We couldn’t let 2017 pass by without a video highlight from the 2017 RSJ Book Lovers Convention. During the convention, we opened up a new segment called “The Forum”. The forum launched with the topic: “The African American Book Section – Yea or Nay?” Romance authors Lisa Rayne, Nicki Night and Earl Sewell were on hand to discuss the topic with readers and writers during the RSJ Book lovers Event that took place in Los Angeles, California. Both readers and authors displayed opinions of whether they find the African American Book Section good or bad. There were some interesting opinions on the table but the most intriguing aspect was being able to hear why people felt a particular way. The discussion was a learning aspect for both readers and writers and will no doubt go down as one of the most engaging events of the convention.
Why did the RSJ Book Lovers Event discuss reviews in the forum?
One of the added features of the forum that we strategically placed within the RSJ Forum adventure, was an overview discussing the importance of Reviews. After all, if we love multi-cultural characters and authors and we want them to continue to give us fabulous stories, full of people that look like the colors of the rainbow then we have to give a review; a written review as in, “I enjoyed this book all the way to the end. I’ll for sure pick up another book by this author”. Readers learned that giving a star to an author’s book is nice, but it’s really the written review be it short or long that helps the author survive in the industry.
All-in-all, everyone learned that reviews are like real estate for authors. A reader’s written review helps the authors Amazon ranking and by always giving a review to an author, we can help multi-cultural characters and authors gain attention into the mainstream and moreover send our favorite authors into review royalty. Because their is a level playing field and it’s called Amazon reviews and the number of sales; basically like author Nicki Night said, the industry is being led by technology.
Now okay, it may be a bit harder to get more reviews for those being shoved onto a small shelf and into a category that others make assumptions on and often hear in their heads, “this section isn’t for you, because there’s a black person on the cover”. But one thing is for sure, if you want to get the industries attention, then show them the numbers and that starts with reviews; and technology is a great tool to accomplish this. A reader with a lot of reviews has a better chance of getting more readership which organically leads to what: more reviews. There is a strategy behind it and at the RSJ Book Lovers convention, you can better believe that we’ll not only discuss the challenge but also chart out a solution. And in turn, author Earl Sewell, is right in saying that there are some readers that have to learn that love is universal throughout any culture. So if your a reader who hasn’t posted an Amazon review for an author, stop reading this now and go post a review, and keep posting reviews if you want to keep seeing your favorite authors publish books.
What is the RSJ Book Lovers Event:
“If you’re a sucker for steamy romance tales, follow your love-stricken heart to the RSJ Convention in Kansas City. With an emphasis on black love stories penned by black authors, you’ll encounter an abundance of page-turners looking to sneak their way to the top of your reading list. Readers can meet authors and even attend a series of workshops to test their writing chops. Those who write or read multicultural characters are encouraged to attend the conference full of adventures, exploits, industry forums, workshops and more.” – noted Everfest.
What I love about the RSJ Book Lovers Event:
What I like is that there’s always great support, knowledge on hand, a new talented author to find, and most of all great friendships that grow year by year. Oh and fun, lots of fun. There is no one who understands a reader more than another reader. We get each other’s fascination with books and no one in the room ever looks confused about why we love so many books, why each story is special or why we read them again and again. Now we just have to remember to always give an authors book a review.
Join us at the 2018 RSJ Convention in Los Angeles, where we’ll be discussing the book industry and where the African-American author and black books fall within it. As well as how you as an author and/or reader can help put multi-cultural authors in focus.
REGISTER FOR THE 2018 RSJ BOOK LOVERS CONVENTION NOW, Click here
UPDATE: The 2018 RSJ convention is now open for registration. It’s a writers and readers event geared for promoting diversity in literature. All are welcomed to participate in the RSJ Book Lovers Convention. To be sure to stay up to date with RSJ, joining our list:
