File this one under the “Great Way to Get to Know Your Audience” category.
The annual National Black Book Festival promises book writers and readers alike some tremendous insights into what’s important to the African-American literary audience and the community at large. Regardless of your writing/reading style – and no matter what your ethnic or cultural background — if you’re a fan of literature or a creator of it, you should make plans to attend this year’s event, set for the second weekend of June in Dallas. Outskirts Press encourages authors to take advantage of opportunities such as this to enrich themselves and make connections.
Featured authors include the much-lauded Walter Mosley (author of “When the Thrill Is Gone” and more than 30 other books), television commentator Keli Goff (“Party Crashing”), Daniel Black (author of the bestseller “They Tell Me of a Home”), and New York Times and Essence bestseller Eric Jerome Dickey (“An Accidental Affair”). That’s just the tip of the iceberg; with dozens of notable authors scheduled to present, one of your own favorites may also be appearing. Visit the NBBF’s website for the full schedule of authors. If you choose to attend, you’ll be treated to invaluable insight from successful authors about their personal journeys, their inspirations and their audiences.
The NBBF is an annual event that represents a broad spectrum of genres, from Urban Fiction to Self Help to Fantasy and everything imaginable in between. The festival is targeted to 1,100-plus black book clubs, but you need not be a member of one to attend.
Attendees get access to dozens of author seminars, discussions and workshops, and dozens of authors and a variety of publishers, businesses and institutions will be on hand to provide information and assistance. Free events also include a Spoken Word Poetry Slam, Book Club Central and other attractions. You’ll also have opportunities to take part in additional special presentations and events at an additional charge, if you choose. (Attendees can choose between general admission and special events, or both.)
All that for just $5! Tickets must be purchased in advance, and the deadline is May 31.
When?
June 8-10, 2012 (Friday reception, Saturday, Sunday)
Where?
Doubletree Hotel,
400 Dallas St.
Houston, Texas
How Much?
General Admission – $5
Full Festival Package – $145 (includes two-day admission, Welcome to Houston Reception, Get Acquainted Breakfast and Sunday Jazz Brunch, at discounted package price)
Tickets for single events are also available.
Information
1-800-340-5454
The National Black Book Festival is a rich resource for African-American authors and readers, but it’s also a priceless resource for anyone who wishes to gain insight into the African-American publishing market.
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ABOUT ELISE L. CONNORS: Elise works as the Manager of Author Support of Outskirts Press. She also contributes to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com. Elise and a group of talented book marketing experts assist not only published Outskirts Press authors, but also all authors and professionals who are interested in getting the best possible exposure for their book. |
