June 10-12, 2011  ●  Doubletree Hotel ● Houston, Texas
www.nationalblackbookfestival.com

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Happy New Year From National Black Book Festival Headquarters!

More and more exciting developments continue to come in for 2011 NBBF.  The National Black Book Festival is now the largest indoor gathering of African-American authors in the world, and it just keeps getting bigger and better.

We're pleased to announce the ten (10) finalists for the 2011 Best New Author Award.  Detailed information about the finalists is shown below.  A group of book clubs selected at random are currently judging the essays and will submit their rankings by April 4th.  The book clubs represent the four major geographic regions of the U.S. and a few of them are also online clubs.  The winner will be announced on April 20, 2011, and will be flown to Houston to receive the award at the Sunday Jazz Brunch, followed by a book signing as a "Special Guest Author." 

More details about the Best New Author Award are available online here: http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/bna.htm.  Photos and biographical info about each finalist is included in this newsletter below.  Congratulations to the finalists!

We now have customized NBBF flyers that can be downloaded and printed on your own computer for distribution to others, or to be e-mailed to others.  These downloads are available on the NBBF web site.  These four-color flyers, in either PDF or Word format, are designed for specific audiences as follows:

• For participating authors who want to promote their appearance at the event.  Simply download this file in Word format here and insert your photo and info at the very top of the flyer.
• For attendees, book clubs, etc. who want general information about the featured authors and speakers
• For church women's ministry groups who want information about the religious/faith and Christian fiction authors
• For youth groups who want information about the children's and teen/young adult authors
• For urban fiction fans who want information about the urban fiction and mainstream fiction authors

Don't forget to make your room reservations at The Doubletree Hotel, located at 400 Dallas Street in Downtown Houston.  Hotel rooms are filling up fast and our group room rate is only $109.00 per night.  The phone number for reservations is 1-800-HILTONS (or 713-759-0202) and ask for the National Black Book Festival room block.  The special rate will be available until May 10, 2011.  You will need a credit card to make your reservation, but you won't be charged until check-in and you can cancel any time up to 24 hours before check-in without penalty.  Click here to make your Doubletree reservation online.

Continental Airlines is providing a discount on airfare to the 2011 NBBF.  To purchase your ticket, go to the Continental Airlines web site and cut and paste the following code in the "Offer Code" box on their home page: ZJPV525895.  www.continental.com

Participating authors tables are completely sold out and the waiting list is almost full.  However, authors who are still interested in obtaining a table or participating in the Festival in some way can view a list of other options here:  http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/waitinglist.htm

Motivational speakers, authors, writers and others who would like to make a seminar presentation at NBBF have the opportunity to do so.  Information on hosting your own seminar at 2011 NBBF is available online here:
http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/seminarinstructions.htm

For authors and others who would like to advertise their books or products at NBBF, information about advertising is available online as well here:  http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/advertising.htm

Book clubs may also begin registering so their names can be listed on the Festival web site and they can qualify for our special drawings.  On May 15, 2011, we will have a drawing of registered book clubs and two clubs will win Saturday and Sunday NBBF general admission tickets for all of their club members.  Book clubs will also play a major role in the selection of the 2011 Best New Author.

We now have a promotional video which details all of the activities that will take place at this year's event.  Click the YouTube logo to view the video.

Visit the National Black Book Festival web site for more information (www.nationalblackbookfestival.com). 

Gwen Richardson
NBBF National Coordinator
info@nationalblackbookfestival.com
1-800-340-5454

BOOK FEATURES

William Hoston
 

Ella Monet
 

Thurman L. Faison

Regina Blackburn

Pam Sheppard

Tilsa Wright

Thomas Duffy


Lyn L. Davis

Sha' Givens

Peter Mack

Tamika Newhouse

Joseph Woodley

Allison T. Moore


Alicia Wiggins

2011 Best New Author Awards - 10 Finalists
(in alphabetical order)

Lawanna D. Damous

Lawanna Damous is an up and coming author originating from Youngstown, Ohio. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading and spending time with her children. Lawanna's goal is to turn her negative life experiences into positive, uplifting outcomes for others through her unique writing style.
 

Robert Leon Davis is a former police officer with the New Orleans Police Department. He studied criminal law at Loyola University. He currently travels the country speaking with youths, colleges, and churches about the avoidance of crime, and well as revealing the secret tactics of rogue police officers. He was once one of America's longest running fugitives; for a period of twenty-two years.

Antoine Maurice Devine

Antoine Maurice Devine was born in Milwaukee, Wisc., and spent his teenage years in Arizona. Antoine aspired to become an architect, but became curious about the law. Demonstrating the versatility of his interests, he majored in finance, and graduated from Jackson State University.  He is an attorney and has practiced law in the states of Texas and California.

Robyn Gant is a Human Resources Executive in the Los Angeles area and has worked in the non-profit sector with Seniors, the Developmentally Disabled, and the American Red Cross for more than fifteen years.  She studied at Grambling State University and California Southern School of Law and is currently working towards her J.D.  The mother of two daughters and three wonderful grandchildren, she is extremely honored to have been considered in the top ten for the Best New Author Award and wishes each esteemed contender her very best.

Married for almost 10 years, Toneal Jackson has experienced almost every issue that marriage has to offer; yet she is still standing, and her marriage is stronger than ever. Toneal wants to share with couples everywhere the importance of incorporating God into the relationship, not just at the beginning, but throughout the entire process. Her experiences have taught her that marriage can be trying, but rewarding.

Nicole Roberts Jones

Nicole Roberts Jones is the Founder & CEO of Imani Corporation a faith based nonprofit which began with its initial program for teenage girls, Imani Phi Christ in 1993 at First AME Church (FAME) in South Los Angeles. Imani Phi Christ was founded in the wake of the Los Angeles riots, with the objective to have a positive impact on African American teenage girls who live in impoverished environments. Imani’s mission is “to help African American teenage girls MAXIMIZE their potential.”

James W. Lewis

James W. Lewis is a novelist and freelance writer published in several books that include Zane’s Caramel Flava, Chicken Soup for the Soul (two series), Gumbo for the Soul, and Truth Be Told: Tales of Life, Love and Drama. Magazine credits include 3AM Magazine, Eyeshot, Dare Magazine, Lucrezia Magazine, Circle Magazine, Rundu Bedtime Stories and American Fitness magazine. His debut novel Sellout launched in July 2010.

Keisha Menefee

Keisha Mennefee has thrilled audiences with creative works since her youth when a love affair with literature first began.  Her love of writing was never far from the surface and over the years, Keisha held freelance writer, columnist, feature and sports writing positions at some of the most prestigious media outlets in the country.  A native of Texas, Keisha currently resides in the Greater Philadelphia area with her children.

Michelle Janine Robinson

Michelle Janine Robinson is the author of the Zane Present’s novel Color Me Grey.  Michelle’s short story contribution, “The Quiet Room,” was the first featured story in the Times bestseller Succulent: Chocolate Flava II, edited by author, producer and editor Zane.  Her next novel, More Than Meets The Eye, also being published as a Zane Present’s novel by Simon & Schuster/Strebor, is a return to her erotic roots, with a paranormal twist; and will be available wherever books are sold June 21, 2011.

Get Signed  ●   Get Published  ●   Get Publicity
 Friday, June 10, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Doubletree Hotel, 400 Dallas St., Houston, TX
In Conjunction with the National Black Book Festival
If you are serious about taking your book(s) to the next level,
this is the conference for you. 

Early registrants receive a 15-minute, one-on-one session with the panelist of their choice.

Top book industry experts share information and strategies on how to make your literary breakthrough and turn your existing or future book(s) into a bestseller!  Conference includes three powerful sessions (shown below), lunch and a closing reception.

●  Book Publishers:   Hear from editors at major publishing houses on what they are looking for in a book proposal; how they determine which author and which books to publish; and how they determine whether an author receives a 2-book deal or a 5-book deal. 

●  Book Industry Agents:  Hear from influential book agents on how to locate and identify the best agent for you; submit your book proposal; and how much of a book advance a first-time or repeat author should expect. 

Click here for details