Author: Angelle Barbazon

Angelle joined the Books Forward team in 2014, and her experience and dedication has led to her being named our lead publicist. Her distinct pitching style and effective research has secured media coverage for our authors and their books in Vanity Fair, Buzzfeed, The Associated Press, The New York Times and USA Today, as well as countless regional media outlets. Our authors love Angelle’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to their vision and their books. Other publicists frequently spend time learning from her — how to ask probing questions, find the right person to contact and craft a successful pitch. She began her professional career at news outlets across the country before surrendering to her love of books. An award-winning journalist whose own work has appeared in local and national publications, including NPR, she is tenacious in finding the right angles to utilize for each campaign and connecting with the right reporter for the job. Angelle can usually be found at a concert, working on Mardi Gras costumes or taking photos of random cats that she meets wandering around New Orleans.

Tim Shaw, former Tennessee Titans linebacker living with ALS, writes inspirational book, “Blitz Your Life”

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

Former Tennessee Titans linebacker Tim Shaw’s unexpected diagnosis of a life-altering disease did not stop him from finding hope and advocating on behalf of those faced with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. From participating in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to living life to the fullest, Shaw’s story is one of hope not only for people battling ALS but for anyone aspiring to be more. “Blitz Your Life” (Jan. 3, 2017) is a story of overcoming fear and living life with a purpose.

Written with Belmont University associate professor Richard Sowienski, “Blitz Your Life” shares the way Shaw and the people in his life have changed each other for the better, challenging readers at the end of each chapter with a call for self-evaluation. With interviews ranging from leading entrepreneurs and business leaders, to musicians, to athletes, Shaw’s book shows how each and every person affects the people around them and calls each reader to set their bar a little higher and push a little harder to pursue their purpose—even when it seems impossible.

Whether you’re a football fan, battling difficult times or simply seeking inspiration, “Blitz Your Life” reaches into the hearts and minds of readers to tell them they’re made of more than their circumstances.

Former linebacker TIM SHAW’s seven years in the NFL included seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, the Chicago Bears, and the Tennessee Titans. A graduate of Penn State, he also holds an MBA from George Washington University. Now an entrepreneur, Tim is a frequent speaker and supporter of ALS awareness. Blitz Your Life is his first book.

RICHARD SOWIENSKI is associate professor at Belmont University and directs the first undergraduate Publishing Program in the U.S. He’s held a variety of writing and editorial jobs, working for Better Homes & Gardens, Raising Teens, Country America, Successful Farming, and The Missouri Review. He and his wife Rola call Nashville home.

 

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If you’ve ever dreamed of something more in life, this book is for you. Blitz Your Life is a collection of reflections and challenges from a former NFL linebacker who is living life fearlessly.

These powerful stories range from Tim’s time on the football field to the radically different life and goals that resulted from his diagnosis with ALS in 2014. Tim also shares stories of ordinary people who have faced everyday challenges and accomplished extraordinary things. Through his “whiteboard challenges,” he provides practical help takes readers on a road to success. From his NFL days to his support of ALS awareness, this fighter’s message is a courageous call to find and enjoy a life with purpose.

 

An Interview with Tim Shaw

This is a 2013 photo of Tim Shaw of the Tennessee Titans NFL football team. This image reflects the Tennessee Titans active roster as of Thursday, May 30, 2013 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)

What inspired you to write “Blitz Your Life”?

I knew that my life experiences were unique and I wanted to use those experiences to impact people in a positive way. I’ve actually known I was going to write a book for about 10 years, and I’ve always enjoyed writing. And I also wanted to do something that would last for a long time, not just be relevant in today’s day and age.

What message do you want people who read your book to receive?

I want people to embrace who they were made to be, as well as their unique gifts and talents. And with that, I want them to pursue a life that is full of passion. I want them to know that life is meant to be lived on purpose. Through this, I believe every reader can reach their maximum potential.

How has your ALS diagnosis changed your perspective on life? What would you say to others going through the same challenge?

ALS has really brought my focus to the things in life that matter the most, and more so eliminate those that don’t matter as much. Because of that I have been able to enjoy every day and make choices based upon what is most important right now, each and every day. To those experiencing similar challenges, I would tell them to focus on what’s most important. If they could choose the most important action all the time, then they will have no regrets.

How has your faith shaped your journey as a football player and ALS advocate?

My faith is my foundation and the thing that I can always count on to be there in good times or bad. With that, I was able to pursue football with all my heart. And now, with ALS, my faith has allowed me to utilize my diagnosis in a positive way, as I see this as an opportunity to reach and impact even more people than before.

Why did you include challenge sections at the end of chapters? What do you hope people will learn about themselves from them?

I don’t want people just to think about what I’ve written. I want to inspire action. The challenge sections will hopefully allow readers to ask themselves the hard questions and then transform their answers into meaningful change. By taking a closer look at who they truly are, I hope these questions lead them to the strength, courage, and clarity needed to live their life of purpose.

This is unlike a typical memoir in that you include interviews from Nashville-area business people and entrepreneurs. Why did you decide to include those?

I don’t consider this a memoir. My life has been blessed by others, so I feel it’s more impactful to share lessons from various walks of life. We all have a purpose to live. Your life is shaped by the people around more than you realize.

For people wanting to inspire and encourage others, what advice would you give them?

Be yourself. The most impactful people are authentic people.

Dr. Rachel Kowert investigates the science of how video games affect children in ‘A Parent’s Guide to Video Games’

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

The world of video games can be a treacherous place for many parents. Always in the forefront of the press, the intersection of video games, violence and antisocial behavior worries many parents, but a lot of the studies released to the public give a very narrow glimpse into the effects of video games. Dr. Rachel Kowert’s new book, “A Parent’s Guide to Video Games,” sets out to provide moms and dads with a reliable resource of information and advice backed up by over 100 scientific studies on video games and the way they affect physical, social, and mental development among children.

“A Parent’s Guide to Video Games” investigates the issues of video game addiction, worsening ADHD symptoms through extended game play and the correlation between agression and violent games. Dr. Kowert doesn’t just look into some of the potential negatives of game play; she also investigates the positive ways that video games can impact children. This guide will help parents look at all the information the scientific community has gathered as they try to decide what games to choose for their children and whether they want their kids playing games at all.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Over the last 40 years, video games have transformed from a niche market to a multibillion-dollar industry. No longer limited to arcade parlors, video games are everywhere and are accessible at any time. Along with the popularization of video games has come a growing concern about their ability to transform those who play them into antisocial killing machines who are desensitized to violence, have no friends, and will forever live in their parents’ basements. But are these fears based in reality?

Over the last 20 years, psychologists, sociologists, and media scholars have been working hard to answer these questions. Until now, their findings have largely remained insulated within scientific circles and inaccessible to the general public. A Parent’s Guide to Video Games breaks the long-standing barriers between science and society by providing the first comprehensive guide to the science behind the headlines.

AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. RACHEL KOWERT

Why did you start studying the psychology of video games?

During my clinical internship at Santa Clara University, I started to see an increase in concern from parents about the potential negative effects online gaming may be having on their children. However, when I began digging through the research to find answers for these parents, there was none! Game studies as a field was just beginning and there was little to no information about how video games may be impacting its players. It was then I knew this was something I wanted to research.

As a parent, what was the biggest question you had about video games before diving into this research?

I began my career in game studies interested in finding out if, how, and why online gaming impacts players socially. We all know the stereotype of the socially inept, reclusive, lonely gamer. Was this stereotype true? If our children are spending more time socializing with others online – often others they do not know in offline contexts – does negatively that impact their social lives in their everyday world?

Does playing violent video games make children more aggressive or more likely to commit a violent crime?

This is the question I get most often and is also the topic that is most sensationalized in the media! Short answer: no. There is no evidence that playing violent video games makes someone more likely to commit violent acts or violent crime. The research with aggression is a little more nuanced. There is no evidence of long term changes in aggression, but some research has concluded that playing violent video games may contribute to small, short term increases in aggressive thoughts.

Is it possible for kids to get addicted to video games? If so, what are the signs?

Video game addiction is currently being researched by psychologists around the globe to determine if it is a true behavioral addiction and what the appropriate diagnostic criteria and treatment plans should be. Put simply, video game addiction is not present until players have lost all control over their playing and it has begun to have a detrimental effect on all aspects of their lives, including education, work, friendships, hobbies, general health, and psychological well-being.

 Does playing video games exacerbate conditions like attention deficit disorder, or ADD, among children?

As video games are often fast-paced, there has been some concern as to whether playing these kinds of games may aggravate the attention problems associated with ADD. Contrary to these claims, video games have actually emerged as promising tools to help improve attention and reduce impulsivity for individuals who show symptoms of ADD. That said, more research is needed before video game play can be recommended as part of a treatment plan.

Isn’t online gaming anti-social?

This is a common misperception! Online gaming is actually incredibly social. I think the perception of it being an anti-social activity comes from the fact that from the outside in, parents often see their child sitting alone in front of a computer with a headset on. What they don’t see is that they are connected with hundreds – maybe thousands – of other players.

Are there any types of video games you recommend?

All types! It depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for something to play together as a family, “party” games are a good way to go. These games are typically created with four or more players in mind and are good for a large crowd of varied ages. Looking for something to challenge your mind? Puzzle games are also great for all ages. It really depends on what you are looking for and what you are interested in.

Do you think news media have a tendency to sensationalize reports about video games and their correlation to negative behaviors?

Absolutely! Sensationalized headlines have really misconstrued the science of video game effects. For instance, when it comes to the link between violent video games and violent behaviors, there are far more studies “debunking” these sensationalized claims than supporting them.

Who do you think is doing the most definitive scientific work on the topic currently?

The work looking at violent video games and violent behavior would probably be the most definitive in the field as it has received the most attention from researchers. In the last few years, several meta analyses have been published demonstrating that the links between violent video games and violent behavior/crime are not consistent with the claims made by the media.

What’s a positive effect of video games on children?

There are many! Video games can provide a great avenue for learning new skills (such as problem solving) as well as new information (such as world history). Games provide a shared activity for friends to enjoy together. This is particularly the case for children who may be shy and have difficulties initiating conversations with others, as video games provide a perpetual topic of conversation.

What do you want the biggest takeaway from your book to be?

I want parents to know that it is not all doom and gloom when it comes to video games. In fact, I would argue there is more good than bad! Video games are great vehicles for learning, they are highly social spaces, and they provide an arena for children to experiment with new roles and ideas. I want parents to be empowered by the science behind the headlines and more confident in making media choices for their families.

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Dr. Rachel Kowert is a research psychologist from Austin, Texas, with a PhD in psychology from the University of York (UK) and an MA in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University. Dr. Kowert has dedicated her career to studying video games and the gamers who love them. As a researcher, psychologist, gamer and parent, she strives to educate other parents about the potential dangers and unique contributions that video games can bring to our everyday lives.

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

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

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!

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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

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

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.

 

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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.

Salinger’s evolution to literary greatness revealed in scholastic anthology of his early writings—“Three Early Stories”

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

Memphis, Tenn. – Before The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger was a young, ambitious writer attempting to find an audience for his stories. “Three Early Stories” is a fascinating collection of stories that were eventually published in the literary journals Story and the University of Kansas Review.

The Devault-Graves Agency, an independent publisher based in Memphis, made the stories available to readers for the first time since their journal publication.

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“Three Early Stories” gives invaluable insight into the early stages of a legendary writer and is a fantastic addition to upper level high school and collegiate English classes. The scholastic edition of the collection assists both classroom and independent study with its comprehensive endnotes, discussion questions, writing prompts, and a Salinger timeline compiled by University of Memphis English professor and author Michael Compton.

J.D. Salinger’s provocative and often colloquial-style writing pushed his dream of being published by The New Yorker back a few years. Moving on to other publications, Salinger landed his first publication when Story decided to print “The Young Folks” in 1940. “The Young Folks” is an impressive view of New York’s cocktail society and two young people talking past one another in almost completely meaningless and empty conversation. The second story in the collection, “Go See Eddie,” was featured in The University of Kansas City Review and is a tale of quiet menace as an unsavory male character gradually turns up the pressure on a young lady to see a man named Eddie. The final story, “Once A Week Won’t Kill You,” ostensibly tells the story of a newly minted soldier trying to tell his aging aunt that he is going off to war. Some see the story as a metaphor for preparing family for the possibility of wartime death. The anthology includes original illustrations by Los Angeles-based artist Anna Rose Yoken.

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. 

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

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

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.

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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

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

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

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

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!

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

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

Posted on | by Angelle Barbazon

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.