COLLINS PUBLICATIONS

3233 GRAND AVENUE, SUITE N-294   •  CHINO HILLS, CA 91709

For Immediate Release

Contact:   Ann Collins

(909) 590-2471

PRESS RELEASE

New Trend Developing Between Authors and Book Clubs
 

For more than a decade authors have been showing up at book clubs to discuss their literary work. During such appearances the author learns what the members think about their characters, plot development and so on. However, the information is only gained after the book has gone to press and the author is on a nation-wide tour. With so many books entering the marketplace and consumer demand constantly changing, wouldn’t it be beneficial to have the book clubs input prior to going to press? Authors are starting to understand the benefits of this process. They are adopting reputable book clubs and forming focus groups before their work goes to press.

I asked noted author Barbara Wright Sykes her thoughts: “Hollywood screens movies to select groups long before their release; it makes good business sense to have a high-quality test marketing campaign.”
 

Sykes is taking advantage of this new trend after her friend and Essence bestselling author, Pamela Samuels-Young told her how successful it was for her. On November 24^th, Barbara formed a focus group with Nubian Queens Book Club in California. Ms. Sykes is currently working on Joy And Pain the sequel to Good Lovin’ Ain’t Easy. She recently met with the group where they read an excerpt (Chapter One) from Joy And Pain and had a discussion based solely on that one chapter. According to Sykes she’s elated to work with Nubian Queens. “I was amazed at the input from the group. I learned a great deal just from that one meeting. Their comments ranged from what they thought about the characters to what they’d like to see happen. I walked away from that meeting with so much knowledge. I’m thrilled to be working with Nubian Queens on all the chapters of Joy And Pain.”

Selecting A Book Club:

For Sykes the process was easy; she met Dayna Turner, President of Nubian Queens while she was on tour. She introduced the concept to Ms. Turner who welcomed Ms. Sykes to their meeting. According to Sykes she was impressed with Ms. Turner’s professional demeanor. However, for authors wondering what to look for here are a few guidelines: Find out how long the book club has been in existence; the number of members and what genre’s they prefer. If possible, meet with the president and the members during one of their regular sessions and see what their approach is when evaluating literature. Most of all, it’s important to get their feedback on how they feel about being part of a focus group. You want this to be a win-win experience for all. For Sykes she’s paying tribute to Nubian Queens Book Club both through her publisher’s website and on the acknowledgement page of her new novel, Joy And Pain.

The following Nubian Queens’ members will be taking part in the focus group with Ms. Sykes: Dayna Turner, Pamela Parris, Dorothy Johnson, Kem Coleman, Irene Monteilh, Gwendolyn Doss, Ericka Keowns Heard, Carletta Shorts and Karmen Jones. Additional members will be announced.

For more information contact Ann Collins: publicist@collinspub.com or 909-590-2471  • Fax: 909-628-9330

Collins Publications  •  3233 Grand Avenue, Suite N-294  •  Chino Hills, CA 91709 •  www.collinspub.com

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