she learns it’s best to let go.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

My main goal is for people to enjoy it. I hope that those who already enjoy the series will find themselves closer to Bree after reading The Wild Life. This is the book that answers many http://sormag.com

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When Albany Detective Brianna “Bree” Morris learns that Cuban crime lord Milan Varela wants her estranged father dead, she heads off to Miami to find out why.

With Homicide Detective Jayce Matthews and her exlover Detective Steven Kemp she devises a plot to get close to the Varela organization.

Brianna finds herself attracted to the older Milan and falls deep into his web of seduction while fighting to keep her mind on her mission. Milan is equally drawn to Brianna and vows to win her trust and her heart.

Is Milan really the villain when it comes to Brianna’s father? Or is he the victim?

Is Brianna’s father really in danger or is there more to the story than anyone could ever imagine?

Brianna risks her life to save her father’s but will she end up losing her own?

The steamy, explosive, and super-hot new installment in the Bree and Steven Series!

of those questions people might have about her. I also hope that the book attracts new readers and they will check out my existing work.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

I learned a long time ago that it wasn’t just rainbows and unicorns after publication.

Aspiring writers seem to think that the world ends and begins after being published but that’s not true. I love being published and not having to go through the rejection I had to before, but publication brings other challenges. First off, you gotta get comfortable with being a public figure and it’s weird to realize just how many people become aware of you through your books. Another thing that’s surprising is that you work even harder after publication. Once you’re published there is way more pressure on you because you wanna do the best you can but you have others who have a stake in you as well. But despite the challenges, I love being published and I recognize the blessings that come along with that.

What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?

I hate second-guessing myself in my writing sometimes. It’s hard to remember that you gotta write for you first and foremost in order for you to enjoy it. Sometimes negativity sneaks into my head and I end up questioning myself which leads to making things harder than they need to be. What I love the most is that my writing touches people. It’s cool to know that people might be reading your books and they spawn all of these emotions based on some story you made up. LOL!

Interracial mystery romantic suspense http://sormag.com

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What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

Wow let me think. One would be that being published does not make you an overnight success. I think many writers think it does. I wish starting out I hadn’t fallen for that seductive dream because it would’ve saved some feelings of disappointment for not achieving certain things I hoped when I first started out. The second would be that I wish I’d known there were so many snakes in the writing industry that will try to use you to get ahead. Of course that’s everywhere but for some reason us writers seem to think we all look after each other and we don’t. There are more writers who will step on you or use you for their own gain than you can imagine. That’s why you have to be smart. There are only a handful of people I trust in this industry and I keep others at a distance. Third would be that I wish I’d known that I’d have haters or people jealous of me once I reached a certain level. I’ve accomplished a lot and I do my best to support others but that doesn’t matter to some people. Some people only see me as having something they want or being where they wanna be but they don’t recognize the struggle I had to get here. But like they say if you don’t have haters then you’re not doing anything worth hating so it’s a compliment in a way.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m in school so I have school work to do.

When I’m taking a break from writing and schoolwork I just like to relax. I’m a homebody so I enjoy staying around the house, watching movies, listening to music, and reading.

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Oprah always asks; what do you know for sure?

That the only thing I can control in life is me.

What made you decide to submit to a small press instead of the big publishers?

I was with Simon and Schuster for two books and even though I appreciated the opportunity to be with a big house, I realized it wasn’t for me. My personality fits a smaller house because I like that close-knit setting. I like to be able to actually reach out to my publisher at any time and to have as many decisions in the process of my books as I can. I also like the fact that with a small press, I’m not rushed for anything. I can get my books in when I can and take my time. I don’t have to worry about how fast a book sells because I don’t have to deal with the three-month window you have when dealing with big houses and bookstores. I also find way more freedom with a smaller press. I’m seen as an author and not just a number. You get close attention, you feel like you’re actually an important part of the process. Being with a small press brought back my joy for writing. I’ve never been happier.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for authors trying to decide between smaller press and traditional publishers?

I think the biggest challenge comes from ignorance because most writers never had the experience of both. Before I got with a big house I thought it would be perfect. It’s the dream of all dreams right? Of course until I realized that the idea of a big house was not what being with a big house actually was and it didn’t take long for me to realize it did not fit the person I am. All I can tell people who are considering submitting to both is that they need to know what fits them best.

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If they want the closeness and to be active in the publication process then a smaller press might be best for them. It would also be best if they want to publish things like short stories along with novels, and if they wanna get work out faster. Big publishers take a long time to release a book. If a writer wants (or hopes to get) a decent advance, placement in bookstores, and maybe a bigger promotional push, then a big house might be for them. But they should know that these days bigger publishers are not doing any more than decent small presses can do for you. No matter what you choose you will have to do some of the work in terms of sales. The industry has changed and only a tiny fraction of authors get big pushes from big publishers these days. Another thing to consider is what you write. Small presses are better for niche books that bigger presses might not be able to sell effectively because the book’s audience might be limited. It comes down to what a writer wants and what would make them happy.

No matter the size of the house, a book will swim, sail, or sink. The size of the house does not determine this. Also being with a small press might take a bit longer for you to build a name. I was already published when I moved to a small press but it might be a little harder for a new author to build a name through a small press. But there are of course exceptions. It’s best for a writer to know their goals and research before jumping into anything.

What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

I will say doing guest blogs because I enjoy them.

There really isn’t an excuse not to take advantage of them. They are easy promotion and they are free. Your name can end up all over the net from doing a few guest posts alone and that can lead to book sales. I believe that authors should stick with promotion they enjoy though. If you don’t wanna do it then it won’t work out anyway.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, What are some realistic expectations for a writer who chooses to work with a small press? email, website) Small presses are just like big ones, they are all different. Some small presses promote their books and some don’t. The truth is that with a smaller house you most likely will move smaller numbers but you can become a bestseller and sell well with a small press. On the downside some smaller presses don’t have the clout or name recognition to get book reviews and other things that open the door for writers. So it’s important to know this ahead of time. Some small presses have built in contacts that help them sell books, while others are fighting to break down doors just like authors are.

I’d suggest to any writer to check out the books of any smaller press they are thinking of signing with to see if they produce quality products, then do research on the pub’s sales, etc.

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Readers can email me through my site and sign up for my mailing list here: http://www.stacy-deanne.net Facebook: http://tiny.cc/aqx43 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/stacydeanne Peace in the Storm Publishing: http://peaceinthestormpublishing.com/authorbooks /allbooks.html

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Delphine Publications Why did you start your publishing house?

I launched my company at the age of 21 when I discovered the art of self-publishing. I had no desires on waiting for a company to say they wanted to publish me so instead I decided to publish myself. It was several months later that I brought on two other authors and it stayed that way for three years until I began to build onto the company.

What is your publishing house's mission?

I like to always stress that we publish stories that reflect who we are or someone we know. My goal is to continue to do that and entertain at the same thing.

Can you tell us about the challenges that independent publishers face in the current market and your approach to dealing with these?

One of the main challenges an independent publisher faces is being a head of the rest. This business is overly saturated with a lot of people who aren’t natural writers who takes eBook publishing as a hustle verses an art. Therefore the real talents and true writers have to fight just as hard to have their work recognized. In addition a hustler is quick to price their work at .99 cents verse a true artist will want respected compensation for their work. But with the eBooks being underpriced in the masses they are often forced to lower their prices so that a reader will take a chance on them. It’s a hard business but once you have developed your followers and they trust your work, pricing your book becomes a http://sormag.com

moot point and you can set it at any price you choose. But the key is to get those followers first.

What has been the positive/negative of starting your own publishing house?

Positive thing is I am the boss. I control everything and I make all the decisions from beginning to the end but the down size to that is I have to get the word out alone. I have to create my marketing plan and my own connections. It’s up to me if the book flops or soars.

What are some realistic expectations for a writer who chooses a small press?

Going with a small publisher can be very affective if you like that direct contact with your bosses. You tend to be more catered to as well and they are more hands on with your project.

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What are things to look for when working with What have been some of your best sellers? a small press?

Now You Wanna Come Back, The Ultimate NoTheir own marketing efforts, success of others No, Kisses Don’t Lie, Her Sweetest Revenge, and they have worked with, their appearance virtually currently Crimson Footprints. and if they have a strong following, and the character of the publisher is always important. How can writers get in contact with you? (mail, You want someone to work with you that does not email, website, guidelines) see you just as a dollar sign but as an artist they www.delphinepublications.com are willing to help be successful. pub@delphinepublications.com What are three pieces of advice you would give twitter and instagram @DelphinePub to someone interested in starting his/her own publishing house?

Do your research, work with a small group of talents first before you bring on the masses, and be affective get out there and walk the pavement.

Being strong virtually is only 50% of the job.

What online sources have you found invaluable to the marketing of your company's books?

Many bloggers have been very useful for the growth of my company and not just book bloggers but all sorts. I also have great responses from twitter, instagram, and Facebook. You just have to know how to use them.

What is your definition of success as an independent publisher?

Someone who has a continued strong fan base, affective authors who have a strong followership, and they stay consistent with their efforts of spreading the love of literature. A dollar sign doesn’t define success at all.

How do you find your authors and what are you looking for when you read the initial submission?

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF SORMAG's COMMUNITY JOIN TODAY sormag.blogspot.com

I found my first initial talents via social media and we clicked nowadays its through corporate submissions through our website. http://sormag.com

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Books To Read

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Charmaine Galloway Charmaine was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio.

Writing has been her passion and a positive emotional outlet since middle school. As a teen, writing in her journal allowed her to escape the negativity of her world. Around that time she also began writing her first fiction novel. She finds joy in creating unique and awe inspiring story-lines for the characters in her stories. Ingenuity and imagination is a mainstay and compass in her work.

Charmaine has a Bachelor ofArts in Family Life Education and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Becoming a fierce advocate and supporter of troubled young women has been a goal of hers since overcoming struggles of her own as a young woman. “I believe turning a blind eye or deaf ear to our struggling youth only promotes destruction and demise. They are human. They have a voice. You’ll be surprised by what you learn from them if you just listen.”

Charmaine, being the wearer of many proverbial ‘hats’, is an independent self-publisher and the founder of Charming Gal Publications. She is the CEO and jewelry designer for Forever Divas Fashionable Jewelry, her online jewelry boutique and a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher. However, the most important ‘hat’ she wears is that of Mom to her two children. Following her dreams as a writer and authoress will leave a beautiful legacy for them and encourage them to work hard to achieve their dreams because their Mom didn't quit reaching for hers.

Chistian Fiction http://sormag.com

How did you start out your writing career?

As a teen, writing poetry allowed me to escape from the negativity of my world. Around that time I also began writing my first Christian fiction novel. That was over 16 years ago but in 2013, I decided that I was going to self-publish my work.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned that writing of course, is very time consuming.

When I was finishing up my poetry book to be published I learned that I was finally going to share my truth with the world. However, some people in my family thought that I was revealing too much,

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but I had to do what God has placed me on this earth to do. I believe my purpose is to share my testimony with others.

For my novel, once I started writing to publish my book, it seemed like all I was doing everyday was writing or thinking about what I was going to write. I became so engrossed with my characters, I wanted to writing a great story that people will enjoy reading.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

For my poetry book My World, Through My Eyes I hope to inspire women and share with them my testimony of how God has kept me in my darkest hours. I want them to know that even though they may have had a dark past, they can still have a bright future.

For my novel Girlfriends Secrets, I hope to share with the readers the lessons of life. We all go through trail and tribulations in our life because no one life is perfect. But we should learn from our mistakes and remember that God will not put more on us then we can bear.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

I was so surprised when I first seen my book in print. I just couldn’t believe that I was an author and had my book in my hands. I was also ecstatic with I seen it on the shelve at my local book store.

My World, Through My Eyes is a heartfelt collection of poems, reflections, and prayers that represent the trials and triumphs of the poet’s past.

As a teen, Charmaine found joy in writing in her journal. It was therapeutic as it allowed her to escape the negativity of her world. She wrote all of her thoughts, feelings, and emotions on paper. Having a positive outlet for this emotion and creativity encouraged her to see that there is positive light within the hardships she has endured.

Charmaine believes that her purpose is to share her testimony of Faith.

In this book, she shares one of the most valuable and essential lessons she has learned on her journey. Learning to Let Go and Let God intervene in her life and heal her from her sinful past has been the most changing, validating, and peace yielding decision she has made.

Come and witness Charmaine’s poetic reflection of life which has molded her into the strong, devoted mother and Christian she is today.

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What aspect of writing do you love the best, and of stories about authors that were being misled by companies. which do you hate the most?

I love when all the different idea pop in my head I What do you think is the biggest challenge for get so excited. It seems like I am always thinking of authors trying to decide between indie publishing and traditional publishing? what to write in my upcoming books. Right now when I write, it just comes to me I have not had writers block. But what I hate most is typing. I am a They need to know that when you self-publish your very slow typist. I have to write down my story and books you have to do all the work yourself. You have to find an editor, book designer, typesetter, printing then type it up. But I have so my plots and ideas company and etc. Also you have to promote your lined up to write. So you will be seeing a lot of book yourself. When you are with a traditional novels from me in the future. publisher they help you out but they also get a percentage of the money from the books you sell.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

What have you found to be the biggest challenge in self-publishing?

I wish I would have had a reliable editor before I started my self-publishing journey. It was tough The biggest challenge is making sure you promote finding an editor, but now I have one that I can your work well. It’s hard because I don’t belong to a trust. big name publishing company so I have to work hard When you're not writing, what do you like to do to get my name out there so people can give my work a chance. Some people believe that selfin your spare time? published author self-publish their work because they were rejected by a traditional publishing I spend time with my two children Shayla and Shayne and I also design jewelry. I am the CEO of company, but that is not true. A lot of authors including myself have not ever tried to submit their Forever Divas Fashionable Jewelry online manuscript to a company. I prefer to do it myself boutique. because I don’t want to be involved with the drama Oprah always asks; what do you know for sure? that some of these company’s go through. But I don’t know what the future will bring, but right now I am I know for sure that I want to be a great mother to happy with Charming Gal Publications (My Company) my children and accomplish all the goals that I have set for my life. Life is a journey and you never What are some realistic expectations for a writer know where the ride will take you. All I know is who chooses self-publishing? that I will not fail.

What made you decide to go the indie route for Just believe in yourself. You want to self-publish your work and if you put the time and energy into publishing? promoting your work, you can become successful.

I self-published my books because I want to be in You will not become rich overnight, maybe not ever. charge of everything and I didn’t want anyone else But if you are passionate about writing and you have to have the rights of my books. Also I was scared of a story to tell I think you should write it. being robbed by publishing companies. I heard a lot h ttp : //so rm a g. co m

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What is your definition of success as an independent publisher?

Success is when people know who you are as a writer and they are reading, enjoying and talking about your work.

What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

I love promoting and meeting my readers. I love to hear their thoughts about my writing. I love when my readers tell me that my book has inspired them.

What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone interested in starting his/her own publishing house?

Do your research. Be truthful to the people you come in contact with and don’t rush into it if you want it to last.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website).

All my information is on my website www.charmainegalloway.com Meet Tyra, Alisha, and Brittany. These young women have been good friends since high school. Like most close friends, they have shared secrets and had ups and downs. They’ve also managed to maintain and solidify healthy, trusting friendships with each other through the year. Or so it seemed.

More recently, there has been a change in atmosphere amongst them. Betrayal? Dishonesty? Their friendship is about to be put to the test with the secrets they hold.

Tyra Bell is a single mother who has seen hardships and trials. She’s led a tumultuously torrid lifestyle before the birth of her son. Good decisions and sound judgment were not within her character before he was born. Since becoming a mom, Tyra made the decision to become a devout Christian. She realizes that her son deserves a family and is preparing herself and waiting on God to send her life-mate. While adjusting to her walk as a Christian, Tyra’s faith is shaken to its core when she receives a phone call. Her party past and bad decisions could cost her the most valuable things she has. Her son.

Brittany Parker is the epitome of a “kept” woman. This self-centered house wife of a successful medical doctor lives her life under the premise that life (hers at least) is too perfect to have a care in the world. But major marital problems arise when her husband becomes a workaholic. How else can he afford this woman and her lavish lifestyle? He always was big on the idea of work hard, play hard. Brittany must’ve been too busy spending his money to notice.

Alisha Wright is a dedicated mother of two. Dedicated to raising her family, she unselfishly sacrifices her own joys and desires to efficiently meet her responsibilities as a mom. Alisha’s children are not the only people who enjoy the fruit of her toil and selflessness. She would go to any measure to stay in a relationship with her son’s father and he knows it. Will his manipulation and deception lead her to abandon her priorities? Alisha needs her friends for support but insists on baring this heartache on her own.

As the lives of these friends unfold they each have opportunities to reflect. It is then that secrets and truths are revealed. Will the secrets ruin their lifelong friendships? When the time comes, these three women will be faced with difficult choices and as a result their lives will never be the same. http://sormag.com

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5 Things To Do This Month Sign up for a Cooking Class

Follow a virtual book tour

Pay it forward Pay for someone's lunch Take a walk around your neighborhood http://sormag.com

Go skating with your best friend

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Do You Have The Write Plan?

Due to the increasing opportunities for publishing, getting your book into the hands of the reading public has become easier than ever. Traditional, independent, e-book and POD are but a few avenues for writers to consider for publication.

Those considerations are important, but only a fraction of what the author must consider when formulating a plan for their writing business.

Yes, you heard me correctly—a writer needs a plan for their writing business.

There may be those who beg to differ in this area. However, here are three things that a writer must understand: · · ·

Writing is a business Once you place the last punctuation on the page you must don your business hat Careful planning is a must

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Regardless which avenue you choose for publication, the astute writer will opt to protect their brand via their business protocol. That protocol begins with grasping some very basic and important concepts.

The first has already been mentioned, but bears repeating: writing is a business. In knowing this, you will understand that a foundation must be laid to support what you will build.

Most will ask where to begin laying that foundation. A great place to start is by learning how the business side of the industry operates. This includes what it expects of you and what you should receive from it in return. Sounds good, but because there are so many variables, one must proceed with caution.

Ponder this scenario. You’re offered one million dollars to write a book about underwater basket weaving. The client also wants you to publish it and establish a brand. In addition, you’re required to build a company to oversee the day to day operation of it and its offshoots.

Receiving those funds is contingent upon the success of that project. Please note that it will be your responsibility to fund the project. How would you proceed?

I’ll give you a little help here. Categorize the needs of your client: · · · · ·

Writing Publishing Branding/Marketing Team Financing Project Setting Up Legal business

Under each of those headings create two columns. In the first column, write everything you know about the subject. Leave the second column blank.

There of course is more to it than this. The scenario presented here will give you points to ponder for setting up your writing business.

In closing, I encourage you not to allow what you don’t know to intimidate you. Be strengthened by the fact that you’re setting yourself up for success. Above all things, know that anything worth having is worth the investment.

Dr. Linda F. Beed is an author, educator, speaker and performing artist. Visit her online at: www.lindabeed.com and www.thewriteplan.net

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Shalena D.I.V.A. Shalena D.I.V.A. is the author of "Fire Your Friends: A Woman's Guide to Becoming Her Own Best Friend", speaker, and certified life coach who has shown thousands of women how to discover, invest, value and appreciate their God-given gifts and talents.

As the creator of www.shalenadiva.com, she created a platform for women to better their lives and build their businesses. She currently resides in Philadelphia, PA with her young son and enjoys helping women all around the world to unleash their inner D.I.V.A! www.shalenadiva.com How did you start out your writing career?

I started out writing by blogging. I began to share my thoughts about life and empowerment with people who followed me on facebook.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned how to self-publish a book from start to finish.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I hoped to explain my philosophy for successful living for women. I walked readers through the four step D.I.V.A process which totally turned my life around for the better. D stands for discover. I stands for Invest. V stands for Value and A stands for appreciate your God-given gifts and talents.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

How much being a published author helps you to be seen as an expert and a trusted authority in your field. Having a published book opened doors for me.

Non Fiction

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What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?

I love writing, especially the painful parts. You know, writing about traumatic events or feelings that make me feel uncomfortable. I love this aspect of writing because I know that once I release the pain on paper, my story will be able to help someone else overcome a similar situation.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

I wish I were more familiar with the self-publishing process so I could’ve saved some money. I also wish I hadn’t allowed fear to keep me from completing manuscripts and turning them into books.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to conduct in person and virtual empowerment workshops for women and girls. Most recently, I conducted D.I.V.A. ACADEMY: A Teen Girl Empowerment Program for troubled middle school girls. I saw a profound transformation in them in just a few short weeks.

Oprah always asks; what do you know for sure?

You have to believe in the dreams in your heart. You have to commit to making them come true. You have to become your dream.

What made you decide to go the indie route for publishing?

Self-publishing helped me to realize a lifelong dream. I had total control over the process and was able to write about what I wanted to write about.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for authors trying to decide between indie publishing and traditional publishing?

Thinking they need to go the route of a traditional publisher. That’s not necessary these days.

What have you found to be the biggest challenge in self-publishing?

Not knowing how all of the pieces fit together. Once I learned how it all works together, the process became simple.

What are some realistic expectations for a writer who chooses self-publishing?

You will not become rich from your book. However, you can use your book to create programs where you can make money. You can also use your book as a platform to book speaking engagements. Use your book to build your business, platform or cause. http://sormag.com

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What is your definition of success as an independent publisher?

Being able to help other improve their lives after reading my book. Also being able to create multiple streams of income from one book.

What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

Use social media to engage people. Share your thoughts and ideas often. Create cheerleaders out of them.

What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone interested in starting his/her own publishing house?

Count the cost of creating a book. There’s nothing worse than starting a project and not being able to finish it due to lack of funds.

Utilize platforms like CreateSpace to publish your book.

Build you platform and start marketing your book before it is released.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website) www.shalenadiva.com / www.fb.com/shalenadiva / www.twitter.com/shalenadiva / www.youtbe.com/shalenadiva / instagram : @shalenadiva

Become the CEO of your Life! Have the courage to fire, hire, or promote people within your inner circle. “Fire Your Friends: A Woman's Guide to Becoming Her Own Best Friend” introduces you to 5 powerful girlfriends who live within all women. Your new best friends will make you laugh, cry, think, and ultimately fall in love with the woman in the mirror: YOU. They teach you valuable lessons that will help you create a healthy relationship with yourself FIRST. http://sormag.com

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5 Things To Motivate Your Writing

5 4 3 2 Rejection means you're submitting 1 Get a rejection this month Enter a writing contest in a different genre Write a story in first person Read blog posts about the RWA conference Set a timer and write for 30 minutes

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Mama Don't Like Ugly takes readers on a journey of Dana Calhoun's life growing up in Nautica, Louisiana. Her mama finds her dark skin repulsive, so she abuses and neglects her. Also, she constantly compares Dana to her lightskinned sister. Regardless of Dana's unconditional love for her mama, she still encounters a cycle of torment. Will mama finally realize that Dana is a beautiful person in spite of her dark skin or will she continue to spew those hateful words, "Mama don't like ugly?"

Rekaya Gibson http://rekayagibson.com/

The Shroud ofTurin is the most studied and controversial religious relic in human history. The ancient linen cloth bears the image of a man, alleged to be that of Jesus of Nazareth. What if it were real? What if it contained a secret powerful enough to alter the course of human history? And what if it fell into the wrong hands? Manny Lusum is convinced the Shroud is the genuine article and obsessed with proving it scientifically. Grace Barden is not only Manny's best friend, but she's also secretly in love with the physics student and soon-to-be Catholic priest. Across the globe, three grisly murders and the theft of a secret manuscript thrust Grace and Manny into a generations-old conspiracy of biblical proportions. From New York to Rome to the inner sanctum of the Vatican, they struggle to untangle a bizarre mystery surrounding the controversial artifact. In a dramatic confrontation between faith and the ultimate evil on the world stage, Grace and Manny are pushed to the edge of an abyss, balanced between heaven and hell.

Jim O'Shea http://jimoshea-author.com/main/ http://sormag.com

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Nathasha Brooks-Harris Nathasha Brooks-Harris lives and works in New York City, where she successfully juggles a government career with the demands of being a romance author. Her latest book is Can A Sistah Get Some Love, an anthology in which she has a novella. Prior to that, was her book, Sins OfThe Past a tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Can I Get An Amen Again, (an anthology with coauthors Kim Louise, Janice Sims, and Natalie Dunbar), is the follow-up to the Emma Award-nominated Can I Get An Amen.

Her debut romance novel, Panache, was released to her worldwide fans in 2001, earning her the prestigious Emma Award for Best New Author. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Black Romance, Bronze Thrills, and True Confessions magazines. In addition, she freelances as a Contributing Editor at Having Church For Women magazine. She is a former contributing editor at Today's Black Woman magazine, where she wrote the popular monthly departments "Career and Money News," "Career Savvy" and a women's general information column called "FYI." Brooks-Harris has also been a book reviewer for QBR magazine, SORMAG, Romance In Color, and The Romer Review websites. She’s a contributor for the Gumbo For The Soul website, where she writes about breaking into writing and getting successfully published. She is the co-founder of the romance writing website devoted to women romance authors of color, The Wonderful Women of Romance—a part ofThe Belles & Beaux of Romance, where she was formerly a reviewer. Brooks-Harris is proud to have an essay about literacy in the recently-released Gumbo For the Soul anthology—endorsed by the well-respected author and TV personality, Tavis Smiley. When she’s not writing, she teaches the craft of writing at the prestigious Frederick Douglas Center For Creative Arts. In her spare time, Brooks-Harris is a cloth doll artist and quilter—whose work has appeared in several museum exhibitions and fiber art magazines. She may be reached at writernbh@aol.com.

What inspired your book?

Listening to the sounds of Bossa Nova and Brazilian jazz inspired my book, A Love so Right. I had done an interview a few years earlier with Dionne Warwick, and she told me all about how she moved to Brazil because she so loved it there, as well as the music and the culture. As a result, she recorded a really great CD, Aquarela Do Brazil, a work that’s full of Bossa Nova and the Samba sound. I fell in love with that CD and with Brazil. When I sat down to write this book, I just knew it had to be set in Brazil. http://sormag.com

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What would you like readers to take away from your book?

I would like readers to take away from this book that love is always around, and it will find you in its own time. I also want readers to take away that Brazil is full of rich African history, as well as awesome art, music, and culture. It is my intent to give them some new African-type culture.

What is your favorite scene from your book?

My favorite scene is when Paulino takes Tamara on a tour of Brazil. He takes her to a few of the touristy places, but the majority of the tour is based on Brazil through his eyes. They eat indigenous foods and treats, visit a samba school practicing for Carnavale, and he even takes her to get a reading from the Macumba lady, and to make the offering that she instructs Tamara to make. That part might sound controversial, but it is so a part of Brazilian culture that I would have been remiss had I left it out.

Which character did you have the most fun writing about?

I had the most fun writing about Paulinho. I knew that I wanted him to be a traditional Afro-Brazilian man with a twist, as well as incredibly handsome. I didn't know much more more at the time until I did further research and his character began to speak to me. As I worked on his character sketch, pieces of his story began to unfold. He told me that he wanted to be a chef, to inherit a hotel resort that he’d be forced to run, and that his heart was really in the kitchen. He is very Brazilian in his thinking, but he is also very forward thinking because of his having traveled the world in his chef duties. It took a lot of research to make him a rich, three-dimensional character and to bring him to life.

What did you learn about yourself in terms of your strong points and weak points while writing this book?

This book took me several years to write because my father was ill and later died. I stopped writing so I could be close to my mother to help her deal with his death. Then she became ill and later died. I was in an emotional abyss and could not create anything as badly as I wanted to. Little by little, I felt like writing again, and I finished this book. I learned that writing is cathartic and therapeutic if you allow it to be. I learned that writing helped me to get past my pain a little bit and made me want to go on. Writing helped me to become stronger. I learned that although I had questions about what was happening in my life and why, the answers emerged as I wrote. Writing helped me to see and find my own strength.

As a reader what makes a good book for you?

I am a writer, but I am also an avid reader. I love romance novels because they help me to forget my troubles and they are “feel good� stories. However, I am an eclectic reader; I love all types of books. What makes a good book for me is an out of the box plot, well-crafted three-dimensional characters, a wonderful setting, and lots of description. I want to live vicariously through the characters and feel as if I am a part of the story. The story has to take me there. I also like to learn as I read, so if the author can drop some knowledge into the plot, all the better. I write the kinds of stories I like to read. http://sormag.com

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One book you wish you'd written.

Who was the first author you ever met?

The first author I ever met was Alex Haley in a soul food restaurant on West 23rd Street in Manhattan. I was leaving the restaurant and spotted him. I was excited because he was a real author and I had dreamed of being an author one day. My friend dared me to speak to him. Mr. Haley was eating his dinner and was really getting down and into it.

I hated to bother him, but I was respectful. I complimented him on a job well done with his writing of Roots. I had read it and loved it, and I told him that I wanted to an author. He gave me tips that I still remember to this day. He thanked me for reading his book, stopping by to say hello, and shook my hand. He wished me well and told me that he thought that I had what it took to achieve my dream. I never forgot that.

Five questions about books:

How do you use the social media to reach your readers?

I will use social media to tell my friends about my book and to talk about the craft of writing. I mainly use social media for networking. I love meeting new people and making friends all around the world. I hope that some of them will buy my book(s) and enjoy my work.

What advice would you offer to someone whose book is about to be released?

The advice that I would offer someone whose book is about to be released is to promote in any way they can afford, and to continue to learn the craft of writing. One published book does not make an author an expert.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

One book that made you cry.

Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins One book that made you laugh.

Black Coffee by Tracy Price-Thompson One book that you have read more than once.

Brenda Jackson’s Fire and Desire One book you loved as a child.

Uncle Remus Stories. My mother used to tell me those stories, complete with the Southern accents and inflections, and I just loved it. To find out that there was a book just did it for me!

http://sormag.com

Rochelle Alers’ Lessons ofA Low Country Summer

Nathasha Brooks-Harris P.O. Box 150232 Brooklyn, NY 11215 My website is: www.nathashabrooksharris.com My email address is authornbh@aol.com Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

What I know for sure is that with God, all things are possible. If I keep my trust in Him, I can do whatever I set out to do because He has my back.

ROMANCE

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Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG Digital?

I would like to say to the readers of SORMAG Digital that I thank all of you for your support of my work through the years. I was off the scene for a minute, but am back, and hope to stay around this time. I will keep bringing you the stories you want to read and those that make my heart sing. I am appreciative of your support because there are so many other choices you could have made, but you chose my work. I do not take that for granted. I would like to say thank you to SORMAG Digital for interviewing me. You have supported me from my first book and I am grateful.

Pauliñho Cardoso has made quite a name for himself as a chef extraordinaire creating delectable dishes in the most popular kitchens in Spain, Portugal, and in his beloved Brazil. For him, cooking isn't just slicing and dicing, frying and sautéing, but it's an art form—his calling. But his culinary glory days come to an abrupt halt when he has to leave his beloved kitchens to return home to Brazil when his parents are killed in a plane crash on their way back to Rio after a business trip. Grieving and heartbroken over giving up his career as a chef, his biggest challenge is how to take over running the hotel and keeping it in the black. The 6'5" tanned hunk decides to renovate the hotel and turn it into a showplace. A music promoter hears about the Bahia Del Mar Hotel and Resort and finds it is the perfect venue for the upcoming special Jazz By Twilight concert. Things go well and flow smoothly until Pauliñho meets her...

From the moment he meets the feisty travel agent from Brooklyn, Pauliñho 's body betrays him and he can't quell the white heat permeating in his loins. She's a vision of beauty—a woman made especially for his brand ofAfro-Brazilian loving.

Lord help him, Pauliñho is just the man she needs to do it! He has to have her or bust!

Tamara Felton cannot ignore her pulse racing or her heart beating in double time when she sees the fine man checking her in. She catches herself and remembers that she's engaged and will be getting married in six months. Their gazes catch and hold, and that is out of character for Tamara. After all, she is in Brazil on a fam trip to see Rio and Bahia—for business, not play. However, there is something compelling and magnetic between them that pulls them together. Her mind tells her to ignore the obvious chemistry between them, but her heart is whispering something different. The big-legged Brooklyn beauty with tatas to Tuesday desperately wants to do right and remain faithful to her fiancé back home, but can she ignore the ache in her needy femininity? http://sormag.com

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Books To Read

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PHE Ink What is your publishing house's mission?

Our mission and motto is Getting Books into Readers’ Hands.

Can you tell us about the challenges that independent publishers face in the current market and your approach to dealing with these?

PHE Ink is Houston’s Premiere Micro Independent Publishing House created by authors with a business mind. Since we only publish 24 titles a year, we are vigilant when looking for the “right story”. We bridge gaps between large publishing houses and Print On Demand companies. And our primary objective is Getting Books into Readers’ Hands.

PHE Ink is more than just a publisher and we do more than publish books. We are a full service firm that assists authors with their literary needs – from formalizing ideas for a storyline to marketing and promoting a printed book to managing an author’s Social Media campaign. Our relationship does not end when your book is printed. Nor do we leave you to market and promote your book alone. We cultivate long-term standing relationships with each author. We develop project plans tailored to their needs and we provide assistance, cross promotions and support. We invest our money, time and efforts into you and your work while creating a foundation for authors to be self-sufficient and sustainable.

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• Time • Budget What has been the positive/negative of starting your own publishing house?

• Positive • Ownership your projects • Being a focus for new authors • Negative • Being completely responsible for the good and bad.

What are some realistic expectations for a writer who chooses a small press?

• Expect to work and own your project.

• Expect to have a budget • Expect to cross promote and be part of a family

PUBLISHER

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What are things to look for when working with a small press?

• Look for personal relationships with publishing team.

• Be wary of churn and burn publishers.

• Quality is not cheap; you get what you pay for.

What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone interested in starting his/her own publishing house?

• Don’t get into this business for the immediate money.

• Keep your enemy close and your haters closer. Evaluate your team around you. You might need to make frequent changes.

• Love literature – If you don’t like reading, find another business.

What online sources have you found invaluable to the marketing of your company's books?

• GoodReads.com is essential to an author. It is more important than FaceBook.

• Have a website. Facebook is a playfield, a website is a home.

How do you find your authors and what are you looking for when you read the initial submission?

• Potential authors find us, we don’t advertise.

• We look for stories with an EDGE. What have been some of your best sellers?

• Ace of Hearts by Jean Holloway • The MPire: In Search of the Lost by TL James • Suspect: A Confessional Anthology How can writers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website, guidelines) • PHE Ink – Writing Solutions Firm 9597 Jones Rd #213, Houston, TX 77065 • info@pheink.com • www.pheinkpub.com

Learn How To Become A Successful Author

http://www.BecomeASuccessfulAuthor.com http://sormag.com

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TL James graduated with an MBA from LeTourneau University. At LETU, she cultivated an interest in biblical studies, which became the integral thread in her writing style. Given birth her first speculative fictional trilogy. As she developed the family drama storyline, her newly born son was constantly tucked around her waist. After eight months of sleepless nights, The MPire trilogy was completed.

During her publishing experience, James discovered a numbers of gaps in the system. The primary gap was there were many publishing houses and promotions companies but not one company that provided both services and was affordable. Furthermore, the author often times was shutout of the important decisions because both companies possessed different agendas.

2009, TL James established PHE Ink - Writing Solutions Firm, an indie Publishing house, after working with aspiring writers and entrepreneurs one-on-one to create their literary voice and penned their goals in to objective for business plans. Her unique writing style for organization help these writing formulate their ideas while keeping the creative process flowing. At PHE, Ink, the author receives a literary success project plan, which interweaves marketing, publishing and promotions throughout the literary process.

James currently resides in Houston TX with her son.

Are you looking for a new place to promote your books?

SORMAG Digital is the perfect place to showcase your books.

Let SORMAG Digital introduce you to new readers. http://sormag.com

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Simple Promotions Tips to Promote Online

S wa p Ad S p ac e With A Writer Friend

C reate a p odcagst ab out writin

Write five guest blogs

S e t u p ie w an interavn with a d io Internwet HRost S ho http://sormag.com

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Urban Prints Productions Urban Prints Productions began with just a single thought in mind...giving readers’ fresh voices, entertaining stories....and variety!

Our goal is to entertain our readers by releasing a variety of books they love to read. As a publisher, we want to produce books authors aspire to and do write and readers love to read. We bring both the reader and the author to a common ground of enjoyment, passion, and excitement. This is where fiction meets to reality!

You know you have found a great treasure when characters jump from the pages into your very life. This feeling is what we bring you each and every time with our talented authors!

Why did you start your publishing house?

Honestly, I started the publishing house because I wanted to have control of my own books, but mainly because the competition was so fierce and I grew tired of waiting for a publisher to accept what I knew were good books. I’m sure there are a number of books out there that are great books that are getting turned away on a daily basis that could be a diamond in the rough, if the publisher would just take a chance on it and the author. But we have to know that publishers are in it for the bottom line dollar and what they can make off of your work.

What is your publishing house's mission?

My overall mission is to bring great talent out and help authors to realize their dream to be published and be behind them and supporting them all the way from the final finished product to marketing and selling the end result.

What has been the positive/negative of starting your own publishing house?

I would have to say the positive is controlling every aspect of the books that are produced. Also, because it is small, there is the opportunity to grow a relationship with the author and being able to have or create a bond with them. http://sormag.com

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Can you tell us about the challenges that independent publishers face in the current market and your approach to dealing with these?

The biggest challenge is money. This is not just a small press issue, but a larger house issue as well in some cases now that technology has enabled just about anyone to publish, the bigger houses have competition that has been slowly creeping into their profit margin. In order to be able to make money, it takes money and the disadvantage to the smaller press is that they don’t have the funding or backing like they would want, but this is where the creativity and marketing comes into play and that is one major difference the larger publishing houses may be a bit slower to react to.

What are some realistic expectations for a writer who chooses a small press?

Their expectations should be the same as it would as if they were with a larger house publisher. There is no guarantee that any book will be a best seller and hit the top of the charts right away or if at all.

What they can expect from Urban Prints Productions is our undivided attention (something you probably won’t get with a big name publishing house unless you are a best-selling author) and openness to how we plan to help them market and distribute their books. We also accept suggestions from them as well.

What are things to look for when working with a small press?

The first thing I would look for are if there are any fees in producing the book that are passed off to me (the author). There are a lot of publishers out there that have publishing packages that are offered for what I think are outrageous amounts. Let’s face it, no one wants to write and pay all the expenses to have a book published, then do all of the marketing themselves and have the publisher recoup all the benefits of their hard work by taking their money or the majority of it in the process.

What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone interested in starting his/her own publishing house?

Do your research, get connected and stay abreast on your marketing/networking skills.

What online sources have you found invaluable to the marketing of your company's books?

Amazon is a great platform in getting exposure. They defiantly know what they are doing and have the largest platform to do it with. My philosophy is why try to reinvent the wheel when someone has already paved the way. This is where a lot of publishers gawk at Amazon, claiming they are taking business away from them. My approach is, if you can’t beat them, join them and use them to your advantage…follow their lead and you should start to see some results by following their model. I applaud them and thank them for showing me a lot that I didn’t see or realize before.

I have also found bloggers to be invaluable as well because they are very willing to do what they love most (read), and spread the word about the books. There is a great potential of going viral if you network with the right blogging community. http://sormag.com

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What is your definition of success as an independent publisher?

Being independent is a huge success in itself. There is a lot of work involved and if you can do that alone, whether you produce an instant hit or not, being is business is a success alone.

How do you find your authors and what are you looking for when you read the initial submission?

There are people that know me personally in my home state that know what I do and they spread the word, so I have a few local authors that have been interested in getting published or even just want advice, which I openly give. What I look for in the submission is something that is unique and can grab and hold my attention because by default, I have a short attention span. If you can grab it and keep it, then the book is a keeper in my eyes. If I pass it to another reader on my staff and they like it as well, then we will reach out to the author and grow from there. I like to have a great synopsis that gives a great overview of the story…no surprise endings. Also, if we choose to move forward with the author, I’d like to see and have some ideas on how the author would market their own books… if they have an idea of their target market is, etc. and any ideas that they may have that will complement our marketing efforts.

What have been some of your best sellers?

Ha-ha, what is the best seller? The million mark? Thousands? That is a good question right now as we are still sort of new and have not yet acquired a lot of authors or enough works to say that we have best sellers. Also in whose eyes is a best seller a best seller?

How can writers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website, guidelines) Writers can contact me at getpublished@urbanprintsproductions.net, The website is www.publishingyourbook.net and the guidelines are listed there. We do accept electronic submissions.

PUBLISHER

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Vanessa Davis Griggs is an accomplished, best-selling, award-winning author with 16 published novels: The Blessed Trinity Series, Ray of Hope, Redeeming Waters, Forever Soul Ties (a Romantic Times 2012 nominee for Best Multicultural Fiction), The Other Side of Goodness, The Other Side of Dare, and newest release, The Other Side of Divine receiving a 4 1/2 Stars review, Top Pick from RT Book Review. Vanessa is a contributor of 10 devotionals in the Sisters in Faith Holy Bible (KJV) released by Thomas Nelson on January 1, 2013.

SORMAG AUTHOR Vanessa Davis Griggs Can a dream come true be a mixed blessing?

Paris Simmons-Holyfield is finally pregnant with the baby she's dreamed of for so long. There's just ONE complication: she's not sure who the father is. Meanwhile, after a battle to keep her adopted daughter and an ugly confrontation with Paris's family, Gabrielle Mercedes has finally found love and happiness. But when someone from her past shows up, it is merely another round of trouble. Darius Connors is still...well, he's still being Darius Connors. As all three navigate the path from sin to redemption, can they forgive their way to the other side?

Would you like to be a SORMAG Author?

SORMAG AUTHORS RECIEVE: 1 Free AD - 1 Interview - Website Link on Blog See Ya On The Net Promotion Newsletter Discount Promotions Join today - http://sormag.blogspot.com http://sormag.com

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Businesses Helping Writers EDITORS Allyson M. Deese - Copy Editor www.bountifullyblessedpublishing.webs.com Andrea Jackson – Content Editor, Copy Editor Fiction jackson.4andrea@yahoo.com Cindy Matthews – Copy Editor http://momsday.blogspot.com/p/editorialservices.html Deatri King-Bey - Developmental Editor Genre(s): General Fiction and Genre fiction (except historical and present tense titles) Point ofView: Unlimited and Limited expert Website: http://www.becomeasuccessfulauthor.com/editi ng-service/ Deesha Philyaw – Content Editor, Copy Editor thelastwordllc.com deeshaphilyaw@gmail.com Erica George – Line Editing bkworm8503@yahoo.com Felecia Killings – Content Editor, Developmental Editor Genre: Christian writers http://pflpublishing-powerfaithlove.weebly.com Jaime L. Lincoln – Copy Editor Genre (s) All genres jaime_lincoln@yahoo.com

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Jessica Tilles - Copy Editor www.twasolutions.com jessica@twasolutions.com Joy Eckel - Copy Editor Genre (s) all genres except poetry joyeckel@yahoo.com J.R. Scott – Copy Editor Genre (s) Non-fiction writing, business writing, collegiate writing (papers, thesis, etc) All types of fiction with the exception of Urban Fiction www.rasilliantenterprises.com Lauren Baratz-Logsted - Copy Editor any kind of fiction for all age groups and many areas of nonfiction www.laurenbaratzlogsted.com glogsted@aol.com Lorraine Elzia – Content Developmental Editor all genres from religious to erotica. www.lorraineelzia.com lorraineszone@gmail.com

Editor,

Maurice M. Gray, Jr – Content Editor, Copy Editor, Developmental Editor Christian fiction and nonfiction, mystery, science fiction, mainstream fiction and mainstream nonfiction no erotica or pornography writevision2000@yahoo.com www.mauricemgrayjr.com Maxine Thompson – Content Editor, Developmental Editor Genre(s): Christian Fiction to Urban Fiction and street lit http://www.maxinethompson.com

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Patricia Woodside - Copy Editor, Developmental Editor, Line Editing pwriter1@yahoo.com Rhonda Jackson Joseph – Content Editor, Line Editing Genre(s) All genres, as well as non-fiction works. Mostly in the romance and horror genres. rjacksonjoseph@gmail.com Robin Caldwell - Copy Editor, Substantive editor http://thejstandard.com

Book covers info@nayberrypublications.com Owner, Shani Dowdell Graphic designer Bountifully Blessed Publishing Services Freelance Virtual Assistant Owner, Allyson M. Deese SORMAG Eblasts - Book Promotion http://sormag.com/advertise.htm Owner, LaShaunda C. Hoffman HELPING TO PROMOTE AUTHORS RAWSISTAZ http://www.rawsistaz.com/

Shani Dowdell - Copy Editor fiction books and poetry info@nayberrypublications.com Shonell Bacon - Copy Editor fiction and non-fiction; genres include romance, ya, sci-fi, fantasy, urban, street, Christian, literary, etc. Non-fiction, academic works (articles for journals in MLA and APA), memoirs, and essays.

CLG Entertainment, http://www.clgentertainment sdb6812@hotmail.com

APOOO BOOK CLUB http://www.apooobooks.com/ Black Authors Network Literary Talk Show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network Write The Vision Radio Show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/write-the-vision African American Literary Book Club http://aalbc.com/

Vanessa Madden - Copy Editor fiction and non-fiction works with the exception EDC Creations http://www.edc-creations.com/ of erotica www.vanessamadden.blogspot.com Nia Promotions http://www.niapromotions.com/ BUSINESSES All The Buzz http://allthebuzzreviews.com/ WNL Virtual Blog Tours http://writenowlit.blogspot.com/ Ty Webbin Creations Owner, Paulette Harper Johnson http://tywebbincreations.com/ Worth More than Rubies Productions Do you have a business that helps authors. Send Book Trailers, Websites, and Blogs info to: 1SORMAG@gmail.com Owner, Evangelist Cheryl Lacey Donovan http://sormag.com

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Meet SORMAG's

Cover Author http://sormag.com

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L

inda Beed is an author, educator, speaker, storyteller and children’s minister. She earned her Master ofTheology (Magna Cum Laude) and Doctorate of Religious Education from A. L. Hardy Academy ofTheology where she is now faculty emeritus.

She is the founder and president of On Assignment Publications.

Dr. Linda is the founder and president ofThe Write Plan a course for those seeking to become writers and to learn the business side of the craft.

In support for others she has shared her articles at Shades of Romance Online Magazine, Blogging in Black and is co-moderator of Real Sister Writers.

Her one-woman presentation, ‘Tell Them’ relays the last day of Carol Denise McNair, the youngest victim of the 1963 Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. Coupled with a carefully developed workshop the presentation serves to encourage children to seek to make a difference. The adult version speaks to the necessity of nurturing our children toward purpose.

Dr. Linda Beed http://sormag.com

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COVER AUTHOR How did you start out your writing career?

I’ve written stories and plays for years. On a whim I entered a national short story contest and as they say, the rest is history.

What was your biggest obstacle in regards to getting published? How did you overcome it?

Actually I never had that problem. I had the advantage of being a member of several great online writing groups when I started out. I listened and took notes regarding the industry, their successes and failures. With that information and what I gleaned from my own research I shopped the MS around. Although I had offers, I preferred to publish on my own.

What did you learn while writing this book?

Through the Fire has definitely been a labor or love. I’d say that I’ve learned more about myself as a writer and more about the giving nature of people.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

Through the Fire speaks to value of community. It’s something that I grew up with and hope that readers, if they have not, will in some way embrace that same spirit.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

I think what has been most surprising to me is how relational this industry is. I love how industry professionals lend their expertise in your time of need and how readers are such great supporters.

What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?

What do I love best about writing—how creative I can be.

What do I hate most—the editing that puts a lid on that creativity you thought was golden.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

I wish I had known how time-consuming this work really is, how challenging the process can be and how rewarding it can be at the end of the day.

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What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

A good friend and peer author told me to always be honest with my work and those I work with.

What’s playing on your CD while you’re writing?

I’m a lover of most music genres, so it depends upon my mood. However, if I’m struggling with flesh and ministry it will always be Yolanda Adams’ Lord I Want to Be A Christian. It is because my consistent prayer is that readers will hear God, not me speaking to them from the pages.

Five questions about books: When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

One book that you have read more than once.

What is spare time? Seriously though, I have many interests. I enjoy gardening and just about anything artsy such as sewing/arts & crafts, going to museums/art galleries, the theater and jazz venues.

Oprah always asks; what do you know for sure?

To Kill a Mockingbird One book you loved as a child.

How Green Was My Valley

What I know for sure is that we’re living in a time where people are hurting and we’ll be held accountable for what we won’t do to help ease the pain.

One book that made you laugh.

What made you decide to go the indie route for publishing?

One book that made you cry.

There were two things that steered me into independent publishing. One was what traditional publishers wanted to do with my work. The other was the fact that I did the math. It was financially to my advantage to publish independently.

Perfect Peace The Color Purple One book you wish you'd written.

The Wedding

What do you think is the biggest challenge for authors trying to decide between indie publishing and traditional publishing?

That’s a tough one because each person’s situation is unique. From my own experience I struggled with falling prey to being labeled substandard as an independent. Then there’s also the matter of capital needed for the production of your work.

What have you found to be the biggest challenge in self-publishing?

I’ve been challenged by several booksellers trying to strong arm me by refusing to order my books if I didn’t give them a higher percentage of my sales. There’s also been the occasional bookstore manager who refused to reorder the book once they saw that it wasn’t from a traditional publisher. http://sormag.com

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DR. LINDA BEED What are some realistic expectations for a writer who chooses self-publishing?

To every person choosing to self-publish I would say, realistically: · Learn as much about the industry as you possibly can · Weigh your options of what you’ll receive from the vendors you’re considering · Do the math · Ask pertinent questions What is your definition of success as an independent publisher?

My answer may vary from most because writing is truly a ministry for me. That said, I’d say that for me success comes in the form of the emails I receive telling me how my work helped them through a rough time, opened their eyes to their value and/or brought them closer to God. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

I’d say it’s the postcard marketing I do with book clubs and social groups.

What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone interested in starting his/her own publishing house?

The number one piece of advice I’d give is for one to absolutely know that they’ve been called to do so and to what extent. Second, create The Write Plan for your business. Doing so in the beginning will set you up for success in the long run. The third thing, develop a support team who has caught the vision and will support your dream as if it were their own.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website) On Assignment Publications 3703 S. Edmunds Ste. 16 Seattle, WA 98118 lindaonassignment@yahoo.com www.lindabeed.com / www.thewriteplan.net / www.letsbeargoodfruit.blogspot.com

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Through The Fire Dr. Linda F. Beed

COMING SOON Business Unusual brought Bernadette Lewis and Hayes Davis together. Through the Fire brings the face-to-face with what most consider insurmountable obstacles challenge more than their march toward the altar.

The Hayes Davis who left Seattle is not the man who returns‌ He has a new outlook on life that leads him to believe he has become the man Bernadette Lewis deserves to marry. Hayes is also a man with more than normal vision; he has the ability to periodically see the future of people and situations. It is a gift that both encourages and causes him to question his desires. Unfortunately what he desires and what transpires are two different things.

When his seemingly perfect world begins to crumble, Hayes discovers how far he is willing to go to protect the ones he loves. Within a short period of time Hayes’ desire to marry, support his community and lend a hand to one in need, leads to the unbelievable.

When Hayes is accused of a horrendous crime, he loses custody of the children he has sworn to protect. Now those who once supported him, question his guilt or innocence.

Through the Fire is an intriguing work that speaks to the character of faith and the reward of obedience.

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http://www.colorful-covers.com/ Would you like to write for SORMAG Digital? http://sormag.com/guidelines.htm Be interviewed by SORMAG Digital 1sormag@gmail.com Promote your books in SORMAG Digital http://sormag.com/advertise.htm