New WWII Malaya Novel from Selina Siak Chin Yoke

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hauntingly beautiful family saga transports readers to WWII Malaya in new novel, ‘When the Future Comes Too Soon’

LONDON – Deeply inspired by her great grandmother’s life and the often-overlooked history of South East Asia during World War II, author Selina Siak Chin Yoke is releasing “When the Future Comes Too Soon” published by Amazon Crossing on July 18, 2017.

“When the Future Comes Too Soon” follows the story of Wong Mei Foong, a woman struggling to thrive during a time of war, increasing racial tension, and a husband who has been beaten down by life and consumed by bitterness. Uniquely immersing readers into another world and time, the novel embarks on a journey through Malaya and the forces that shaped its culture.

The release of “When the Future Comes Too Soon” follows the amazing debut success of “The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds” which, in addition to garnering almost 1,000 Amazon reviews from readers around the globe, has earned accolades from best-selling authors, as has Siak’s upcoming release.

Perfect for readers who loved “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan and “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden, “When the Future Comes Too Soon” blends an exotic setting with eternal questions that cross cultures and time.

The tales Siak writes are inspired by the women in her family, her great grandmother foremost, and stories she grew up listening to as a child. After being diagnosed with cancer, Siak found a sense of comfort and solace in writing, especially while reaching out to family members to learn more about the old days to create a truly compelling and personal narrative filled with dynamic, relatable characters.

Written through the lens of a lifetime of family lore and extensive research, “When the Future Comes Too Soon” shines a light on the little-known world of war-torn Malaya and the struggles of a people under culturally divisive rule. Filled with twists and turns, this emotional story will keep readers enthralled until the last page.

Of Malaysian-Chinese heritage, Selina Siak Chin Yoke grew up listening to family stories and ancient legends. She always knew that one day, she would write. After an eclectic life as a physicist, banker and trader in London, the heavens intervened. In 2009 Chin Yoke was diagnosed with cancer. While recovering, she decided not to delay her dream of writing any longer. Her first novel, “The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds” (The Malayan Series, #1), was published in 2016 and made an immediate emotional connection with readers. It debuted as an Amazon bestseller in historical fiction, was named by Goodreads as one of the six best books in the month of its release and has been favorably compared to the work of Pearl S. Buck and Amy Tan. “When the Future Comes Too Soon” is her latest novel.

 

###

 


Book Details for When the Future Comes Too Soon

FutureBookCoverSelina Siak Chin Yoke • July 18, 2017 • Amazon Crossing
ISBN: 1542045754 (paperback) • ASIN: B01N5P78JM (ebook)
Price: $10.99 (paperback) • $4.97 (ebook)
Historical Fiction

Praise For “When the Future Comes Too Soon”

“…an intensely visceral evocation of life in Malaya during World War II…” —María Dueñas, author of New York Times bestselling The Time in Between

“…an intricately drawn network of human relationships.” —Musharraf Ali Farooqi, author of Man Asian Literary Prize shortlisted Between Clay and Dust

•••••

Praise For “The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds”

“…vividly drawn, deeply affecting first novel…” —Laura Esquivel, author of Pierced by the Sun and the New York Times bestselling Like Water for Chocolate

 

 

 


An Interview with Selina Siak Chin Yoke

SelinaChinYokeIt may surprise your readers to know that you weren’t always a writer. Before becoming an author, you led successful careers as a research physicist and an investment banker, and even today, you work as a trader. What turned you on to writing?
I began writing out of desperation and a cherished dream. In 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After finishing chemo, when I should have been feeling better, I felt worse, even after many months. I was listless, out-of-sorts and far from being myself. Nothing seemed right. I saw a counselor; I stayed with friends outside London; I continued exercising. I was in a depression, except that I did not know it. And I certainly had no idea what to do – until I started writing. It was like a miracle: the act of searching for words and putting them into sentences transformed me. And then I remembered the dream I had of writing a novel loosely based on my great grandmother’s life. With every page I wrote, I could feel my strength returning. Writing saved my life. And now I can’t stop – I love it.

Why do you think readers develop such strong emotional connections to your characters?
I believe there are several reasons. First of all, my books are an easy read. The stories may be set in unfamiliar cultures and countries, but they are very accessible; I write from my heart and I think this shows. Secondly, my characters are rich and complex, and readers are able to glean their life histories – to get a sense of why they are the way they are. Finally, people across cultures and time have been more alike than we think. My characters reflect this. They face situations readers themselves have either faced or have heard about and can relate to in a very palpable way.

Fans have described being totally immersed in the world you built. How do you go about developing your narrative world?
Many readers say that they feel as if they were there in British Malaya with my characters. It must be because while I’m writing, I myself am there in the house or the jungle or wherever with my characters! I live and breathe every sentence while writing it. Not only do I visualize each scene – seeing what my characters see, hearing what they hear, and feeling what they feel – I even try to do what they do. In “The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds,” the protagonist eats with her hands, as is the Malay custom. I had a tutorial from a friend on how to eat with one’s hands, and then tried eating with my hands for a couple of meals. The protagonist also has many children – I drew the line there (!), though I did interview a range of women about their childbirth experiences. It’s the only way I know to transmit my characters’ experiences viscerally to readers.

On the one hand you work as a trader, which involves numbers, but at the same time your other job, writing, involves words. How do you combine the two?
With some difficulty! When I trade, I try to shut off my emotions, whereas while I write I need to tap into as many feelings and memories as possible. This can be schizophrenic, but fortunately they have something in common: they both require discipline. Some people think that authors only write when inspired. If this were true, there would be very few books! To be any good at writing you have to practice it every day, like any craft, regardless of whether you feel inspired. This takes a huge amount of discipline. I’m thankful to have both discipline and tremendous powers of concentration.

Your first novel was partly inspired by the life of your great grandmother. What can you tell us about her?
My great grandmother was a feisty matriarch of mixed Chinese-Malay descent who had many kids. She had to feed them, so it was just as well that she was apparently a great cook! In the town where she lived, she was also famous for her sharp tongue and shrewdness as an entrepreneur. No one is sure where or when she was born and what her name was. In those days, we had a tradition of addressing older people strictly by their familial titles. For example, you would call your father’s second brother Second Paternal Uncle. The result? Everyone knew exactly how they were related to each other, but they did not always know the names of older relatives. I dedicated “The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds” to my great grandmother, but had to scramble to find out her name! (We believe she was called Chua Paik Choo.)

You raise an interesting point here – you have an intriguing name: Selina Siak Chin Yoke. What can you tell us about your name?
Believe it or not, all of those names are actually on my birth certificate! Westerners will be forgiven for thinking that my family name is Yoke; in fact, it is Siak. Here’s a brief explanation: I was given both a Western name, Selina, and a Chinese name – Chin Yoke. “Selina” is of Greek origin, I believe, and has something to do with the moon, while Chin Yoke means “Pure Jade.” My name is easy to decompose, if you know how. In the West, a person’s name comes before the surname, hence you have “Selina Siak” on the left hand side. In Chinese names, however, the surname comes before the name. Therefore, the Chinese part of my name is “Siak Chin Yoke.” Putting the two parts together, you get Selina Siak Chin Yoke. Now here’s what’s interesting: in Chinese families, we like to be able to identify the generation to which a child belongs. Therefore, children have names which may sound very similar, but aren’t. For example, if I had a sister, she could be called Chin Fah. The first parts of our names would then be Chin, so that everyone would know we were related and of the same generation. This is the reason why the Chinese siblings in my books have similar sounding names. It’s definitely not because I’m out to confuse readers! For anyone interested, I’ve written a blog post about Chinese names (https://chinyoke.wordpress.com/2012/04/21/whats-in-a-chinese-name/).

How much of your work is fictional?
My stories weave invented characters and situations with real historical events, and all are underpinned by thorough research. In other words the people are made up, but their behavior is sometimes drawn from a hodge-podge of people I’ve known. The exact situations that my characters find themselves in are also invented, though they do take place within a real historical framework. I research the historical events carefully, using a mix of archived news articles, books, road maps and interviews. I think it is this mix (plus my trying to do what the characters do, as described above) that provides the authenticity readers have picked up on.

What themes should readers keep an eye out for while reading “When the Future Comes Too Soon?”
“When the Future Comes Too Soon” follows an ordinary Malayan family through the Second World War. For many Asians, this invariably meant a time when their country was occupied by Japanese forces. The circumstances described in the novel are harrowing, and challenging times tend to bring out the best and the worst in people. Readers will see instances of betrayal in its many forms, but also instances of unexpected strength. The protagonist, for example, discovers that she is more capable than she thinks.

“When the Future Comes Too Soon” is the second book in The Malayan Series. What can you tell us about the series?
All of the books in The Malayan Series can be read independently and in any order. Each book will follow a different generation of the same family – the Wong family – and will tell not only their human story but also the story of the country they live in – British Malaya. Readers don’t need to know anything about Malaya beforehand! My books can be read on many levels, including as pure entertainment. “The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds” (Book 1) sees Malaya under British colonization and the rapid cultural changes this brings. “When the Future Comes Too Soon” (Book 2) takes place during WWII, with the Japanese occupation and all the consequences thereof. The third book will bring us closer to modernity. The closer we get to modern times, the more controversial the books may seem, especially in Asia, where we prefer to avoid inconvenient truths, striving instead for harmony over conflict.

Does this mean that there are messages in your novels?
My writing is not political in that way. I want first and foremost to touch emotions and to entertain, and to do both in an intelligent manner. However, because British Malaya was historically such a melting-pot of cultures and peoples, questions about identity, culture and how we live with one another emerge naturally in The Malayan Series. What happened in the past can shine a light on the present, and in this way provide lessons for modern Malaysia and any other multicultural country that is willing to learn from mistakes.

What do you think readers of “The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds” will like about “When the Future Comes Too Soon?”
They will be transported to British Malaya in the same way that they were in the first novel. They will find out what happens to characters who were briefly introduced there. They will laugh and cry – probably cry more than laugh, as Malaya is at war – and hopefully, they’ll wait anxiously for the third book!

 

Indie romance author Blue Saffire reaching incredible success with multiple interracial romance series

NEW YORK CITY – In just over a year since romance author Blue Saffire began writing and releasing books, she has trailblazed a path to success that many indie writers can only dream of. A multi-Swirl Award winner and a perennial Amazon bestseller, Saffire is the woman behind the popular interracial romance series “Legally Bound,” “Hush,” “Ballers,”“Brothers Black,” “Perfect For Me” and “Yours.”

Always the overachiever, Saffire typically releases a new book every four to six weeks, quenching the thirst of her dedicated fans with spicy storylines and dynamic writing. Saffire has seven releases slated between October 2016 and January 2017 including three new “Brothers Black” books and four new “Legally Bound” books.

One of Saffire’s keys to success is her talent for connecting with readers on a personal level. In 2017, she’s throwing Blue’s March Madness from March 23 to March 25 at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC. Not only does each reader get a chance to meet and hang out with Saffire, she’s inviting her bestselling author friends to join in on the fun. Included in the price of tickets are the events, new books exclusive to March Madness attendees and an extra-special secret surprise. For more information, visit http://bluesaffire.com/leads/march-madness/.


An Interview with Blue Saffire

What led you to writing romance novels, and why did you specifically dive into interracial romance?

I am a kinetic person, I feel life and I am always in my feelings. I spend 90 percent of my time in my own head. I think I have a little world of love in there, and it is more entertaining and pleasant than the real world at times. I actually didn’t even know there was an interracial genre for some time. I had written “Legally Bound” after having a dream about the characters and didn’t know what to do with it. A few years later, I had a dream to put the first book out and I did. I write who my characters show me they are, nothing more nothing less.

Which authors inspire your writing the most?

I can’t say I’m inspired by anyone really. Most of my books come from my dreams. That is where my inspiration comes from. I dream in 3D and very vividly. I swear I should take popcorn to bed. It’s like watching movies in my sleep. I tend to like to play by my own rules, and I think my books reflect that.

What about your books connects so well with readers?

I think I put a piece of me in every book. Once again, I’m a feeler so I make sure you feel me in my writing. That is usually the common response from readers, that they were taken through all their emotions with each chapter. I have cried through typing some scenes and laughed out loud during others.

Which guy do you find the most intriguing in your books?

I fall in love with each hero I write. We have a two to three-week love affair. They tell me their story, we fight over how I will tell it and then we make up and give life to our compromise. All my guys are alphas in one way or another. I love that they protect. The bigger the protector, the more I fall in love. My men protect through their love. Besides, their all a version or my husband, but shhh don’t tell him.

What do you think has been the most important factor in your success?

I have known failure, and I have known hurt; I don’t like them, so I do everything in my power to avoid them as best I can. I also stay true to who I am. I write my books for me and then I share my world with everyone else. If you love it, I am so grateful for that. If you don’t, I respect that, but I am also okay with it. I don’t get stuck in the negative, I just strive to do better and that is what drives me to ask, “what’s next?” I don’t compete with anyone else. My goal is to outdo Blue Saffire, to see her become better with each keystroke. My latter should always be greater than my former. That’s what keeps me focused looking straight ahead.

What are you most excited about for March Madness?

Being able to give back to my readers. There are so many surprises and things I will be sharing with them. They have been a part of my dream and this will just be a way to show them how much I really care. I can’t wait to meet all of my friends in person. That’s who my readers have become, whether they know it or not. They are my reader friends that share in my world and now I get to share even more.

 How in the world do you manage to churn out books so quickly?

I have no freaking idea. LOL! I’m watching from outside my body. I guess it is because I really love what I do and have a passion for it. I only release what I love, so I do take my time to do my best, but I have so many characters and stories in my head, I have to work fast to get them all out of there. It is getting crowded!


blue-saffire-2

BLUE SAFFIRE is a woman on a mission to share her words and thoughts with the world. She has found her passion in her pen and steams up the pages with her humor, honesty, love and voice. Saffire represents the secret author inside that some of us are too scared to let out.

Saffire and her family all enjoy life in the suburbs. However, life throws her challenges daily and since her diary is no longer enough, she has decided it is time for new outlets for the words she would never say face to face to her friends, family and definitely not her husband. For more about Blue Saffire and her books, visit http://bluesaffire.com/.

The LEGO Animation Book: A Guide to Making LEGO Movies

San Francisco, CA — In the latest LEGO book from No Starch Press, readers learn everything they need to turn their LEGO creations into impressive animated movies.

“The LEGO Animation Book” (No Starch Press, $19.95, 4C, 216 pp., October 14, 2016) is a comprehensive guide to creating stop-motion animation with LEGO. Expert brickfilmers David Pagano and David Pickett share their insight from over twenty years behind the camera and introduce readers to the basics of animation before walking them through the creative process step-by-step.

Readers learn how to:

  • Use animation principles like exaggeration, timing and spacing, and overlapping action
  • Convey action and emotion with plastic characters
  • Add detail and scope to films by building in different scales
  • Create special effects like explosions and flying minifigures
  • Build camera dollies and rigs out of LEGO bricks
  • Light, frame, and capture consistent photos

According to No Starch Press founder Bill Pollock, “This book is for anyone who watched The LEGO Movie and thought ‘I want to do that!’”

Author David Pagano’s motivation for creating the book is to “inspire the next generation of LEGO filmmakers. That’s why we’ve included (almost) all of our secrets.” For David Pickett, nostalgia plays a role: “I wish I had a time machine so I could give this book to myself as a kid and learn to make awesome LEGO animations back then.”

“The LEGO Animation Book” will be in bookstores everywhere this October.


 

thumbnail

David Pagano is a LEGO animator and writer and the founder of Paganomation, a NY-based production studio. His work has appeared everywhere from BrickJournal to the Wall Street Journal.

David Pickett is the LEGO filmmaker behind BRICK 101 and Nightly News at Nine. Together, they run the LEGO animation blog The Set Bump.

No Starch Press has published the finest in geek entertainment since 1994, covering topics like LEGO, hacking, science, math, and programming for all ages. Our titles have personality, our authors are passionate, and our books tackle topics that people care about.

Buckley vs. Vidal transcripts document fiery debates during the 1968 presidential conventions

Memphis, Tenn. ­– The ongoing friction found in the U.S. political system has caused long-standing debates on many stages, but it wasn’t until the legendary presidential debates between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr. that they became a part of mainstream television in the heated way society has come to expect. In a year fraught with tragedy, including the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., tensions ran high as Americans debated their next president, and these two highly political figures found their debates giving them the undivided attention of the American people. Buckley vs. Vidal: The Historic 1968 ABC News Debates contains the only published set of complete transcripts from the debates surrounding the 1968 presidential conventions.

bookcover_buckleyvsvidal

Memphis publisher Tom Graves of the Devault-Graves Agency was fascinated by the Buckley vs. Vidal debates while studying politics at the University of Memphis. After years of searching for recordings, he eventually discovered VHS tapes of the debates and digitally transferred them for a screening at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. A smashing success, the showing sold out and set the groundwork for the documentary “Best of Enemies.” Director Robert Gordon provides his insightful knowledge of the debates in the introduction to the Buckley vs. Vidal transcripts.

After a theatrical run, phenomenal critical reviews and an Academy Award nomination, “Best of Enemies” is headed to the small screen, showing the Buckley vs. Vidal debates in their original medium for the first time since the 1960s. The television premiere of the documentary is airing Oct. 3, 2016 on PBS.

Founded by Darrin Devault and Tom Graves, The Devault-Graves Agency specializes in reprinting the finest in American period literature through two imprints: Devault-Graves Digital Editions and Chalk Line Books. 

Long-time Managing Director Marissa DeCuir is Named President and Partner at JKS Communications

Long-time managing director Marissa DeCuir has been promoted to president and partner at JKS Communications, a book marketing and author publicity firm, effective immediately.

DeCuir started with the firm eight years ago as a book publicist and has steadily risen through the ranks. During her tenure, she has been a key factor in building the firm from a two-person operation to a team that is headquartered in Nashville with satellite operations in New Orleans, Atlanta and Charlotte.

“Marissa is the quintessential leader. Her understanding of publicity from the perspective of what a journalist needs on the other side of the table is key to our growth. Her expertise in implementing cutting edge technology, while focusing on results driven campaigns to serve our clients, is central to making JKS Communications one of the top publicity firms in the country,” founder Julie Schoerke said.

Her leadership has been instrumental in the book publicity firm’s growth to which has now represented more than 1,000 books and more than 600 authors. While experiencing exponential growth, the firm has been committed to building a culture of “family” and the authors represented are often known in the industry as “The JKS Family.”

JKS Communications works with both traditionally and independently published authors, as well as small presses. The firm specializes in helping authors navigate the ever-changing book industry, while implementing creative strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

“I am proud to lead a strong team of former journalists and publishing experts that have managed campaigns for New York Time and USA Today bestselling authors, some of the most award-winning books and those that change lives and make the world a better place. I am so proud of what we have accomplished with our authors. I look forward to our JKS family’s continued success in the future,” DeCuir said.

A former journalist herself, with USA Today and Gannett Company, her work has been featured in National Geographic and The Chicago Sun-Times in the past several years as well. She grew up in a family of journalists who own newspapers in Louisiana, and she is a journalism graduate of the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, where she served as managing editor of The Daily Reveille and lsureveille.com.

DeCuir takes the reins of running the firm from Schoerke, who founded the company in 2000. Schoerke will focus on strategic planning of the firm going forward.

What (Not) To Wear for a TV Interview

Have you ever watched an interview on television and couldn’t help but feel that something was drawing your attention away from the person’s message? Perhaps it was what they were wearing.

People shouldn’t make judgments based on your appearance, but some will, even subconsciously. Certain colors, patterns and types of clothing can create unintentional distractions on camera when they would typically go unnoticed in everyday situations.

While there are always exceptions to every rule, here are a few tips to keep in mind for your next television interview:

Don’t wear white, black, red or green. Cameras are sensitive, and these colors can be harsh on screen. While white tends to glow, black will absorb light, and bright red hues can be distracting. Green also interferes with digital backgrounds. Solid blue and pastel tones are generally a safe bet.

On that note, stay away from patterns, including stripes, plaid and small designs. Again, cameras pick up everything, and some designs can create visual interference.

The general rule for attire is business casual. Avoid wearing short skirts, dresses, shorts or other revealing clothing. It’s also a good idea to look online for recent interview clips to get an idea of the set and see what other guests have worn in the past.

Before an interview, remove any jewelry that moves, makes noise or could hit your microphone. This includes dangly earrings, bangle bracelets and long or bulky necklaces.

Avoid brand name logos and words on your clothing. You want viewers to hear what you are saying, not your T-shirt.

2016 JKS Communications Authors-in-Residence Announced!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Suspense novelist Jenny Milchman, YA author Martina Boone named 2016 JKS Communications Authors-in-Residence

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – JKS Communications has named Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning novelist Jenny Milchman and SIBA Okra Pick author Martina Boone as the book publicity firm’s authors-in-residence for 2016.

The two seasoned and celebrated authors will work closely with JKS on several new initiatives, including writer retreats and workshops to help aspiring writers and experienced authors alike polish their craft and develop new skills for the ever-changing publishing industry. Milchman, who traveled for 15 months on what Shelf Awareness dubbed “the world’s longest book tour,” will share her unique perspective on how authors can (and why they should) create lasting relationships with independent booksellers. Boone will develop a publicity series on her website, AdventuresInYAPublishing.com, a three-time Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers blog.

JKS debuted the author-in-residence program in 2015 with acclaimed young adult novelist Courtney Stevens, who specializes in DIY publicity and creating successful school visits.

Milchman is a three-time Indie Next Pick designated suspense author living in New York. Her books, published by Ballantine, Cover of Snow (2013), Ruin Falls (2014) and As Night Falls (2015) received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and Library Journal and praise from the New York Times, San Francisco Journal of Books and the Associated Press. Milchman is the founder of Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day, which recently garnered attention from the New York Times. The holiday is celebrated annually by more than 800 bookstores in all 50 states and five continents.

Born in Prague, Boone is the author of the romantic Southern gothic Heirs of Watson Island trilogy. Compulsion (2014), published by Pulse, received recognition as the RT Book Reviews Top Pick and Editor’s Best of 2014, Kansas State Reading Circle Selection, GoodReads November 2014 Best Book and November 2014 YA Best Book. The series continued with Persuasion (2015), which Kirkus called “atmospheric and packed with magic and mysteries.” Boone is the creator of YASeriesInsiders.com, a site devoted to news, giveaways and insider secrets of much-loved and up-and-coming YA series. She also serves on the board of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia.

JKS Communications is a full-service book marketing and literary publicity firm, offering cross-genre publicity services to authors across a variety of publishing platforms, including traditional, small press, indie and international. Learn more at www.JKSCommunications.com.


 

For more information:

Anglle Barbazon, publicist

angelle@JKSCommunications.com

(615) 928-2462

Getting to Know You: Why Media Matters

Author Interview

When you’re gearing up to launch a new book, building buzz can be difficult, even for seasoned authors who have a loyal following of readers. The fact is, there are regularly more than 300,000 titles released by traditional publishers every year in the United States while the non-traditional publishing sector churns out more than 1 million books annually, according to Bowker. So what’s the bottom line? There is a lot of competition out there.

One of the most worthwhile ways of breaking through all the noise is with the media. This can come in the form of interviews, book announcements or reviews –though reviews are becoming increasingly less common and more difficult to secure because of shrinking newsrooms and resources.

Interviews are the best way for readers to connect with the people behind their favorite books on a deeper, more personal level. It gives readers an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look into the writing filling their home libraries, or even get introduced to new voices in the literary world.

Just about every writer wants “big media” attention like the New York Times or National Public Radio, but they shouldn’t underestimate the power of local media. Similar to a grassroots movement, local media can help build buzz on the ground level. It’s a good place to start, especially for new authors who are just getting their feet wet. A feature in a local newspaper or a spot on a morning news show is a great starting point for bigger things to come.

Big or small, every media outlet will consider a few factors before setting up interview or other types of coverage. Knowing the questions that journalists will ask themselves before covering a new book can be invaluable. Here are a few questions they may consider:

  • Why do my readers care about this book?
  • Does the author have a local connection?
  • Why is it important to feature this book now?
  • What makes this book or author unique?
  • Is this book or author controversial in any way?
  • What kind of impact will this book or author have the community that my media outlet serves?

 

Angelle Barbazon is currently a publicist for JKS Communications. She is an award-winning journalist who worked for various print newspapers across the country and NPR before succumbing to her love of books. 

3 Signs You Have Written A Highly Marketable Nonfiction Book

When I started working with author, psychologist and terrorism expert Alice LoCicero to promote her newest nonfiction book, I knew right away that the possibilities for media coverage would be endless. Her book, “Why ‘Good Kids’ Turn Into Deadly Terrorists,” explains the ins and outs of homegrown terrorism with a special emphasis on the accused Boston Marathon bombers, a topic that hits home for this Cambridge-based author. Dr. LoCicero’s book and professional expertise have grabbed the attention of the Associated Press, the Washington Times, local Boston media and many others.

So, how did she do it? How does a writer pen a nonfiction title that spans local, regional and national appeal?

3 signs of a highly marketable nonfiction book:

  1. Timing is (almost) everything. When deciding on a publication date, think about important anniversaries and current events that the book’s release can be tied to. This is especially important for media coverage because reporters are always looking for a timely angle. The question they are repeatedly asking is, “Why should people care about this NOW?” In Dr. LoCicero’s case, she released her book just as media outlets – locally and nationally – were gearing up to cover the trial of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. It was on their minds, and she popped up on their radar just in time.
  2. Let’s get personal. A personal connection to the topic is a great angle to pitch to media outlets. Journalists may care about the book and its subject, but they are always looking forward to hearing the author’s personal story, one that their readers can relate to, one that takes them behind the scenes. Dr. LoCicero chose a topic close to her heart. Not only does she live and work in the community where the Tsarnaev brothers lived, she is a mother and psychologist who has studied youth violence and terrorism all over the world.
  3. Know your readers. Choose a topic with mass appeal. Not everyone is deeply invested in the Boston Marathon bombing trial, but Dr. LoCicero’s readership broadened when her book addressed the subjects of youth violence and terrorism recruitment efforts. This not only pulls in readers interested in current events but grabs the attention of parents, educators and those interested in psychology and youth social issues.

Angelle Barbazon is a literary publicist who worked as a journalist before joining JKS Communications.