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https://blackgirlnerds.com/how-erika-latanya-became-a-bestselling-author-and-how-you-can-too/
Written by: Erika Latanya
Hello, BGN readers!! My name is Erika Latanya and today I’m going to tell you guys on how I became a national bestselling author and what it takes.
I know what you guys are thinking. Is she a New York Times bestselling author? The answer to that question is no!
When most people hear of a bestselling author they associate the title with New York Times or USA Today bestselling lists. If you’re a 90s baby or older then you may even remember the Essence Bestseller list. However, I am not apart of those group of bestsellers either. Lol
So, I’ve been self-publishing books for a little over two years now. In between, I signed with two different publishers because I wanted more exposure for my work. Not only did I want more exposure but I also wanted to become a bestselling author. Aye, it’s every author’s or aspiring author’s dream. Being able to claim “bestselling author” is the equivalent of earning a verified badge on social media.
If you’re anything like me, then you use social media a lot and possibly interact with people within the same industry as you. I did. I interacted with many other authors on social media, both independent and traditionally published authors. Along with that came sightings of fancy book covers, and you can guess what else I spotted written on them. You’ve guessed correctly — national bestselling author! Honey, I wanted to be like those authors and flaunt that title next to my name.
In today’s world, however, publishing has changed. Books don’t necessarily have to be placed inside a bookstore (although it’s still a good thing unless it’s placed on the clearance rack). Anywho, Amazon is the go-to for publishing ebooks and paperbacks by both indie and traditional publishing houses. Each book uploaded is placed within a category based on the selected genre the author chooses.
On Amazon, an author can get a bestseller badge based on how many books are bought and/or downloaded within an hour while calculating books that are sold throughout the day. Each book sold boosts the author’s ranking.
I wrote my first book and I just knew I’d sell a ton of copies. Ummm — that did not happen. When I signed with two different publishing companies, I assumed they could get me that badge. Ummm — I still didn’t get a badge.
Eventually, I started my own publishing company called Dear Diary Publishing. I wanted to grow within my career and have full control over my work. I guess you could call it self-promotion. I knew deep within my heart I was created to be a boss. I came up with a plan that I’d write the best book the world has yet to read. I stayed up many late nights writing. It got so bad that I caught cramps in my hands.
To make a long story short, I eventually published two books under my own brand. The first book was a mystery, which brought out the weird and nerdy girl in me. The second book was a short story, a holiday story to be exact. This brings me to one more fact: Do not be afraid to branch out and write in multiple genres. Explore. You’d be surprised at how far your talent can take you. Never get too comfortable with one genre. A writer will never know how great they can be by being content in a box.
I became a bestselling author, but it wasn’t after publishing the first book. I received the badge after I published the second book. You might think I became a bestselling author because I published under my own company, but that had nothing to do with it.
I asked myself, “What did I do differently this time around that I hadn’t done before?” The answer is: Promote. Promote, promote, and then promote. I ran ads, held a giveaway, and even gave some books away for free. Word of mouth helped a lot, too.
Some people may say they’ve done the same and it hasn’t happened for them. I’m here to say the road isn’t easy, and it takes a lot of hard work. It took a total of about five or six books of mine to be published before I became a bestseller. It does not happen overnight. But, once a bestseller, always a bestseller. I’m a proud Amazon Bestselling Author, hence that makes me a national bestselling author. Amazon is one of the most popular lists to join as a bestselling author. So, to all authors and aspiring: Keep on pushing. Happy writing!
Well, I hope you all enjoyed my mini-rant. If you’re interested in checking out some of my material then feel free to check out my site at erikalatanya.com. Thanks!
erikalatanya.com
IG: @erikalatanya
Twitter: @erikalatanya
FB: fb.com/erikalatanyabooks
The post How Erika Latanya Became a Bestselling Author — and How You Can, Too! appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Written by: Erika Latanya
Hello, BGN readers!! My name is Erika Latanya and today I’m going to tell you guys on how I became a national bestselling author and what it takes.
I know what you guys are thinking. Is she a New York Times bestselling author? The answer to that question is no!
When most people hear of a bestselling author they associate the title with New York Times or USA Today bestselling lists. If you’re a 90s baby or older then you may even remember the Essence Bestseller list. However, I am not apart of those group of bestsellers either. Lol
So, I’ve been self-publishing books for a little over two years now. In between, I signed with two different publishers because I wanted more exposure for my work. Not only did I want more exposure but I also wanted to become a bestselling author. Aye, it’s every author’s or aspiring author’s dream. Being able to claim “bestselling author” is the equivalent of earning a verified badge on social media.
If you’re anything like me, then you use social media a lot and possibly interact with people within the same industry as you. I did. I interacted with many other authors on social media, both independent and traditionally published authors. Along with that came sightings of fancy book covers, and you can guess what else I spotted written on them. You’ve guessed correctly — national bestselling author! Honey, I wanted to be like those authors and flaunt that title next to my name.
In today’s world, however, publishing has changed. Books don’t necessarily have to be placed inside a bookstore (although it’s still a good thing unless it’s placed on the clearance rack). Anywho, Amazon is the go-to for publishing ebooks and paperbacks by both indie and traditional publishing houses. Each book uploaded is placed within a category based on the selected genre the author chooses.
On Amazon, an author can get a bestseller badge based on how many books are bought and/or downloaded within an hour while calculating books that are sold throughout the day. Each book sold boosts the author’s ranking.
I wrote my first book and I just knew I’d sell a ton of copies. Ummm — that did not happen. When I signed with two different publishing companies, I assumed they could get me that badge. Ummm — I still didn’t get a badge.
Eventually, I started my own publishing company called Dear Diary Publishing. I wanted to grow within my career and have full control over my work. I guess you could call it self-promotion. I knew deep within my heart I was created to be a boss. I came up with a plan that I’d write the best book the world has yet to read. I stayed up many late nights writing. It got so bad that I caught cramps in my hands.
To make a long story short, I eventually published two books under my own brand. The first book was a mystery, which brought out the weird and nerdy girl in me. The second book was a short story, a holiday story to be exact. This brings me to one more fact: Do not be afraid to branch out and write in multiple genres. Explore. You’d be surprised at how far your talent can take you. Never get too comfortable with one genre. A writer will never know how great they can be by being content in a box.
I became a bestselling author, but it wasn’t after publishing the first book. I received the badge after I published the second book. You might think I became a bestselling author because I published under my own company, but that had nothing to do with it.
I asked myself, “What did I do differently this time around that I hadn’t done before?” The answer is: Promote. Promote, promote, and then promote. I ran ads, held a giveaway, and even gave some books away for free. Word of mouth helped a lot, too.
Some people may say they’ve done the same and it hasn’t happened for them. I’m here to say the road isn’t easy, and it takes a lot of hard work. It took a total of about five or six books of mine to be published before I became a bestseller. It does not happen overnight. But, once a bestseller, always a bestseller. I’m a proud Amazon Bestselling Author, hence that makes me a national bestselling author. Amazon is one of the most popular lists to join as a bestselling author. So, to all authors and aspiring: Keep on pushing. Happy writing!
Well, I hope you all enjoyed my mini-rant. If you’re interested in checking out some of my material then feel free to check out my site at erikalatanya.com. Thanks!
erikalatanya.com
IG: @erikalatanya
Twitter: @erikalatanya
FB: fb.com/erikalatanyabooks
The post How Erika Latanya Became a Bestselling Author — and How You Can, Too! appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Artist: Szymon Kudranski / DC Comics
Ok, Bendis. I’m going to need you to stop making me root for the villain. Action Comics #1014 turned the Black Girl Magic up a notch right out the gate. The book starts with Perry White, editor of the Daily Planet (I was this close to writing “Daily Bugle”), meets his new boss. Marisol Leone has been a fantastic addition to Superman’s world. It has been known for quite a while that she bought Superman’s paper but that hasn’t been super relevant to the story outside of her employment/ partnership with Robinson Goode. In this issue, she has her first interaction with Perry White. In a deliciously curious creative choice, the criminal Queen Bee of Metropolis comes off as the ideal owner of a newspaper. She asks Perry what he needs to make the paper better and without either of them skipping a beat he tells her he needs money and editorial control and she agrees. Later in the comic Clark Kent gets a chance to meet Miss Leone. After stopping a rampaging monster, he writes an article about it quoting himself as Superman (I’m not sure about the journalistic ethics here) shedding light on wrongdoing on the part of S.T.A.R. Labs. Perry is excited to introduce Kent to Leone, but he is appropriately skeptical of her intentions.
In the Bridgeport, CT portion of Metropolis we’re reminded that Miss Leone is indeed a villain. The violent alternate personality of Rose, aptly named Thorn, is tearing up the hang out spots of the crime bosses working under Leone. Partially through her Punisher session, the Red Cloud arrives. With her being supercharged by Lex Luthor (There’s some Villain event that I have zero interest in) and Thorn being VERY human and not at all trained by Batman this does not go well.
My favorite part of this book is how well Leone as a benevolent owner works.
I wouldn’t buy for a second that a paper owned by Wilson Fisk or Lex Luthor could have journalistic integrity. Leone is different. Out of necessity (Superman is kind of a beast) she has preserved her empire’s anonymity so there is less of an incentive to skew a newspaper’s take on crime and scandal. This might also be bait from Bendis but the way she is written make it seem like she genuinely cares about journalism.
Another thing to note is how this book plays with the panels’ borders. During Thorn’s fight they used an appropriately themed border that they’ve done with her character before. During Superman’s they used an unconventional one that added a bit of spice to the scene.
9 “Super Speed Keyboard Clickity Clacks” out of 10
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The post Action Comics #1014 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
We’ve compiled our favorite Halloween baby costumes for boys and girls that you can easily purchase instead of making your own. Of course, we feel that babies can dress up in whichever costume you want them too regardless of their gender. These Halloween costumes will sell out fast so if you come across one that’s sold out, please let us know and we’ll replace it.
Unfortunately, your little one won’t be swinging from any tall buildings while wearing this superhero outfit. However, you can rest assured they’ll still look super adorable dressed as your favorite neighborhood wallcrawler. Before you leave, make sure you check out all our Marvel baby clothes.
This handmade Chewbacca costume is amazing. It’s so furry. Luckily, your little one won’t be able to rip off your arms while wearing it. Did you know we have a whole selection of awesome Star Wars baby clothes?
Still one of the best DC superhero movies, this Wonder Woman outfit even includes a faux tiara for the ultimate cosplay. Just be careful equipping them with the lasso of truth. Meanwhile, we have a ton of DC superhero baby clothes, come take a look.
Incredible’s Baby Jack Infant Costume
This is one of the cutest costumes we’ve found and it’s all because of the spike of hair. Just think of how you’ll be able to make your friends and family vomit as you fill up their Instagram feed with your awesome photos. Cuteness overload.
There are a couple of ways to dress your baby as a Game of Thrones character. First, you can spend a lot of money and time and create your own Jon Snow or Arya Stark outfit. Or, you could simply dress them up as a dragon. Given how parents don’t have any time or sleep, we choose the latter option. Don’t worry fans, we’ve got plenty of Game of Thrones baby clothes to choose from.
Harry Potter is always a popular choice for Halloween. However, dressing babies up as your favorite wizard is no easy task. This Hermione baby costume is awesome. Don’t fret, here’s a nongender option as well. Plus, we have a whole slew of Harry Potter baby clothes for your wizarding needs.
We have a whole selection of Star Trek baby clothes, but we felt this costume would be the most popular to feature in our Halloween baby costumes article. Get your baby to the bridge, pronto.
We’ve been talking a lot about superheroes, but what about the classic monsters? Sure, babies are limited to what they can reasonably wear, but there is still a wide selection of options without having to make a costume. Anyhow, this werewolf costume has us howling at the moon with cuteness.
Pika, pika, pikachu! We love Pokemon baby clothes and this Pikachu costume is no exception. Perfect for those of you who are worried about their little one getting too chilly during trick or treating.
Sure, you could dress your infant up in a Spider-man costume, or you could simply turn them into an adorable spider. We simply love this costume which gives your little one a total of 8 legs.
What’s not to love about dressing your child up as a Ghostbuster? At this age, they probably aren’t even afraid of ghosts yet. So strap on your proton pack and make sure you don’t cross the streams. It’s ghost bustin’ time!
This doesn’t have to be worn just on Halloween, with something this awesome you should dress your little one in it every week. Just don’t put them in their own little go-cart.
You won’t have to visit Translyvania this year to drop in on the Count. Nope, the little vampire will be dozing in their crib waiting for 3 am to wake you up. You’ll be the one rising from the grave.
One of the best Halloween baby costumes we’ve seen this year goes to the simple ghost costume. Your little boo will be winning the hearts of family, friends, and neighbors. Perfect for getting you some of that sweet, sweet candy.
Monsters, much-like children, come in all colors. It’s rare we come across a cool pink monster costume. Everyone is dressing their kids in the regular ol’ green ones. Not this year, you are putting your little girl or boy in this adorable Halloween baby costume and stealing the hearts of everyone.
This fantastic Dragon Ball Z costume is perfect for you anime-loving families. Unfortunately, options are limited unless you want to make your own. This bodysuit is really cool and unique though. What’s your kid’s final form?
We love Legend of Zelda. It’s not just nostalgia either. Nintendo keeps the series alive with all the awesome editions it keeps releasing. Dressing your child in a Link Halloween baby costume is a wonderful idea. Just make sure you get a green cap.
We already feature dinosaur baby clothes so it makes sense to add a dino Halloween baby costume as well. Don’t worry it’s a vegan species so no Jurrasic Park mishaps here.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Baby Costume
Pizza, hanging out in sewers, and saving the world from an evil ninja clan are things your little one can’t do yet. However, they can still pretend, right? Cowabunga, dudes!
Stay Puft Marshmallow Baby Costume
It’s our second featured Ghostbusters Halloween baby costume, but it’s super cute and we had to do it. Dress your child up as a giant marshmallow bent on destroying NYC. Where’s Godzilla when you need him?
Have your infant teach the other babies how to master the force in this fantastic Yoda costume. Before you know it they’ll want to move to the swamp and talk to ghosts.
This is a really cute Harry Potter costume that you can have made for any of the four houses, not just the Gryffindor one featured in the image. Just don’t give your little one any magic wands, because they are too young to be casting any spells.
This Groot Halloween baby costume looks like it’s just for big kids, but rest assured it comes in sizes that will fit your baby as well. Sorry, we couldn’t find any baby Rocket outfits, but if you come across one let us know.
The post Halloween Baby Costumes For Boys and Girls appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.