When it comes to poetry, if you can dream it, we can publish it! We are proud to highlight such a diverse group of voices this week on the blog. The following are recent examples of poetry books published by Dorrance.

Coffee with God: A 40 Day Poetry Devotional by Jean Mikulski

Coffee with God is a collection of 40 devotional poems that address topics including life’s daily struggles, interactions on social media, requesting help from God, and seeing God’s hand in the sights, sounds, and beauty of nature. What makes this book unique is that rather than a written summary explaining the scripture beforehand, it speaks to the reader through scripture that ties in with the accompanying poem. Author Jean Mikulski is a retired administrative assistant and former Sunday school teacher. 

The Mind of a Manic Depressive by Tameka LaShay

The Mind of a Manic Depressive by Tameka LaShay is a poetry book about mental illness and the author’s coping with it. After some storms in life, Tameka LaShay was diagnosed with the illness and needed ways to cope. She had to release the hurt and therefore turned to poetry. The author hopes this book can bring understanding and awareness to people who do not understand mental illness and also help those who suffer from any form of mental illness to get help and not allow it to control them.

Moments in America’s War by Kendric Packer 

This poetry book focuses on history. Author Kendric Packer captures the Civil War in poetry. He was inspired after studying writings from the Civil War era. Moments in America’s War is an attempt to pass forward the feelings these Civil War-era texts stirred up through a collection of poems – as poetry is the language of feelings, after all. It is the author’s hope that a reader’s feeling may, at the end, be almost that of having lived through a war. The reader will hopefully feel connected to this historical era and what it means for life today. This book shows just how versatile poetry can be for telling stories!

It’s Hard to Be a Black Man in America and Other African American Poems by Elroy Alister Esdaille

In this book, City University of New York professor Elroy Alister Esdaille examines the African-American experience from multiple perspectives that cannot be put into just one box. The poems explore the African-American experience in the United States from the past to the present, but they can be applied to other countries that once operated under colonial systems and slave labor as well. Modern day America, for many Black people, can be said to be a sum total of its messy history of slavery and segregation, and the recalcitrant roots that still persist today. It’s Hard to Be a Black Man in America gives an in-depth view of this messy history and asks questions through the style and unique power of poetry. 

bare by Julia Vradenburg

bare is a poetry collection inspired by the events in one woman’s life, a life shared by many women. Vradenburg’s poetry lends a voice to words and thoughts that are often muted and go unsaid. Julia Vradenburg lives in the Pacific Northwest with her wife and two dogs. She is a photographer and avid hiker.

Demons Love Heartbreak by Roderick J. Davis  

Demons Love Heartbreak by Roderick J. Davis is a poetry collection that explores how the opinions of others can influence the mind of a young man, directly impacting his emotional status and perception of self, all painted in a beautiful and dark, artistic portrait. Through his use of language and metaphor, Roderick J. Davis’s poems give voice to those who feel voiceless, and his heartfelt honesty inspires.

Adventures of a Dyslexic Poet by Sean M. Riedl  

This collection of poems and short stories titled Adventures of a Dyslexic Poet “flash by like short films.” Author Sean M. Riedl could not read until after fourth grade yet still obtained A grades. Riedl’s work aims to confound and enlighten, to soothe and excite. Inspired by the author’s relationships with others and his interest in places and objects with storied pasts, Adventures of a Dyslexic Poet has something to offer any thoughtful reader. With poetic descriptiveness, this book takes the reader through different worlds—some real and some imagined. Riedl currently works for the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. 

Looking to share your story and publish your own poetry book? Contact us to start your journey today!

The post Monday Motivation: Poetry appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Choose Your Blog’s Focus

The first step to creating your blog is to choose a specific focus. If you’re an author attempting to use your blog to gain an audience for your work, perhaps your focus will be a literary blog which tackles book reviews and interactive lists (favorite romance books, favorite book friendships, etc). This can be an excellent way to build up followers who will be there to support you when you release your own book. On the other hand, your blog could have any number of focuses. It could be a car related blog, a parenting blog, or a movie review blog…just make sure you hone in on a specific focus. A blog that’s just your overall thoughts is likely too broad unless you’ve already built a following in another manner.

Choose Your Blog Name

The next step is to choose your blog name. The title of your blog should be something that is easy to remember, fun, and also gives the reader an idea of what your blog is about. For example, one of the more well-known book blogs is titled Epic Reads, which very quickly alerts the viewer that it’s a book blog while also using the word ‘epic’ to let them know that it’s a fun space. During this process, be sure to do your research to make sure your name is unique. The last thing you want is to create a blog and then find out your name is already taken by a blog that has already built up a huge following.

Customize Your Page

This involves not only decorating your page with captivating images and design elements, but also writing your bio and a summary of what your blog will entail. When it comes to constructing these pieces, make sure you’re writing them so they both show your credentials in whatever area you’re writing in as well as present yourself as friendly and relatable. For example, if you’re building a book blog, it may be helpful to list that you have your bachelor’s degree in writing or editing, any job experience you have in these areas, or an average of how many books you read per year. In addition, to make yourself seem friendly and approachable–you could list your top three favorite books/authors and why.

Research and/or Invent Segments

When people follow your blog they want to see consistency in terms of writing and the segments your blog has. So, to get yourself started, do some research on topics or segments that relate to your specific subject matter. Look into what similar blogs are writing about and tailor the material to work for you. In addition, among the blogging community, there are certain segments that are hashtagged and encourage participation among everyone in the community. For example, among the book blog community, there’s a segment called Top Ten Tuesday which was started by the blog That Artsy Reader Girl. This segment essentially involves creating a top ten list based on specific subject matter chosen by this blog weekly. The topics are released in advance and, once you post your list, you can tag it on her main list. Participatory segments similar to this will allow you to not only gain more followers, but make friends with similar bloggers.

Be Relatable

Ultimately, this is the key rule to blog writing overall. Though you should have some expertise on the subject matter you’re writing, people don’t read blogs to be talked down to or for simply informative pieces. They want your writing to feel relatable and fun and they also want to get to know you through it. Don’t be afraid to be silly, to make jokes, and just be yourself- whatever that may mean. Because of how oversaturated the blogging community is currently, there is likely someone already out there writing a similar blog to yours. You are what makes your blog unique.

The post Genre Focus: Blogs appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

As we’ve stated previously, using a website like Netgalley is a great way to find reviewers with influence. However, you should always do some additional digging and find bloggers, reviewers, readers, and press outlets to reach out to. The first step to doing this successfully: do your research. You need to make sure you’re reaching out to blogs, readers, and press outlets that relate to your book and/or genre in some way. You likely won’t have much luck if you’ve written a romance and you’re reaching out to bloggers who primarily review suspense novels.

You also want to have either a digital file of your book or some physical copies handy that you can send to these outlets if they’re interested. Offering them a complimentary copy of your book is a great incentive to obtain a review and a great marketing strategy to engage directly with their following. As we’ve said before, though, we’re writers, not PR experts. So for those unsure of how to make contact with these platforms, here are some templates to get you started:

Bloggers or Amazon/Goodreads reviewers

Dear [INSERT REVIEWER NAME],

I discovered your work at [where you found them] and thoroughly enjoyed your review of [name of book]. I recently wrote a book that appeals to a similar audience, [name of my book]. If you think you might be interested in reading it and perhaps reviewing it, I’ll gladly send you complimentary copy. Thank you so much for your time.

Best Regards,
[Author Name]
[Your website]
[Your social media links]

Readers (to put at the end of your book)

Thank you for joining me in telling the story of [x and y characters]. I hope they touched your soul the way they touched mine.

If you loved the book and have a minute to spare, I would really appreciate a short review on the page or site where you bought the book. Your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated. Reviews from readers like you make a huge difference.

Thank you!
[Author Name]
[Your website]
[Your social media links]

Press Outlets

Dear [INSERT JOURNALIST NAME],

I really enjoyed the piece you did on [date] in [name of publication]. I think that [cause] is very important.

I recently published [name of book], which is very relevant to [name of cause] [link to Amazon or major retailer].

[List your qualifications, i.e. why you are an expert on a given topic.] I would be happy to send you a review copy to possibly include in your next [piece name].

Best,
[Author Name]
[Your website]
[Your social media links]

Are you ready to publish your book? Contact us today!

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

The post How to Reach Out for Reviews appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.