AuthorStreet.com helps Authors Get Published and Get their Books Sold!

1n April 2006 the Williams Sisters launched AuthorStreet.com to recognize the needs of promising writers and authors to get published and have their books distributed worldwide at a price they can afford.

After contacting several self-publishing print-on-demand companies, the cost to set up a hardcover book or paperback book seemed to be feasible at the beginning of the process, but once the price for printing and shipping was added to the package, the invoice soared into thousands of dollars, a cost most authors cannot afford. There had to be an easier, quicker, more affordable way.

The Williams sisters' expertise in the Information Technology and graphics design field lent a hand to their publishing dilemma. The answer was ebooks or electronic books. Electronic books in PDF format have been introduced to the literary world and The Williams sister had the technology to transform manuscripts into electronic books and sell them online with a full color book cover in a matter of days. An author's ebook has special security features to protect an author's work. It can even read out loud to the reader without the author having to record a word, which is especially helpful for the visually impaired.

AuthorStreet.com is now a place where authors and writers worldwide can get their Microsoft Word manuscripts electronically published into, what is known today as an ebook, establish an eye catching book cover, sell their ebook online and have access to book fairs, conferences and seminars for writers. There are no printing costs or no shipping costs ever!

Authorstreet.com also offers website services, postcards, business cards and electronic press kits so they can send their bio, book synopsis, press stories, book signings testimonials and much more to interested prospects.

Among their first published authors are, Kelley Bradshaw with a novel entitled Treacherous and Phil Andrews of PA Public Relations, with a book entitled The Day I Decided to Become the CEO of My Own Corporation.

AuthorStreet.com has been selected as a media sponsor for the 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair, along with Thebacklist.net, Awaressmagazine.net, Blackstarnews.com, AALBC.com, RushPRnews.com, and PaPublicrelations.com

The 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair

The 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair is scheduled to be held at 11-acre historic park in Jamaica, Queens which houses the King Manor. The 18th- and 19th-century house located on the premises of Rufus King Park takes its name from Rufus King, a signer of the United States Constitution.

King Manor which has its home in Rufus King Park has aproximately 14,000 per year year who walk to through the walk through the park to get to the house-museum to view the King Manor.

The 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair will be held at the historic Rufus King Park 153rd & Jamaica Ave., Queens, New York on August 19, 2006. The book fair will begin at 11:00 am and end at 7:00 pm.

Last year the Queens Book Fair was held on April 30, 2005 and was featured in Newsday, May 3, 2005, article "This book fair's for the self-published" New York City Edition Neighborhoods section pg. A52.

Self-published authors from around the country flocked the 2005 Queens Book Fair, along with book lovers around the tri-state area. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall proclaimed the month of April as Book Month in Queens

2005 Queens Author attendees:
The fair was very nice! I met some wonderful authors and walked away with a bag full of info on good books! They even had free food! As soon as I heard the announcer say free and food...LOL It was a rainy day outside but anytime you have a room full of books there is nothing but sunshine. My wrap got wet but it was worth it.
Congrats ladies!

Wanda D. Hudson
Coming Soon - Wait For Love: A Black Girl's Story
It's a Woman's World - http://www.extasybooks.com/
http://wandasway.blogspot.com/

The word is out. A listener spotted Guilty Pleasures at the Queens Book Fair. She enjoyed the interview and purchased two copies of my novel. Thanks again for providing yet another platform for striving authors.
~Sonya Harris - Guilty Pleasures
Books never go out of style!

Very nice artical written up on you in Newsday. Thank you for throwing such a wonderful event and also for you commitment to the self-published authors.

Nathaniel Portis
Things In Between

Congratulations Carol & Brenda on your vision to host the Queens Book Fair and for being dedicated to assisting black authors, readers and lovers of the written word. When I say, "It is a blessing to have people like you in the literary community," I mean it from the center of my soul! I can't wait to come next year!
Yasmin Shiraz
http://www.yasminshiraz.net/

The 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair looks foward to self-published authors and book lovers from around the nation participating in the year's book fair taking place in one of New York City's historic parks. To be placed on our email list for the 2006 Queens Book Fair or to join our authors club you may log on to our web site at C&B; Books Distributionor you may email us at [email protected]

The Queens Book Fair is offering a $25.00 bonus discount for all authors who register before the June 25th deadline. Log on to our web site at C&B; Books Distribution for more information or to inquire about the 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair early registration bonus.

Unity Card Focuses on Black Economic Empowerment

New York City - April 26, 2006 - Historically, less than five percent of the money made in the black community is spent in the black community. Unity Card's focus is to change this by helping black-owned businesses get a bigger piece of the nearly $700 billion spent annually by people of African descent. Unity Card President & CEO Anthony Qui's recently attended the National Alliance of Market Developers Conference in Philadelphia and this focus was crystallized through powerful messages from speakers and panelists from across the country.

"Everything, from the way we look at ourselves to the way we spend our money, has to change if we are to survive in the 21st century. This conference serves as a reminder that we still have a long way to go and a lot of work to be done," says Anthony Qui's, President & CEO of Unity Card.

A major goal of the UNITY Discount Card Program is to encourage consumers to shop and save money at businesses owned by people of African descent, which helps money to circulate in the black community longer. UNITY cardholders get exclusive discounts at participating black-owned businesses and its national partners. Membership also includes a one-year subscription to Black Enterprise. UNITY offers a 1-year membership for $20 and a special on 2-year memberships for $25. Cards can be purchased by mail by money order or cashier's check or online at

Local businesses that honor the UNITY Card get free marketing and advertising services for their business at Unity Card .All that is required is that the business offers an exclusive discount of at least 10% to UNITY cardholders. As a result, entrepreneurs will spend less time and money on marketing and more time making money. This will help local black entrepreneurs get a bigger share of the nearly $700 billion spent annually by people of African descent and keep more money in the community. Businesses can sign up at .www.theunitycard.com/business.html

"The UNITY Card is changing the way African-Americans do business in America. One card to shop at black-owned businesses on a worldwide level will help maintain wealth in the black community and grow our existing businesses to the next level. Every consumer and business owner should sign up for the UNITY Card," says Phil Andrews, President of P.A. Public Relations Company.

The program is currently in the Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta areas. It will expand into the following areas in the near future: Baltimore, Birmingham, AL, Chicago, Cleveland and Los Angeles. Unity Card is currently seeking Account Executives to encourage black entrepreneurs to support the program in these areas.

For more information on becoming a UNITY Card member or adding your business to the network, contact Unity Card at (646) 246-5846 or visit Unity Card

About Unity Card

Unity Card is a black-owned and operated marketing company based in New York City. The company's mission is to connect, promote and empower black entrepreneurs and their consumers through education, networking and advocacy. President & CEO Anthony Qui's is also a member of the National Alliance of Market Developers.

Website:

Unity Card
Anthony Qui's
President & CEO
email: [email protected]
phone: 646.246.5846

Renaissance Man Magazine an upscale publication changing the image of African-American men

New York, New York - Renaissance Man Magazine an upscale publication is changing the image of African-American men. Renaissance Man Magazine and Renaissance Man Online are the new multi-media phenomenon for upscale African American men and men of color.

Renaissance Man Magazine is the premier upscale magazine for men of color providing up-to-the minute facts and information through columns, general and special interest stories, featured columns, features, and advertisements.

The magazine is a full-color high-gloss quarterly magazine which will be enjoyed by individuals with multi-dimensional interests and a global perspective on life who know what they want and want the best of everything.

Lifestyle Categories: Self - Success - Sex

Lifestyle Topics: Finance Technology Career Entrepreneurship Retirement Health Image Grooming Celebrity Profiles Literature Music Culture Personal Relationships Networking Opportunities

Renaissance Man Magazine and Renaissance Man Online is a unique publication which will speak to the accomplishments, lifestyles and values of African American men as well as inform men of color with relevant, balanced facts affecting their lives and their world. The magazine's goal is to change the image of m en of color in the media one issue at a time with outstanding pictorial fashion layouts, featuring the latest in business attire, business casual and casual wear, and sportswear. The pictorial will also feature on a monthly basis some of the most beautiful, sensual, and sophisticated ethnic women in the world.

Renaissance Man Magazine is for the career-orientated African American man who knows how to enjoy success and wants the most out of life. Readership will be more mature and upscale in comparison to the younger skew of traditionally male focused urban magazines. Our audience is informed, educated and sophisticated with a complete matrix of consumer demands.

De'Angelo James and Desmond Wilder are Co-Publishers of Renaissance Man Magazine and Renaissance Man Online.

RushPRnews.com named as media sponsor for 2006 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair.

RushPRnews.com named as media sponsor for 2006 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair. The Queens Book Fair 2006 also recently announced early Author sign-up bonus for 2006 Queens Book Fair.

This year's book fair will be held on August 19, 2006 at Rufus King Park in Jamaica, New York. Last year the Queens Book Fair was held on April 30, 2005 and was featured in Newsday, May 3, 2005, article "This book fair's for the self-published" New York City Edition Neighborhoods section pg. A52.

Self-published authors from around the country flocked the 2005 Queens Book Fair, along with book lovers around the tri-state area.

Queens Book Fair 2006 Announces Author sign-up for 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair. This year's book fair will be held on August 19, 2006 at Rufus King Park in Jamaica, New York.

Last year the Queens Book Fair was held on April 30, 2005 and was featured in Newsday, May 3, 2005, article "This book fair's for the self-published" New York City Edition Neighborhoods section pg. A52. Self-published authors from around the country flocked the 2005 Queens Book Fair, along with book lovers around the tri-state area.

The Queens Book Fair committee is looking foward to working with Rushprnews.com during the upcoming months preceding the 2006 Queens Book Fair.

About RushPRnews.com

Anne Howard, RushPRnews' founder, has worked for the past fifteen years in New York, San Francisco and Montr' in the public relations industry. She has harnessed her vast promotional and Internet marketing experience to offer the best press release distribution services with the most up-to-date media lists, which she has built over the course of her long career. Anne is also available to develop complete public relations campaign, from scratch to completion. Projects are accepted on a case-by-case basis. As the Director of RushPRnews, she will make sure that customers receive personalized care and are offered the best option for their promotional needs.

Anne studied Translation and Communications at Concordia University in her native Montr' and is fluent in English and French. Besides work, Anne enjoys reading, traveling, raising her boy and walking the dog and no, she is not looking for someone to date on the Internet.

RushPRnews' mission is to support and enhance any public relations efforts by simplifying the distribution and media follow-up process and the obtainment of press clippings.

The 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair is pleased to announce RushPRnews.com as media sponsor for the upcoming 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair.

To be placed on our email list for the 2006 Queens Book Fair or to join our authors club you may log on to our web site at http://www.cbbooksdistribution.com/ or you may email us at [email protected].

The Queens Book Fair is offering a $25.00 bonus discount for all authors who register before the June 25th deadline. Log on to our web site at www.cbbooksdistribution.com for more information or to inquire about the 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair early registration bonus.

AALBC.com named as media sponsor for 2006 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair

AALBC.com named as media sponsor for 2006 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair. Queens Book Fair 2006 recently announced Author sign-up for 2006 Queens Book Fair. This year's book fair will be held on August 19, 2006 at Rufus King Park in Jamaica, New York. Last year the Queens Book Fair was held on April 30, 2005 and was featured in Newsday, May 3, 2005, article "This book fair's for the self-published" New York City Edition Neighborhoods section pg. A52. Self-published authors from around the country flocked the 2005 Queens Book Fair, along with book lovers around the tri-state area.

Queens Book Fair 2006 Announces Author sign-up for 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair. This year's book fair will be held on August 19, 2006 at Rufus King Park in Jamaica, New York. Last year the Queens Book Fair was held on April 30, 2005 and was featured in Newsday, May 3, 2005, article "This book fair's for the self-published" New York City Edition Neighborhoods section pg. A52. Self-published authors from around the country flocked the 2005 Queens Book Fair, along with book lovers around the tri-state area. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall proclaimed the month of April as Book Month in Queens AALBC.com was founded by Troy Johnson in 1997, AALBC.com is a widely recognized source of author profiles, book recommendations, intriguing on-line discussion boards, writer's resources, articles, and critical reviews of books written by and about African Americans.

AALBC.com is devoted to promoting African American authors and their work. AALBC.com's goals include;

Promoting the diverse spectrum of African American literature

Satisfying readers' book buying needs

Serving as a resource and vehicle of expression for aspiring and established writers

Introducing and making African American literature more accessible to a broader spectrum of readers

Providing a forum for the exchange of constructive opinions on African American literature

Fostering positive trends in African American reading and literature.

AALBC.com is also the highest ranked and most frequently visited web site dedicated African American literature. Explore AALBC.com and immerse yourself in the richness of the African American literary culture.

The 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair is pleased to announce AALBC.com as media sponsor for the upcoming Queens Book Fair.

To be placed on our email list for the 2006 Queens Book Fair or to join our authors club you may log on to our web site at http://www.cbbooksdistribution.com/ or you may email us at [email protected]. The Queens Book Fair is offering a $25.00 bonus discount for all authors who register before the June 25th deadline. Log on to www.cbbooksdistribution.com for more information or to inquire about the Queens Book Fair early registration bonus.

In the January - February 2006 7 TH Anniversary Issue of Black Issues Book Review C & B Books was named as one of the (The Power Behind Black Books).

In the January - February 2006 7 TH Anniversary Issue of Black Issues Book Review C & B Books was named as one of the (The Power Behind Black Books). Black Issues Book Review is a national publication. Brenda Piper and Carol Rogers of C & B Books were highlighted for the role they play in the phenomenal rise of urban fiction.

C & B Books bookstores sells a variety of multicultural books, sponsors self-published authors symposiums, and author books signings.

Two years ago they started the C&B; Book club. The club has grown immensely. Visit the site to join the club authors and readers are welcome.

The motivation behind this book business was the lack of affordable books written by African American authors. They decided to become an asset to the Youth and the community as a whole. C & B Books offer their books at a lower than the major distributors. They knew this would provide our readers with a wide variety of reading materials.

C & B Books carry titles for all ages and cultures, and stock titles in all categories, fiction, nonfiction, spiritual and inspirational etc.

In 1995 Caroline Rogers & Brenda Piper became booksellers after selling a few books at the St. Nicholas flea market located in Queens, New York.

When Caroline and Brenda first opened for business at the market, It was to sell sensual items, perfumed gift baskets and floral arrangements, which were crafted by Brenda.

One Saturday after a little spring cleaning, we decided to bring a few books from our personal collection to the flea market, not believing that shoppers would actually buy the books! We didn't believe that we would actually gain much profit or should we say become book sellers as a result of selling our personal book collection. However at the end of the sale day, every book was sold and we started our career as the Book Ladies of Queens.

They believed that it was due to our sale prices, which ranged from $1.00 and up, depending on the value of the book. They soon found out that books were in high demand. People love to read.

The children really inspired us, they liked the Dr. Seuss, Lil Elmo,Curious George, Blue Clues, all children titles. At that point with the children in mind, thy decided to specialize in children books.

Caroline is business smart, and she decided to sell the books at affordable prices, with emphasis on children books. Her concept was, if you make a book affordable, you were helping to educate others and draw many loyal customers. Brenda agreed with Caroline and C&B; Books Distribution was established.

They never changed our prices this increased our sales. The concept being the less you charge the more the customer can afford to buy. Caroline, would say, "Greed is not necessary if we get the books at a discount price." "Why not give the customer the same savings."

They became known as the Book ladies of Queens. The customers would flock to us, requesting titles never complaining about the book cost, they knew that we would give them the best deals.

I suppose you would actually have to sell a book to see the expression of satisfaction on a customer's face to realize what we felt, especially the smiles of the children. I just can't put those feelings into words; it would take too many words. Actually it would take a Book.

They sold books at St. Nicholas for the next two years. Their last year was during the Christmas season, then they went to St. Nicholas to sell our books at their Christmas Holiday indoor market. They began to setup the books, when a nice woman approached them and asked them, "Did they carry any books written by African American authors'" They being the business smart women that they are (smile) replied, "Which titles are you interested in? She told them she would return with a list.

Caroline & I will always be grateful to Ms. Betty Miller Mason, she is the reason that we became Booksellers. When we asked Betty if we could mention her name in this writing, she was elated. Betty we want the world to know that people like you are the reason that we are successful African American Book sellers. Betty Miller Mason from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your inspiration and our first African American Book Sale.

C & B Books customers comprise of all races, ages, and from all walks of life. Some customers became their friends and others come just to visit or place their order. You may wonder why they attracted so many people. The reason that they attracted so many loyal friends and customers, was due to their concern for their customer's satisfaction and happiness, not just their dollars.

Children have always been their specialty, so whether the parent could afford a book or not, they never let a child leave without a book, on them. Children are the future, and reading will offer them that future. They have never denied any child a book and we never will.

They beat the odds, bad weather, hot days, long hours, every weekend; nothing stopped us from getting books into the communities. Yes, they wanted to gain profit and we still do. However the real reward is when you can provide books for all the people who want them.

In 2000, they decided to sell books from home. They set up a mail order service in-house. They really wanted an Internet service but weren't educated in that area. They researched and educated themselves about the Internet business.

It wasn't until February 2002, that their dream became a reality. They were contacted by Mr. Phil Andrews, Public Relations Director, and a member of the 100 Black Men of America. He encouraged them to build a web site and put the books on the Internet.

They didn't feel that we were ready to take on a venture that large. Caroline was not as sure about the Internet business as Brenda was at that time. Eventually they both won me over. C & B Books began to build it's signature web site

Phil Andrews joined C&B; Books Distribution Center as it's Public Relations Director on March 1st, 2002.

During her research, Caroline contacted a web-designer and asked her to take a look at out our site. Diane of Dif's Web-Design, came to C & B Books with a site that they couldn't refuse. She is currently still maintaining C & B Book's web site.

C & B Books Distribution, Inc. is proud to be included in Black Issues Book Review January - February 2006 7TH Anniversary Issue in special feature titled (The Powers Behind Black Books). C & B Books looks forward to serving the reading public needs and promoting self-published authors. Log on to our web site at www.cbbooksdistribution.com to view our entire catalog of books.

Queens, New York - Queens Book Fair 2005 featured in Newsday article "This book fair's for the self-published"

(PRLEAP.COM) Queens, New York - Queens Book Fair 2005 featured in Newsday article "This book fair's for the self-published"

Queens, New York - Queens Book Fair April 30, 2005 featured in Newsday, May 3, 2005, article "This book fair's for the self-published" New York City Edition Neigborhoods section pg. A52. Self-pubublished authors from around the country flocked the 2005 Queens Book Fair, along with with book lovers around the tri-state area. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall proclaimed the month of April as Book Month in Queens.

The Queens Book Fair presented a Power Networking Breakfast prior to the opening of the Queens Book Fair to "Connect the Dots" between Corporate, goverment, Small Businesses and the literary world.

The fair has generated local buzz for emphasizing the growing phenomenon of self-published African-American authors. The writers have seized mainstream publishers' attention by independently printing small quantities of their work and controlling all of its creative and financial aspects.

The authors' success hinges on marketing strategies as diverse as door-to-door sales, street vending and arranging book signings at popular restaurants or nightclubs. But before this year, only Harlem had established an annual book fair where writers are exposed to thousands of readers in one setting.

The Queens Book Fair attracted hundreds of people to Jamaica Market, and Piper and Rogers were counting on the event to introduce some writers to a bigger audience than they've ever enjoyed.

"It was packed," Rogers said. "And I was shocked. It was rainy and we didn't think people would show up. But they still came out."

To some degree, the women are all about taking chances. They started their book business almost by accident a decade ago, while selling gift baskets and floral arrangements at the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Flea Market in Jamaica.

C & B Books Distribution began bringing used books from their own collections to sell at the market, selling out each week. A frequent customer soon asked if the pair could get their hands on books by other African-American authors.

"She asked how soon we could get them, and I said we'd have them for her the next Saturday," Rogers said. "And I thought, "I don't know how I'm going to get these, but I'm going to find out."

Rogers, 44, not only supplied the requested books, but soon found herself fielding requests for work by other black writers. Within weeks, she and Piper were visiting distributor warehouses that stacked dozens of titles from tiny imprints around the country.

By 2001, the women sensed a revolution stirring in the African-American literary community. Sister Souljah's 1999 cautionary coming-of age novel "The Coldest Winter Ever" had reinvigorated an urban-literature market that had hibernated for decades, provoking a new generation of black writers to eschew the mythic glamour of drugs and violence.

Other genres took shape around the same time, including revenge melodramas, romance thrillers and inspirational memoirs about overcoming abuse, addiction and lives of crime.

"It's a whole industry booming within an industry," said Angela Wallace, whose self-published novel, "Secret Dramas," earned acclaim for its unique hybrid of soap opera and mob intrigue. "[Writers] are implementing their own imprints. As a result of that, they're bringing other black authors in under their umbrella. I think mainstream publishing is noticing that."

Brenda Piper and Carol Rogers established their own tiny umbrella on the Internet in 2002. In March 2002 Mr. Phil Andrews joined C & B Books as its Public Relations Director to strengthen C & B Books brand name recognition in the literary community. C&B; Books Distribution eventually opened its first physical location at the Jamaica Market in October and introduced its newest location in a compact corner store in Flushing in January.

The partners built their stock through consignment deals with self-published authors, advising writers through labor-intensive processes such as mission statements, cover design, press releases and book signings.

While she tirelessly provides encouragement and advice, Piper, 53, insists that no book will sell without its author's own follow-through.

"They have to be willing to get out," she said. "They can't just drop their book at the store and expect the stores to sell their book. We support authors through C & B Books authors club which promotes self-published authors.

But the women treat the Queens Book Fair like a community service as much as they do a business endeavor.

The event, which offered seminars and workshops for published and unpublished writers alike, kicked off with a networking breakfast to help forge partnerships in New York's independent literary scene. Readers had the chance to meet and solicit advice from their favorite authors, as well.

"Harlem and Brooklyn, they already have their recognition - even the Bronx," Piper said. "Queens was very low-key, and it's just starting to blossom." To be placed on our email list for upcoming book fair or to join our authors club you may log on to our web site at http://www.cbbooksdistribution.com/ or you may email us at [email protected].