BlackandBooks

For readers of the black press, a new forum for black literature

By Celia McGee
The New York Times
(November 11, 2006) Joy Bramble remembers when black writers struggled to attain their dreams and the attention needed to sustain them.

“Now I can’t believe how many books are being published by black writers,” she said. “It’s almost as if we’re recognizing suddenly that people want to read them, and we have so many stories to tell.”

Getting the word out to potential readers, though, has not been easy.

Publishers and authors still worry that African-American titles receive sparse coverage in the mainstream media — where the space allotted to books has been dwindling — while historically black newspapers like The Baltimore Times, where Ms. Bramble is publisher, often have...
Story continued...

Kimani Press to launch new line of books marketed to black teens

(September 27, 2006) Kimani Press has announced plans to launch Kimani Tru, a new line of fiction written for African-American teens, that will spotlight young, emerging literary talent. The debut in February 2007 will feature two releases, and thereafter one compelling novel each month. Kimani Tru titles will address the triumphs, issues and concerns of today’s youth with candor, wit and realism.

“African-American teens are underserved in today’s literary climate with stories that solely dwell on the negative influences of the streets” states Linda Gill (above), general manager of Kimani Press. “Our goal is to reach out and embrace young adult readers with stories that are true to their life experiences, but that also encourage growth, and empowerment. At times, teens feel alone with the issues they are facing. In Kimani Tru novels they will meet characters they can ultimately learn from.”

Featured authors for the new imprint include 17-year old Cassandra Carter, with her debut novel Fast Life, and under-25 author Cecil Cross II capturing the life of a graduating
Story continued...

Recording artist Ashanti signs with Disney’s Jump At The Sun for life and style guide

(July 29, 2006) Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Disney Book Group's Hyperion Books for Children, dedicated to the mission of creating high quality children's books that celebrate diversity, has added Grammy Award winning artist Ashanti to its roster with her life and style guide, ASHANTI STYLE, set to release in fall 2007.

From one of the music world's most popular young icons, ASHANTI STYLE is an electric, behind-the-scenes, autobiographical account of her life and style that will also include fashion and beauty tips and a photo insert. It is co-written with Orlando Lima, who is the former Executive Editor and Editor-at-Large at Vibe. The deal was negotiated by Kelli Martin, Senior Editor, Jump at the Sun and Ashanti's special
Story continued...

Kimani Press launches a new series of romance novels by bestselling authors

(July 21, 2006) Kimani Press, the new home of the highly acclaimed Arabesque, Sepia, and New Spirit imprints at Harlequin Enterprises Limited brings audiences four new passion-filled novels each month with the launch of Kimani Romance(TM), a series destined to win the hearts and minds of romance readers around the world.

This publishing program is filled with the top names in African-American romance fiction today. USA Today bestselling author Brenda Jackson has crafted the dramatic and wildly entertaining Solid Soul. Essence bestselling author Gwynne Forster has deftly penned the passionate and intrigue-filled Her Secret Life. National bestselling author Marcia King-Gamble delivers up the sexy Flamingo Place. In addition, Kimani
Story continued...

Amber Communications licenses three titles to Black Expressions Book Club

(July 1, 2006) Amber Communications Group, Inc (ACGI), Phoenix, AZ recently completed licensing the worldwide book club rights to Black Expressions Book Club for two Colossus Books' celebrity bios by author Jake Brown and one Amber/Wiley title by author Deborah R. Lily with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Included in the agreement are: Kanye West In The Studio: Beats Down! Money Up! The Studio Years (2000 - 2006) Colossus Books (ISBN# 0-9767735-6-2) by Jake Brown; Suge Knight - The Rise, Fall, & Rise of Death Row Records: The Story of Marion 'Suge' Knight - A Hard -Hitting Study of One Man, One Company that Changed the Course of American Music Forever (Revised Edition) Colossus Books (ISBN# 0-9702224-7-5) by Jake Brown; and Wavy, Curly, Kinky: The African American Child's Hair Care Guide, Amber/Wiley Books (ISBN# 0-471-69534-3) by Deborah R. Lily
Story continued...

Black Issues to launch new book review supplement in black newspapers

(May 21, 2006) Black Issues Book Review magazine Target Market News have announced the introduction of Blacks&Books, the first monthly book review supplement to be nationally distributed through black newspapers and editorially focused on books for African-American readers. The new publication was unveiled at the recent Book Expo America convention in Washington, D.C.

“At a time when interest in African-American literature has never been greater, Blacks&Books will provide news and reviews about the vast and growing array of black books,” said Ken Smikle, president of Target Market News, the company that acquired Black Issues Book Review magazine two months ago. “This monthly tabloid will serve as a unique bridge between publishers, authors and retailers who want to tap into the more than 12 million African-Americans who read a black newspaper every week.”
Story continued...

Tyler Perry's first title debuts at No.1 on N.Y. Times hardcover bestseller list

(April 21, 2006) Tyler Perry, who has claimed success as a popular playwright, director, producer and performer, has now conquered the literary world. His first book, “Don't Make A Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life,” will makes its debut on the April 30^th New York Times bestseller list at No.1. The Riverhead Books title appears on the hardcover nonfiction bestseller list.

Tyler has soared to the top of every facet of entertainment he has entered: from No.1 movies (Diary of A Mad Black Woman
Story continued...

N.Y. Times lists Covenant With Black America as the nation's No.1 nonfiction paperback

(April 19, 2006) When The New York Times best-seller list is published Sunday, April 23rd, COVENANT WITH BLACK AMERICA, edited by Tavis Smiley, will cap an already extraordinary sales record by taking the No. 1 spot there among paperback nonfiction books.

Smiley marshaled the project into being, edited it and teamed up with the respected black publisher, Haki Madhubuti of Third World Press to make it a reality. The book’s creators say it is the first time a nonfiction book by a black-owned publisher has “reached and topped” the New York Times list.

In its fifth week on the list, it beats out such contenders as the Oprah-sanctioned Night by Elie Wiesel, in No. 2 after 12
Story continued...

National Black Writers Conference convenes at Brooklyn's Medgar Evers College

By Tanangachi Mfuni
Amsterdam News
(April 5, 2006) Hailing from Washington D.C., Mississippi, Texas and even England, writers, scholars, and publishers convened at Medgar Evers College for the eighth National Black Writers Conference (NBWC).

The conference opened last Thursday with a tribute to Chicago publisher Haki Madhubuti and Hurston-Wright Foundation founder Marita Golden for their singular efforts to advance Black literature.

Over 40 literati and 700 attendees participated in the four-day event, according to NBWC coordinator Dr. Brenda Greene, who heads the Center of Black Literature at Medgar Evers.
Story continued...

Third World Press’s Covenant With Black America rises to No. 2 on N.Y. Times list

(April 5, 2006) In its third week on the New York Times Bestseller List for Paperback Nonfiction (since it debuted at No. 6 on March 25), the anthology COVENANT WITH BLACK AMERICA, essays by African American leaders, advocates and scholars on America's unfinished agenda with its black citizens, with an introduction by radio and TV host and commentator Tavis Smiley, hits No. 2 on the list to be published in the NY Times Book Review on Sunday, April 9.

The Chicago-based Third World Press, founded in 1967 by poet, essayist, educator and activist Haki R. Madhubuti (above), is the first black-owned independent publisher to ever to land a book on the fabled NY Times list. COVENANT...
Story continued...

Susan McHenry returns to Black Issues Book Review as editorial director

(March 25, 2006) As part of its recent acquisition of Black Issues Book Review magazine, Target Market News, Inc. president, Ken Smikle, has announced that award-winning editor, Susan McHenry is returning to her former position as Editorial Director of the bi-monthly beginning in April.

McHenry, who most recently served the magazine in the position of Editor-at-Large, was founding editor when the publication was launched seven years ago. In her new post, she will oversee the development of editorial content for Black Issues Book Review, its Web site, www.bibookreview.com, and future news and information vehicles being planned by the company.

“We are thrilled to have Susan back on the staff full-time,” said Smikle, Black Issues Book Review‘s President and
Story continued...

Bestselling author Bebe Moore Campbell recuperating from 'neurological condition'

(March 9, 2006) Bestselling author Bebe Moore Campbell was recently diagnosed with a neurological condition that will require her full attention for recovery. The announcement was made by her husband, Ells Gordon Jr. last week. During recovery, Campbell will continue her writing, but her other activities and appearances have been cancelled for the next 90-120 days.

Ms. Campbell’s physician, Dr. Keith Black, a world renowned neurosurgeon who made the diagnosis stated, “With the prescribed treatment for her condition and with the proper time to heal and rest, there is every reason to believe that Ms. Campbell will have a normal recovery and will resume her regular schedule of activities. She is in the best of care.”
Story continued...

Target Market News buys Black Issues Book Review from Cox, Matthews & Assoc.

(March 8, 2006) Black Issues Book Review, the nation’s leading magazine on African-American book publishing, announced today that it has been acquired by Target Market News, Inc. The bi-monthly magazine that chronicles the latest developments of black authors, publishing executives and booksellers, was sold by Cox, Matthews & Associates, Inc. of Fairfax, VA. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

“This transaction means that Black Issues Book Review will have the opportunity to become even stronger in its role as a platform for African-American authors and books,” said William E. Cox, founding publisher of BIBR and president of Cox, Matthews & Associates. “As a result, we believe...
Story continued...

Gordon Parks, master photographer, artist of many genres, dies at 93

By Michael Wilmington
Chicago Tribune
(March 8, 2006) "I chose my camera as a weapon against all the things I dislike about America--poverty, racism, discrimination."

So said Gordon Parks in his searingly powerful 1966 autobiography "A Choice of Weapons," a bold statement that aptly revealed two sides of this complex, brilliant and ultimately heroic artist: the outward anger against injustice and the love that lay beneath it. Both helped fuel his rise from Kansas rural poverty to world fame.

Parks, who died Tuesday in his New York City home at the age of 93, was a true Renaissance man who had...
Story continued...

Octavia Butler, 58; Author Opened the Galaxies of Science Fiction to Blacks

By Jocelyn Y. Stewart,
Los Angeles Times
(February 28, 2006) Octavia E. Butler's first creation in the world of science fiction was herself.

Before anybody told her that black girls do not grow up to write about futuristic worlds, Butler, the daughter of a shoeshine man and a maid, was already fashioning a place for herself in a white-dominated universe.

By remaining dedicated to her craft, sweeping floors and working as a telemarketer to pay the bills; by suffering the indignities that come with being among the first; and eventually winning a MacArthur Foundation grant, Butler carved a place for herself — and helped write a new world into existence.
Story continued...
____________________________________________________

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Departments Recent News New Reviews - Fiction - Nonfiction - Children's - Young Adult About Us Background Staff Bios Advertising Info Bestsellers Lists Flying Off the Shelves Customer Services Letters to the Editor Register for E-Alerts Book Clubs Subscriptions __________________ A TARGET MARKET NEWS Company Copyright `© 2006 by Target Market News` All rights reserved Black Issues Book Review Business address: Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1522 New York, NY 10118 Tel. 212-947-8515 Fax 212-947-5674	For readers of the black press, a new forum for black literature By Celia McGee The New York Times (November 11, 2006) Joy Bramble remembers when black writers struggled to attain their dreams and the attention needed to sustain them. “Now I can’t believe how many books are being published by black writers,” she said. “It’s almost as if we’re recognizing suddenly that people want to read them, and we have so many stories to tell.” Getting the word out to potential readers, though, has not been easy. Publishers and authors still worry that African-American titles receive sparse coverage in the mainstream media — where the space allotted to books has been dwindling — while historically black newspapers like The Baltimore Times, where Ms. Bramble is publisher, often have... Story continued... Kimani Press to launch new line of books marketed to black teens (September 27, 2006) Kimani Press has announced plans to launch Kimani Tru, a new line of fiction written for African-American teens, that will spotlight young, emerging literary talent. The debut in February 2007 will feature two releases, and thereafter one compelling novel each month. Kimani Tru titles will address the triumphs, issues and concerns of today’s youth with candor, wit and realism. “African-American teens are underserved in today’s literary climate with stories that solely dwell on the negative influences of the streets” states Linda Gill (above), general manager of Kimani Press. “Our goal is to reach out and embrace young adult readers with stories that are true to their life experiences, but that also encourage growth, and empowerment. At times, teens feel alone with the issues they are facing. In Kimani Tru novels they will meet characters they can ultimately learn from.” Featured authors for the new imprint include 17-year old Cassandra Carter, with her debut novel Fast Life, and under-25 author Cecil Cross II capturing the life of a graduating Story continued... Recording artist Ashanti signs with Disney’s Jump At The Sun for life and style guide (July 29, 2006) Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Disney Book Group's Hyperion Books for Children, dedicated to the mission of creating high quality children's books that celebrate diversity, has added Grammy Award winning artist Ashanti to its roster with her life and style guide, ASHANTI STYLE, set to release in fall 2007. From one of the music world's most popular young icons, ASHANTI STYLE is an electric, behind-the-scenes, autobiographical account of her life and style that will also include fashion and beauty tips and a photo insert. It is co-written with Orlando Lima, who is the former Executive Editor and Editor-at-Large at Vibe. The deal was negotiated by Kelli Martin, Senior Editor, Jump at the Sun and Ashanti's special Story continued... Kimani Press launches a new series of romance novels by bestselling authors (July 21, 2006) Kimani Press, the new home of the highly acclaimed Arabesque, Sepia, and New Spirit imprints at Harlequin Enterprises Limited brings audiences four new passion-filled novels each month with the launch of Kimani Romance(TM), a series destined to win the hearts and minds of romance readers around the world. This publishing program is filled with the top names in African-American romance fiction today. USA Today bestselling author Brenda Jackson has crafted the dramatic and wildly entertaining Solid Soul. Essence bestselling author Gwynne Forster has deftly penned the passionate and intrigue-filled Her Secret Life. National bestselling author Marcia King-Gamble delivers up the sexy Flamingo Place. In addition, Kimani Story continued... Amber Communications licenses three titles to Black Expressions Book Club (July 1, 2006) Amber Communications Group, Inc (ACGI), Phoenix, AZ recently completed licensing the worldwide book club rights to Black Expressions Book Club for two Colossus Books' celebrity bios by author Jake Brown and one Amber/Wiley title by author Deborah R. Lily with John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Included in the agreement are: Kanye West In The Studio: Beats Down! Money Up! The Studio Years (2000 - 2006) Colossus Books (ISBN# 0-9767735-6-2) by Jake Brown; Suge Knight - The Rise, Fall, & Rise of Death Row Records: The Story of Marion 'Suge' Knight - A Hard -Hitting Study of One Man, One Company that Changed the Course of American Music Forever (Revised Edition) Colossus Books (ISBN# 0-9702224-7-5) by Jake Brown; and Wavy, Curly, Kinky: The African American Child's Hair Care Guide, Amber/Wiley Books (ISBN# 0-471-69534-3) by Deborah R. Lily Story continued... Black Issues to launch new book review supplement in black newspapers (May 21, 2006) Black Issues Book Review magazine Target Market News have announced the introduction of Blacks&Books, the first monthly book review supplement to be nationally distributed through black newspapers and editorially focused on books for African-American readers. The new publication was unveiled at the recent Book Expo America convention in Washington, D.C. “At a time when interest in African-American literature has never been greater, Blacks&Books will provide news and reviews about the vast and growing array of black books,” said Ken Smikle, president of Target Market News, the company that acquired Black Issues Book Review magazine two months ago. “This monthly tabloid will serve as a unique bridge between publishers, authors and retailers who want to tap into the more than 12 million African-Americans who read a black newspaper every week.” Story continued... Tyler Perry's first title debuts at No.1 on N.Y. Times hardcover bestseller list (April 21, 2006) Tyler Perry, who has claimed success as a popular playwright, director, producer and performer, has now conquered the literary world. His first book, “Don't Make A Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life,” will makes its debut on the April 30^th New York Times bestseller list at No.1. The Riverhead Books title appears on the hardcover nonfiction bestseller list. Tyler has soared to the top of every facet of entertainment he has entered: from No.1 movies (Diary of A Mad Black Woman Story continued... *N.Y. Times lists Covenant With Black America* as the nation's No.1 nonfiction paperback (April 19, 2006) When The New York Times best-seller list is published Sunday, April 23rd, COVENANT WITH BLACK AMERICA, edited by Tavis Smiley, will cap an already extraordinary sales record by taking the No. 1 spot there among paperback nonfiction books. Smiley marshaled the project into being, edited it and teamed up with the respected black publisher, Haki Madhubuti of Third World Press to make it a reality. The book’s creators say it is the first time a nonfiction book by a black-owned publisher has “reached and topped” the New York Times list. In its fifth week on the list, it beats out such contenders as the Oprah-sanctioned Night by Elie Wiesel, in No. 2 after 12 Story continued... National Black Writers Conference convenes at Brooklyn's Medgar Evers College By Tanangachi Mfuni Amsterdam News (April 5, 2006) Hailing from Washington D.C., Mississippi, Texas and even England, writers, scholars, and publishers convened at Medgar Evers College for the eighth National Black Writers Conference (NBWC). The conference opened last Thursday with a tribute to Chicago publisher Haki Madhubuti and Hurston-Wright Foundation founder Marita Golden for their singular efforts to advance Black literature. Over 40 literati and 700 attendees participated in the four-day event, according to NBWC coordinator Dr. Brenda Greene, who heads the Center of Black Literature at Medgar Evers. Story continued... Third World Press’s Covenant With Black America rises to No. 2 on N.Y. Times list (April 5, 2006) In its third week on the New York Times Bestseller List for Paperback Nonfiction (since it debuted at No. 6 on March 25), the anthology COVENANT WITH BLACK AMERICA, essays by African American leaders, advocates and scholars on America's unfinished agenda with its black citizens, with an introduction by radio and TV host and commentator Tavis Smiley, hits No. 2 on the list to be published in the NY Times Book Review on Sunday, April 9. The Chicago-based Third World Press, founded in 1967 by poet, essayist, educator and activist Haki R. Madhubuti (above), is the first black-owned independent publisher to ever to land a book on the fabled NY Times list. COVENANT... Story continued... Susan McHenry returns to Black Issues Book Review as editorial director** (March 25, 2006) As part of its recent acquisition of Black Issues Book Review magazine, Target Market News, Inc. president, Ken Smikle, has announced that award-winning editor, Susan McHenry is returning to her former position as Editorial Director of the bi-monthly beginning in April. McHenry, who most recently served the magazine in the position of Editor-at-Large, was founding editor when the publication was launched seven years ago. In her new post, she will oversee the development of editorial content for Black Issues Book Review, its Web site, www.bibookreview.com, and future news and information vehicles being planned by the company. “We are thrilled to have Susan back on the staff full-time,” said Smikle, Black Issues Book Review‘s President and Story continued... Bestselling author Bebe Moore Campbell recuperating from 'neurological condition' (March 9, 2006) Bestselling author Bebe Moore Campbell was recently diagnosed with a neurological condition that will require her full attention for recovery. The announcement was made by her husband, Ells Gordon Jr. last week. During recovery, Campbell will continue her writing, but her other activities and appearances have been cancelled for the next 90-120 days. Ms. Campbell’s physician, Dr. Keith Black, a world renowned neurosurgeon who made the diagnosis stated, “With the prescribed treatment for her condition and with the proper time to heal and rest, there is every reason to believe that Ms. Campbell will have a normal recovery and will resume her regular schedule of activities. She is in the best of care.” Story continued... *Target Market News buys Black Issues Book Review* from Cox, Matthews & Assoc.** (March 8, 2006) Black Issues Book Review, the nation’s leading magazine on African-American book publishing, announced today that it has been acquired by Target Market News, Inc. The bi-monthly magazine that chronicles the latest developments of black authors, publishing executives and booksellers, was sold by Cox, Matthews & Associates, Inc. of Fairfax, VA. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. “This transaction means that Black Issues Book Review will have the opportunity to become even stronger in its role as a platform for African-American authors and books,” said William E. Cox, founding publisher of BIBR and president of Cox, Matthews & Associates. “As a result, we believe... Story continued... Gordon Parks, master photographer, artist of many genres, dies at 93 By Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune (March 8, 2006) "I chose my camera as a weapon against all the things I dislike about America--poverty, racism, discrimination." So said Gordon Parks in his searingly powerful 1966 autobiography "A Choice of Weapons," a bold statement that aptly revealed two sides of this complex, brilliant and ultimately heroic artist: the outward anger against injustice and the love that lay beneath it. Both helped fuel his rise from Kansas rural poverty to world fame. Parks, who died Tuesday in his New York City home at the age of 93, was a true Renaissance man who had... Story continued... Octavia Butler, 58; Author Opened the Galaxies of Science Fiction to Blacks By Jocelyn Y. Stewart, Los Angeles Times (February 28, 2006) Octavia E. Butler's first creation in the world of science fiction was herself. Before anybody told her that black girls do not grow up to write about futuristic worlds, Butler, the daughter of a shoeshine man and a maid, was already fashioning a place for herself in a white-dominated universe. By remaining dedicated to her craft, sweeping floors and working as a telemarketer to pay the bills; by suffering the indignities that come with being among the first; and eventually winning a MacArthur Foundation grant, Butler carved a place for herself — and helped write a new world into existence. Story continued... ____________________________________________________ Copyright © 2006 Black Issues Book Review Empire State Building • 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1522 New York, NY • 10118-0165 (212) 947-8515 voice • (212) 947-5674 fax	On Sale Now! Want this issue? Get it with your new subscription. Click here