Columbus Ledger Enquirer, Behind the Scenes of My Author's Interview With Scott Berson

There is nothing more important to an author as a well-written press release. Yes, the book matters, how well the book is written matters, the cover and the title matters, but nothing matters more than the marketing, and no author can be an effective marketer without press. No matter how well a book is written-- if no one knows it exists, then it won't sell. So, it is in a writer's best interest to create a press release that is worth reading by anyone and everyone, which is exactly what I did. 

"Nothing matters more than the marketing, and no author can be an effective marketer without press."

After the popularity of my novel began to soar on Kindle and Amazon, I decided to increase my sells by creating a marketable press release with a story that would sell, and what sells better than the truth. I decided to use my own personal story to draw attention to my novel. After all, my novel The Shade of Devotion was based loosely on my own experiences: Yasmin was abandoned by her mother through suicide; I was abandoned by my mother through mental illness and drug abuse; Yasmin's little brother was taken into foster care; my three brothers were taken into foster care-- all under the age of 7; Yasmin was propositioned to marry an illegal immigrant to regain custody of her siblings; I was propositioned by an illegal immigrant to regain custody of my siblings.

 No matter how well a book is written-- if no one knows it exists, then it won't sell.

However, that is where the similarities end. Yasmin goes on to marry Nisay, the illegal immigrant. despite her anger, hang ups, and grief, and I don't. I never married the illegal immigrant that offered me quite a few dollars to become his "fake" wife. In reality, I bounced from home to home and couch to couch, until I eventually ended back up in my hometown of Columbus, Georgia. Then, I was lucky enough to get enrolled at Columbus State University, where I graduated with a Bachelors degree in 3 years. Yet, no matter how hard I worked, it took me seven years to get my younger brothers. My brothers had to go through their own challenges before I was able to get them, and I often wondered what our lives would have been like if I had not taken so long to get them out of social services. It took less than a year for Yasmin to get her sibling, and Yasmin was my what if. What if I had taken that proposition? What if I had married the illegal immigrant? What if I had made a different decision that day in my friends basement?  In fact, the book was so true to life that I took some of the very statements that social workers said to me and placed them right into the novel. The Shade of Devotion was my life-- and the life I could have had if I had taken an alternate road. So, since I was masking my life in the fictional realm of romance, why not tell my audience about its true inspiration. 

  The Shade of Devotion was my life-- and the life I could have had if I had taken an alternate road. So, since I was masking my life in the fictional realm of romance, why not tell my audience about its true inspiration. 

So, I wrote my press release: "How a Local Teacher Goes from Homeless to Home Publishing," and I include my reviews, my personal background and the synopsis for my story-- and of course I sent it all over. I sent it to everyone from Essence magazine to Black News, and I waited. Actually, I didn't wait too long, because as always I expected it to go nowhere. Instead, I continued working on Black Magic, my newest novel that has recently been released to Kindle, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble, and vending. Until something happened that changed everything. I had no idea what I had done until it was too late.

 One day, I logged on to Twitter to see my press release being passed around-- not quite viral, but close enough. First, Black News, then Black Homes School, then Black Pride Magazine, and more. Every time, I picked up my phone there was new notification, a new post, a new share. The views and likes started adding up until I got the attention of a local reporter who happened to send me a message on Facebook asking for an interview. Of course, it was Scott from the Columbus Ledger Enquirer. He was sweet, charming and pretty young, and was excited to interview ME, a local author on the rise. I was ecstatic. I was absolutely floored; my press release and personal story had garnered up enough publicity to land me an interview with our local paper. This was proof that my marketing skills and handwork were paying off-- not only was my book selling, but I was getting noticed.

This was proof that my marketing skills and handwork were paying off-- not only was my book selling, but I was getting noticed.

Scott explained to me that he was looking for positive stories and images of African Americans, with the hope  that he could make a change in the way African Americans are portrayed in the media, and he thought I was the perfect fit. I was ecstatic-- because that is one of the premises to my writing. I want to write stories that humanize African Americans and showcase the beauty and diversity of black people. Not every black person is a drug dealer, gang member, welfare queen, or otherwise the bottom feeder of society. So, we agreed to meet at a local coffee shop to sit down and discuss my life.

One of the most important things about being an author is that not only do you have to have a story to tell, but you have to be well liked. If people like you-- they will like your product. If they hate you-- well, your product won't do to well either. Yet, the trick to being well liked was simply to be yourself, to be honest, and to smile This was my plan when meeting Scott, I was simply going to be myself, be charming, smile and tell my story. Hopefully, that would be enough. When I arrived at the coffee house, I was dressed in a simple jeans and shirt, and I met Scott who was waiting for me at the far end of the coffeehouse at a low wooden table. He was a lanky, attractive white male on the thin side, with a nervous grin. We introduced ourselves and shook hands. He invited me to sit and even pulled out a chair, which let me know that he was not just a journalist, but a gentleman. As I crunched awkwardly on a bagel, and he sipped his coffee-- he explained to me how he had just graduated, and I was his first real story. I laughed at the thought that I was breaking his journalistic cherry. Then, he took out his tape recorded, and I proceeded to tell him my life story in disjointed almost rambling sentences with a smile and a few jokes.

If people like you-- they will like your product. If they hate you-- well, your product won't do to well either.

However, I would like to warn anyone that has a traumatic past, the ones that choose to share that traumatic past for whatever absurd or sadistic reason that sharing one's personal, yet tragic, journey should come with a warning label. Sharing your story and being open is fine until you go home. When you open the old wounds of the past and decide to share the old demons, you must be prepared to wrestle with the emotions all over again. Every time, I share my past, I spend the next day wrapped in bed and sometimes crying. I think about where I was, how angry I was, what I dealt with and even where I am. I have to rehash the old nightmares and memories and insecurities, and somehow transverse the other side of all that mud to a place of stability. Opening old wounds is not for the faint of heart, and yes, it may help you sell some novels, but be careful. If  you can't handle it, don't do it. Money is never worth your mental health-- or your sanity.

Regardless, in that coffee shop with people milling all around us, sitting on a hard stool with my books artfully displayed and his quirky smile, I was able to get out everything I needed and more. I was able to offer hope, some guidance, and give words of wisdom. I was able to be a positive black face in a media that is full of negative images and stereotypes. I was able to be a small piece of change.

Money is never worth your mental health-- or sanity.

When he stopped recording, we walked outside into the sun and down the busy downtown area of Columbus. The day was pretty cool, and the wind was anchored around us in shivering circles. We walked between two buildings, and I let him take more pictures of me and my novel. He remarked that my story was amazing, and then noted that my story would probably not be very big in the paper, and I laughed. Of course, I assumed it would be a small blip. A sideline with more important news like another comedic speech by President Trump.

However, when I woke up in late December, a few days before Christmas, I was bombarded with  phone calls and emails on my article in the paper. I smiled as I looked it up on Facebook! I was astounded at all the likes and shares. I had 4 times the number of interaction and engagement as the other articles, which was proof that my story was one people wanted to hear. When I finally received the paper in my hand, it wasn't a small article at all-- in fact, it was huge. I had a full spread paper complete with a front page photo and even more writing on the next page. I was shocked and a little afraid. However, this was the legitimacy that my writing needed. Now, I was officially a respected author. And to think, all of this started with a press release. A press release can be the difference between unknown and well-known, between J.K. Rowling and Roberta Towns.

A press release can be the difference between unknown and well known[...]

Being an author is not enough. An author must be celebrated-- and to be a celebrated author, that takes marketing yourself, your craft, and your story. To get the word out there, you have to get yourself out there, and there is no better way than with a well-crafted press release. That press release has led to speaking engagements, newspaper articles and even radio appearances. Publicity is a publicity; so make any author that is a good author will make sure they receive as much publicity as possible with a press release that can thrust them and their novel into the spotlight.

Being an author is not enough. An author must be celebrated-- and to be a celebrated author, that takes marketing yourself, your craft, and your story.

If you want to read more, here is a link to the actual article by the Columbus Ledger Enquirer:

To Read more, click here: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article190737944.html








Dawnell Jacobs is the author of The Shade of Devotion, Brains Not Included, Black Magic, and The Monsters of Within: Heart of Darkness. She has also published a self-help book Your Story Matters: Leaning How To Be The Author of Your Destiny. You can find all of her books on Amazon, Kindle, Nook, and Barnes And Noble. She is also a motivational speaker to young audiences. She uses her personal journey to inspire hope and change. All pictures and entries in this blog are subject to copyright laws. ©Dawnell Jacobs 2017 

Follow me on twitter by Clicking Here. Friend me on Facebook by Clicking Here. Follow my Author's page by Clicking Here! Check out my Instagram by Clicking Here!

On the Set of Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta with Jessica Dime, What I Learned as A Growing Author

Jessica Dime and I on the set of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta.

I spent the night with Jessica Dime, well not exactly. I spent my night on the set of Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta with Jessica Dime, Mimi Faust, Estelita Quintero, Melissa Scott, Sierra Gates and Karlie Redd-- and it was not what I expected. Well, it was actually just as I expected, but more so—and I learned some valuable lessons as a growing author. You never know where your journey as a writer will take you, and I had said I would be open to more opportunities to network. So, what better place to network than on a television set with one of the most popular reality television series in Atlanta. Of course, I would have preferred to be on the set of The Real Housewives of Atlanta to meet Kandi Buress-Tucker (who I’ve been writing letters to consistently), but this was a close second. 

So, I am at home and I receive a call from a friend who I met while networking at a small event with an even smaller crowd. How would I  have known that a crowd of only ten people would have a manager, a radio host, and a television producer all in the same room (who all took a copy of my book, I may add). Of course, when I met him—he had on no shiny jewelry or expensive clothing, which seems to be the norm for these high profile types I’ve been meeting. Not what you would expect. That’s another networking tip—treat every speaking event as though it’s important, you never know who is in the room; and, looks could definitely be deceiving.

"I learned some valuable lessons as a growing author. You never know where your journey as a writer will take you [. . .]"

Regardless, he manages musicians, and he is a really good guy. He told me to get dressed because he had added me on the list to be an extra on the set of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. I agreed, but I had no idea what I was getting into. I dressed in -- business attire. I mean, how do you dress to be in the background? I had a briefcase with my books, my laptop (I figured I'd get in some time to write), and my huge Mama purse. Honestly, I was definitely not dressed for the occasion. When I arrived, he took one look at me and laughed. He said I looked like his assistant, and maybe I did; because as I stood in line waiting to get checked in by the network and security, all the other ladies-- were dressed very scantily to say the least. There was an array of butt cheeks, thigh high stilettos, long weave, see-through clothing and cleavage to turn this place into a completely different type of set if you know what I mean. Also, I can't forget to mention that the location was at a popular night club in Atlanta. Regardless, after being checked for weapons, signing contracts and being told the rules-- I walked up some side steps and walked in. Smoke wafted heavily in the club and nothing could be seen but black faces. People were drinking, music was loud, and the voices were definitely louder.

"Treat every speaking event as though it’s important, you never know who is in the room." 

A viewer's picture of me as Love and Hip Hop Atlanta Aired on VH1.

The lighting was dim, and the set was gorgeous-- with two long white couches in the middle, a huge DJ booth on a stage, this gorgeously bedazzled white chair, and you guessed it-- the stars were missing.  They were an hour late. So, I took the time to network-- which lasted about another hour. I talked to other artists in the field. I spoke to an actress from another popular reality television series Toddlers and Tiaras spin off Little Miss Atlanta. Yet, most of them were up and coming musicians, rappers, and singers. An executive from Warner Bros. walked around, and my friend made sure to point him out. I spent the day taking pictures, holding up my book and introducing myself-- which is harder than you think. Networking in busy environments when everyone is networking is a new challenge for me. These weren't writers or educators-- these were people in the music industry and most wanted to know did I write songs and what I could do for them. The vibe was different-- it was a party crowd, and I had to adjust. It seemed that everyone in that room had a hustle, and they knew how to hustle from the streets to the sheets to the studio. They were all looking for air time, because they were hungry for success. In fact, some of them were starving. It made me question my own self-- was I hungry? 

"It made me question my own self-- was I hungry?" 

I admit, I didn't sell many books (although many agreed they would buy a Kindle copy), but I learned some valuable information and a new perspective. I am in the entertainment industry. Books are entertainment. Strippers, singers, dancers, rappers are all entertainers-- trying to get a taste of the spotlight and a little bit of fame. This was the crowd I would need to adjust to-- in order to elevate. I would have to invest myself among people that growing up I was taught to look down on-- the guy hustling his CDs in the back of his car, the woman climbing the pole, the singer trying to make it. I was always taught-- go to college, get a good job, be educated and civilized. However, I was now the guy hustling CDs out the back of my car—except the CDs were books. Yet, these types are the people who eventually make it. The people who make it are the Cardi B's of the world-- the ones who take risks, who go against the grain-- the entertainers. It was a gamble, but it’s the gamblers who eventually win big. So, as an author, I have to be willing to try something different and adjust. However, I will get back to that in a minute.

I was always taught-- go to college, get a good job, be educated and civilized. However, I was now the guy hustling CDs out the back of my car—except the CDs were books.

Brittany Bloom and I on set of LHHATL

As the set went on, the ladies finally arrived, and we were all asked to take our places, to talk to each other, and to allow the women to do their scene. By this time, the bar had been visited frequently and everyone was buzzing. The ladies came out--Mimi Faust, Sierra Gates and Karlie Redd-- and were seated on the couch in the middle just below the stage. They were talking amongst themselves, but I couldn’t hear anything. The cameras were swinging this way and that—and the producers had the sound mics walking around the ladies like predatory lions in a den. Finally, Jessica arrived on the stage with a mic. She started doing her thing, swinging her hair, and twerking. She performed two songs with heavy base—and threw lots of shade. Although, I was unsure who it was directed toward—as I stated before, I am a bigger fan of RHOA. Regardless, she announced several times that she actually has an album, and that she is a real artist. Also, that this was her album release party. I admit, she wasn't Cardi B, but it wasn't bad. When she was done, she climbed down with the ladies and the scene of them talking began again. 

"It’s the gamblers who eventually win big." 

Everyone was trying to get air time around the ladies, and, like with most publicity, they were willing to forego their morals and risk it all for a chance at the spotlight-- dancing extra hard and talking extra loud and even being extra aggressive. Filming had to be stopped several times-- as the ladies yelled at the extras to lower their voices so they could finish the scene. Profanity flew, drinks spilled and finally all the extras were told not to talk at all, but to mouth as though they were speaking. Talk about reality television! Some of the extras left--not liking the treatment, but I stayed.

A Picture of me with reality star of Little Miss Atlanta

Regardless, a fight broke out between Karlie, and I believe Mimi Faust (as I stated before I didn’t have a good view) as she threw a drink into someone's face as well as an entire vegetable platter, and all the ladies stood up. The producers rushed the set along with security to break them up-- and I heard Mimi defending herself by repeating, "She threw it at me first!" The producers and some security guards had to pull Karlie off the set. She was literally in the background with all her ladies hanging out as she yelled at the others. She screamed, "All these mother [expletive deleted] have seen mother [expletive deleted] [breast] before!" As the producers kept trying to cover her up! She was obviously more angry than modest. She kept hitting the bar with her hands and shouting obscenities. And, honestly, I didn't know if it was real or fake, because she was laughing as she shouted and cursed. By this point, I realized what set I was on. What's a good reality show without a fight? Then, Sierra Gates stood up and wondered what was all the fighting about as she gestured frantically and rather robotic. She told the others she was ready to go and that she was leaving. As she was about to leave, the producers calmed her and the rest of the ladies down long enough to finish the scene and have them redeliver some unscripted lines.

"Everyone was trying to get air time [. . .], and, like with most publicity, they were willing to forego their morals and risk it all for a chance at the spotlight [. . .]"

Jessica Dime spending time with fans.

Of course, that's when I walked to the corner of the room to attempt to speak to at least one of Love and Hip Hop cast members. Who are you in Hollywood Atlanta (my nickname) without a celebrity friend? I managed to speak to and be ignored by Sierra Gates as she stormed by me in a rage, and Mimi Faust took one look in my direction and walked in the opposite. However, unbeknownst to me, this scene of me standing in the corner looking absolutely forlorn and outcasted, waiting like a small bird to catch a cast members attention, would catch the eye of the camera. My friends and family took pictures of me once it aired and posted their pictures all over my timeline declaring me a local celebrity. So, not only had I unexpectedly caught a small amount of airtime on a national network station, but as with most unknown artist, it offered me a small portion of legitimacy. My family members and friends hadn't taken me seriously as an author until they saw me on VH1's Love and Hip Hop Atlanta networking, and the most important thing an author needs is credibility and legitimacy; visibility on a nationally syndicated television series can do that more than anything else.

The most important thing an author needs is credibility and legitimacy, and visibility on a nationally syndicated television series can do that more than anything else. 

However, once production was done, which it was pretty much a wrap after the fight scene, I was able to snap pictures with Jessica Dime. She was the only Love and Hip Hop Atlanta cast member to stay behind and speak with everyone. She snapped pictures with her fans, talked to old friends who knew her, and was gracious enough to take a picture with me-- even though I said her name wrong. I told her that my daughter was a big fan of the show, and she just absolutely loved her. Jessica smiled and gave me a brief hug. Just from that small exchange, she seemed like a great person. 

When I left the event, and took the road home-- I reflected on my night. The Executive Producer of Warner Brothers was on a set with strippers, rappers, musicians and entertainers. This show-- which people label "ghetto" and "contrived" makes millions each year and elevated a person like Jessica Dime, a former stripper, to celebrity status. In the words of the great Cardi B, “she don’t dance no more/ she makes money moves.” And, her “money moves” have paid off with a lucrative television career.

As a growing author-- you can't walk around with the egotistical, big head. You literally have to learn to network with all types to make it. You have to be able to sit down with the local weed man and with the white-collar executive at the same table and make “cents.” Just think about Jay Z, the local drug dealer, who is now a multi-millionaire. Networking is networking and hustling is a key. You have to be able to market yourself to every type-- and you have to be hungry.

As a growing author-- you can't walk around with the egotistical, big head. You literally have to learn to network with all types to make it.

  When I came home that evening, I decided to that I was going to take a new approach to my image and my sales. I need to learn how to hustle. A good author is an even better hustler.

Dawnell Jacobs is the author of The Shade of Devotion, Brains Not Included, Black Magic, and The Monsters of Within: Heart of Darkness. She has also published a self-help book Your Story Matters: Leaning How To Be The Author of Your Destiny. You can find all of her books on Amazon, Kindle, Nook, and Barnes And Noble. She is also a motivational speaker to young audiences. She uses her personal journey to inspire hope and change. All pictures and entries in this blog are subject to copyright laws. ©Dawnell Jacobs 2017  
Follow me on twitter by Clicking Here. Friend me on Facebook by Clicking Here. Follow my Author's page by Clicking Here! Check out my Instagram by Clicking Here!

Corrections: It was not Erica Dixon on the set but Sierra Gates. Mimi Faust was not attacked that not night it was Estelita Quintero.