So Many Books, So Many Authors, No Time

I've always been an avid reader even before we started our review website. So being able to discover and interview new authors this past year has been exciting. But I have a problem:I can't get to everyone!!!! I knew that when we started the website that we would able to reach established and newbie authors. I just didn't know how many. We literally get at least 2 emails a week from authors who want to be featured on our site, and an endless amount of books.

The thing that suprises me the most is the amount of authors that still want promotion for books that are 1 and 2yrs old. This signals to me that the African-American book industry is a crowded and competive place. Even if you're signed to a major publishing house, you still have to do everything you can to stand out from the rest. That's why the author interviews and reviews that I do on the website are and always will remain free. Ofcourse we have paid advertising like any other website but that's as far as it goes.

Unless you're a big name like Terry, Eric, E.Lynn, Walter and other NY Times bestselling authors, you are out there grinding with day jobs. These authors have limited resources and budgets already. Why make it more difficult by charging for interviews and reviews? Authors need as much free publicity as possible. My payment is getting the review copy. My reward is knowing that I gave an author the much needed good publicity that they so desperately need.

Radiah
http://www.urban-reviews.com
info@urban-reviews.com

Man allegedly shot by rapper Proof dies

Man allegedly shot by rapper Proof dies
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2006
By: The Associated Press, APonline

DETROIT (AP) - A man who police say was shot by rapper Proof, just before Proof himself was killed, died of his wounds early Tuesday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Keith Bender had been in critical condition since being shot in the head a week ago at the CCC, a nightclub on Eight Mile Road, the boundary between Detroit and the northern suburbs.
Bender, 35, died early Tuesday, said Wende Berry, a spokeswoman for St. John Hospital and Medical Center.

Police have said witnesses told them that Proof, a hip-hop artist and friend of Eminem, shot Bender during a dispute at the after-hours club. Bender's cousin, Mario Etheridge, then shot and killed Proof, whose real name was Deshaun Holton, they said.

Etheridge, 28, has pleaded not guilty to charges of carrying a concealed weapon and discharge of a firearm in a building. His attorney, Randall Upshaw, said the shooting was in self-defense.

Proof, 32, was a member of the rap group D12 and was the best man in Eminem's January wedding. His funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.