In August 2006, Tony Rose (CEO founder and publisher of ACGI, Amber Communications Group, Inc. and wife Yvonne Rose, celebrated 25 years of marriage and over 8 years  of commitment and dedication as relatively newcomers to the book publishing industry after transitioning as music moguls in a changing industry that glorified rap music.

 Heather Covington, a kindergarten teacher , photo journalist, poet  and motivational speaker vowed to teach youth about Literary Divas and pass on the legacy of the writers she calls, “The Great Ones.”

Wanting to produce quality works, ACGI was founded to bring quality works to the literary world and continues to bring high quality titles like Michael Jackson: The Anthology, Urban Suicide,  Divas of the Millennium  and many other works that focus on the true lives of many talented artists that will empower more talented artists for a life time. ACGI is one of the fewest AA publishers who maintains direct distribution to top quality chain stores like Barnes & Noble.  ACGI has also acquired national distribution with select titles in Black Expressions Catalog gracing publications like Essence and Ebony, and international rights for titles in Japan and  countries overseas.

 Today, ACGI titles have earned worldwide recognition as “the nation’s largest African American Publisher of Self-Help Books, Career Guides and Celebrity Bios, been cited in Black Issues, featured on Target Market News reaching millions and helped co-found the Black Pavilion at the Book Expo.

Yvonne Rose a guiding force of ACGI wrote a book, “Is Modeling For You” with Tony Rose as a former model herself that went on to sell over 80,000 copies. She also, co-edited Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature that was given a seal of approval by Adrienne Ingrum, a respected and heavyweight editor in the publishing industry. The introductory sample edition made a tremendous debut to hundreds of fans at the Book Expo in Washington, D.C., was featured in Ebony Magazine and Black Issues Book Review August Bookshelf list. It also received an outstanding review from QBR founder, Max Rodriguez and AMAG’s James Lisbon.

Recently, ACGI became a NAACP Image Award nominated company when Literary Divas made it to the Top 22 finalist nominations which brought on tons of support from featured and rising Literary Divas and literary websites like Reading and Writing Literary Group (Rawsistaz) owned by Tee C. Royal, Marguerite Press owned by Delores Thornton and Bahiyah Magazine owned by Bridgette Hollingsworth. The publication has also been cited by PR and Media team, Bill McCreary, Kim Fuller and Oronde Media in publications like Caribbean Life. The author, Heather Covington, was profiled on the AALBC.com newsletter and wrote the Foreword for another outstanding literary work, Gumbo For the Soul given a top review by  radio host, Tavis Smiley.

ACGI is a company that recognizes authors of diverse genres and recently signed Delores Thornton “Queen of Promotion” and founder of Marguerite Press to a book deal for her work, “How to Self-Publish Your Book Without Going Nuts,” upon discovering she had written a book while volunteering to  further support Heather Covington’s book, ” Literary Divas”  upon it making a tremendous debut and headlining in over 22 papers nationwide. In 2006, ACGI’s Tony Rose will arrive in New York to earn the prestigious Trailblazer Award in New York City presented by Aspicomm Media.

He is the executive producer of Literary Living, produced by Rosette M. Union, and hosted by Heather Covington. The all star cast has a wide history like Spaceman Patterson (Editor) and co-hosts Audrey Adams (The Adam’s Report) and Joe James. (Producer). Guests featured so far have been Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Tavis Smiley, Sekou Sundiatta, Roberta Flack, Camille Yarbrough, Wendy Williams, WHAT?, Hill Harper, Joe and George  Frazer just to name a few guests all talking about literary moments. In fact, Literary Living is the “1st mainstream African American literary show of it’s kind reaching over 16 million viewers.

Groundbreaking, trendsetting and a phenomenon, ACGI is leading the way as a literary mogul company united and supported by the entire African-American community at large.

As the author of Literary Divas, Publicity Director of the Harlem Book Fair 2005, 2006, DisilgoldSOUL magazine salutes and reinstates ACGI, as “The Publisher of The Millennuim” since 2003. We also wish to relay Tony & Yvonne Rose’s well wishes for 2007 all the way from Arizona.

See link on DLNA Multi-Industry Forum Archives.

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Photo by Seitu Oronde. Story by Heather Covington.

James Brown, known as “the Godfather of Soul,” died at 73 years old after almost half a decade of non-stop performances on Christmas Day at 1:45am in Emory Crawford Long Hospital. He succumbed to congestive heart failure from a sudden bout with pneumonia according to his agent, Frank  Copsidus (New York Times,Dec.2006).

 Born May 3, 1933, he owned a powerful voice, skillfully unique and entertaining dance moves, a  relaxed and sleek hairstyle all his own, and powerful presence when he entered any room.

Influenced by legendary greats like Little Richard and Ray Charles, he became one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and earned the title,”The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” He went on to inspire other talents like Prince, Michael Jackson, Usher, Bobby Brown, Bootsy Collins, The Time, George Clinton, Al Green, Prince, and Ginuwine to name a few sucessful artists.

His rise to fame was a tumultous journey for the multi genre singer who mastered rhythm and blues with break out hits like,”Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,”" I Feel Good, ” The Payback”, “Please, Please, Please,” and soul funk inspired hits like “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud,” and “This is a Man’s… World.” He captivated a nation with his sensational singing group, “The Flames” and later on debuted his 1st pop hit,”Prisoner of Love,” turning out a crowd at “Live at the Apollo” shows.

He changed his musical style to an often rap sampled downbeat  and uptempo rhythm to capture his audience, and added his classic knee drop moves, fast spins and splits to create a show spectacular.  It was James Brown “Living in America” theme song that brought movies like Rocky IV back to the top and won him a second Grammy.

He was inducted into the “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” on January 23, 1986,  won several Grammy’s, was honored with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards, and a street was renamed “James Brown Boulevard” in his hometown of Augustus among other noteworthy honors.

He is survived by 6 children,Venisha, Deanna, Yanna,Daryl, Jerry and James II.

His last words according to his manager were,”I’m going to  leave you tonight.”

During his public viewing by over 20,000 people from fans  to spectators alongside 2 blocks of 125th street in front of the Apollo theater, Harlem united with peace mixed with tears, music from blasting old fashioned boom boxes and cars, and stories from people who knew James Joseph Brown, Jr. who legally had his name changed to drop the JR.

Perhaps, he wanted to erase his burgeoning past filled with petty crimes as most troubled youth engage in who saw no future, but for James, he fought his success  and talent everyday  which led to several arrests.

 Fate would bring him face-to-face with people like Bobby Byrd who helped him break from prison with an early release. He’d soon meet  female group singers like, “The Gospel Starlighters” before  forming his own group and opening a publishing company and company.

He’d top the Seven Decades of Funk World Tour” up until 2006 and perform his last concert at the Oxygen Festival selling out to over 80,000 fans despite legal woes from back taxes.

Admired for his talent and words of support for education and going on a national crusade to inspire teenagers to not drop out of school with his hit,”Don’t be a Dropout (1966),  he became a polical voice for the African-American community.

Married 4 times, his last wife, Tammie Raye Hyne  bears the history of his remaining years of life and James Brown ability to cope after losing his eldest son in a car crash in 1973.

James Brown survived an era of crime and racism in America by working hard and remaining true to himself. He was often misunderstood. It will be a test to see if today’s musician will follow by his example of hard work and unification. James ability to work with others like Pee Wee Ellis and other band members is why he became one of the greatest entertainers of all time. For every great musician is a team who sees the artist’s vision. For James Brown, millions shared his vision.

On Dec. 29th, James Brown casket left Harlem dressed in an electric blue sequined tuxedo and shiny silver boots in a horse drawn white carriage. James Brown would be proud of his people.

 Today the casket is closed and folks will never  forget James Brown, a legacy.

Copyright 2006. Disilgold. All Rights Reserved.Disilgold@aol.com

Seituo@yahoo.com. (Photographer)

 How has James Brown inspire your legacy?

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10 Ways to Market Your Book to Success

 by Heather Covington

Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved.

1.  THE POSTER: Quality full color posters brand your book cover, share insight on the content of your work  in one brief sentence along with a photo image of yourself that brings out your personality and the message you want to convey to the world, as well as the people you want to reach. If you have written a romance novel, look as romantic as your main character. If you have written a diet and fitness book, look fit and confident. If you have written a financial or CEO guide, look RICH!  This is the way the world works. You are what you attract! Include a major review and feedback from  book lovers. Send posters as gifts to colleagues, friends and supporters who may wish to post your book poster in high volume areas or where other consumers may be interested in supporting your work. Autograph your posters to add value and so friends will be proud to display your work. If you don’t take pride in your work, no one will.  It takes 16 glances for the human mind to embed a photo, image and even a book title in their long term memory. Posters are a great branding tool. Do not skimp on costs to produce  posters. The higher the quality,  finish and production the better. Place your laminated poster on boards and acquire a  portable stand for presentations when you are on tour.  Include your website so people will remember how to find you online as well. You are all ready to conquer the world and promote sales. I designed a poster in 2006 that made several local papers that reached hundreds of thousands of readers. Many of times, journalists don’t get all of your details to write their stories, so photos with information are very helpful.

 2. THE BUSINESS CARD:You never ever know who you will meet so it is wise to carry business cards. Simplicity is not always wise. It just means that you are too cheap or don’t have time to design a quality business card. Do not use Vistaprint. I toss those cheap cards in the garbage. Go spend some money on your BC. You’re worth it. Is a freely printed business card what you equate your customers to?  The more unique your business card, the more likely a person will contact you. Include your book cover and author photo. Branding is everything. If you must acquire business cards in a hurry, let your logo be at the forefront and website. It took a while for some people to remember Disilgold is abridged for Diamonds, Silver and Gold, so I created a mnuemonic motto for when I meet  people if I run out of cards. For example, I say DI… the 1st two letters of Diamond… SIL…the 1st three letters of silver….and G-O-L-D…all of the letters of GOLD.

www.Disilgold.com.

 3. THE POSTCARD: Let’s face it, promoting your book to number one is more gratifying when you take the time to thank those people who have inspired,mentored and volunteered to support you without one having to ask and of course, expect nothing in return. Volunteer supporters nowadays are a rare breed, but these angels do exist. I have been blessed to have so many people volunteer to  support me. I have always been a person to say, “THANK YOU,” for the little and big things people do  to support me with sincerity.  As my own publicist since Day 1, and of which I define as taking on the process of writing press releases,  acquiring a major network of contacts that can assist with book promotion via major media, securing independent headline press for major publications, sponsorship for  book tours, booking  clients for continuous events and store signings, mailing promos to media and accompanying artists on tour and all of which I have managed to do on my own,  I took note of the tools I utilized to also SAY THANK YOU. I needed a way to say thank you from the heart  with simplicity and right away. Postcards are my favorite way of sending messages to people who inspire me day- to- day. I finally did acquire a full time publicist who volunteered, my own retired mother who does not want any recognition or credit for my hard work like some publicists I have encountered in the past, nor has any ulterior motives to launch her own publicity firm (LOL) or wish to obtain any other clients so please do not try to hire my mom as your publicist or I’ll get you:-)(LOL) I must say she has learned from her best teacher, her daughter. (LOL). Now I buy her all of the things she ever wanted in her life. (LOL) However, the only thing my mother cannot volunteer to do is write my handwritten messages of thanks. Send one to someone who has suported you today with your own Jane Doe signature! Be classy!

 4. THE BROCHURE-A simple 2 color brochure gives your readers a little more information than your poster, business card and postcard. This is where you get to flex your other talents as well as your bestselling book. Brochures also leave an everlasting impression. You have 60 second to get me to make that phone call and patronize your  other services. Save the self-kudos and get to the point. What do you offer and what side hustle will acquire enough funds for you to accomplish other dreams with joy. Be true to yourself. I know authors who have various talents, but if the first sentence on their brochure is, “No other author can stand up to me,” I am turned off, point blank. In other words, don’t knock others to get ahead. This reads across to the reader like you are knocking them down and have something better to help them knock themselves down, too. (LOL.)

5. THE NEWSLETTER- Millions of people read the news everyday, so what makes you think people won’t read a newsletter about you if it’s placed in front of their faces or handed to them on the street? Newsletters can be articles, feature stories, a review or even a press release that highlights the most current news about your work. Newsletters can be mailed via email or printed as circulars. The key is to evoke interest, and of course leave an everlasting impression. Be careful with controversy because old controversy makes you a passing trend! Just like a comedian’s punchline, a newsletter must have a hook that is innovative and unique. Dare to be original and you may win over a new audience who’s been waiting for you. Be fresh and bold! People like success stories where folks have overcome major diversity. Everyone loves the underdog, but don’t be a afraid to acquire success without controversy! There are rewards for living a good and honest life too. You may not get there that fast, but you will one day.It is true, nice guys and gals finish last, but don’t worry about it. Be true to you! Success will be much sweeter.

6. THE MEDIA KIT- When was the last time you updated your biography. Always let people know who you are because if you don’t noone will know who you are. REALLY! Include recent achievements, awards, media and press clippings with book information, a magazine cover ready photo and BIOGRAPHY.

 7. THE CLASSY GIFT TRINKET- Sometimes people just do away with paper items as clutter. Stay ahead of the promotion game by acquiring wholesale bulk orders of a gift trinket people can use over and over like a calendar, pen, mug, hat, t-shirt or bag. Be sure it is cost efficient enough for you to be able to give it away. Gifts can be utilized as thank you gifts or promotional items at point of sale of your book.

8. THE CATALOG- Ready to mass distribute your book. Many organizations grow so large that their catalogs are too congested for the naked eye to digest. You may have to  supplement advertising by creating your own catalog to promote your books. I am creating a snappy catalog for Disilgold Publishing Books and have invited as few as 20 advertisers per issue because my research has taught me just how much promotion humans can bear in a single publication and minus articles and stories. Watch your sales soar with a catalog. Include a variety of items that are unique so you can succeed. Don’t give away all of your ideas online or on your website. Save some secrets for your catalog.

9. THE GEAR- Branding your book can be as simple as selling a t-shirt with your book or even donating them for contests and events to promote your work where permitted. Don’t think you are supporting the entity you sponsor by giving away t-shirts with your book cover on it. This is not true sponsorship because your brand is benefitting  you and not the entity you are supporting which may need your financial support as well.  It’s like showing up at an event you did not pay for and handing out flyers and thinking that you are helping the event by promoting your work and being present. Be a classy sponsor and donate Book gear with a check of support. Your promotion of your book will go a long way and keep your promoters at events happy about supporting you. Better yet, wear your own Bookgear at events so you won’t have to give away t-shirts to promote your book if the cost milks your budget.

10. THE WEBSITE: If more authors took an interest in their websites, they would notice triple sales each month. The website should be ready to promote and not be a work in progress unless you have an audience so big, you can afford to keep folks in suspence.

12. BONUS: Print excerpts of your book to include in book covers. This invites booksales as well.

For more of my marketing tips order The Disilgold Way: Countdown 101 From Writer to Self-Publisher by Heather Covington.

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Kimani Books is a rather new publishing imprint of African-American romance titles. While browsing through a Rite Aid store in my hometown in the Bronx before trying out a Bookstore spree contest at a local Barnes & Noble store, I witnessed an entire magazine rack filled with publications by the imprint and had to take 5 steps back because I have never seen AA titles in Rite Aid displayed so nicely. You could just grab the books off of the shelves, but surprisingly, almost every person on line walked right by the books and never gave the books a second glimpse. I don’t know why I was studying traffic flow, but I had to stop and ask some customers if they were interested in AA titles at all. The customers said that the covers all look alike, and if they had to buy a book, they would have to actually read the back matter to make up their mind because the titles are simple as well. Hmmm, so much for romance books selling out this holiday at Rite Aid stores. However, if one romance book sells each day per title then this is a plus. Romance is supposed to be the biggest selling genre, but maybe trends are changing. Readers in Rite Aid may think they’d never find anything but a bubblegum romance book in a family oriented store. The customers mentioned they liked erotica books, and if they wanted a romance book, they know how to go out on the streets of New York and purchase the books they want. This was devastating news, but nevertheless, I am sure those Romance books from Kimani will sell out soon. Do you read romance books or write them? What’s your take on booklovers fickleness?

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Welcome to the Daily Literary Dish by Heather Covington. Check here for writing, self-publishing and marketing tips, news, reviews, interviews of your favorite literary stars, press releases, event notices, gossip and thoughts of everything literary related each and every day. You never know what topics we’ll feature or who will get the” Literary Dish.” It’s all in fun to keep the literary community connected and informed. Feel free to contribute your feedback. As of January 1st, The Literary Dish will go mobile. To contact moderator or contribute your news, email Disilgold@aol.com.

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