May Editor’s Note

After a long bitter winter, spring feels fresher. And though the economy is tight, there is a sense of freedom at hand. Some bills don’t get paid on time. Some things don’t get paid at all. Top priority is given to those with services and products that add value. For the first time ever – the low budget consumer is king. Take advantage, put on your crown and declare yourself the king or queen of what you do.

As a growing publisher, we hope to get more freedom of vamped distribution costs through e-books, digital products and using the IPad and other new technologies to grow. In the recession, publishers need more money produce better products and to pay authors / writers or they will become independents.

While the book industry is grasping for air, we are finding better methods to reach readers. If Borders closes, some publishers are praying that Barnes and Noble will buy the chain. Otherwise, publishers dependent on store sales are trembling and they don’t know what they will do.

Do what you love and network in your niche.

Do what the next person won’t do to fulfill your goal. Your determination is what will differentiate you from others. Put on your crown and declare yourself the king or queen of what you do. But be humble enough to learn from those that offer something of value.

Reach out and garner relationships with like-minded individuals, provide consistent value to clients, visitors and be flexible to barters with other services that can benefit your company. There are publishers, independents, self-published authors that are growing.

This month we interviewed people who have found freedom despite the economy. First there is T Styles – a boss, a progressive publisher, author and bookstore owner who has managed to mature The Cartel Publications into a leading brand in the urban fiction niche.

We spoke with Joey Pinkney a book reviewer, author and marketer. Joey’s addiction to books helped fuel the content for his website. From scratch, he fueled his niche by his passion for reading and continues to grow in demand.

Honored, we caught up with Kevin M. Weeks. Author of the Street Life Series, his persistence and marketing savvy to grow his audience has lead him to new partnerships and an unmatched perspective on life.

Last we caught up with Nicola Mitchell who stopped through as she tours for her new book The Appetizer.

Check out the reviews of Brainwashed and Dear Dad by Ky-Mani Marley.

Network and put your plan in motion today, not next week.

See you next issue.

Q.B. Wells

Aspiring urban writers, artists and musicians find resources online

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Q.B. Wells
October 12, 2009 Phone #

Aspiring urban writers, artists and musicians find resources online

BALTIMORE, MD – Aspiring urban writers, artists and musicians have help available online at new ezine that launched in 2006 at www.UrbaniaMag.com. The brainchild of author and editor, Q.B. Wells, UrbaniaMag.com is a one-stop shop for topics related to marketing, selling and managing the business side of the creative process.

“I wanted to help writers, filmmakers, musicians and any creative types avoid some of the mistakes I’ve seen happen to too many artists who are taken advantage of financially or they end their lives broke with nothing to show for their efforts,” says Wells. Writers learn how to market their books in the print world and online. Wells offers consulting services and access to publishers for writers.

Urbania Magazine is a network of fans, writers, artists, reviewers, publishers and industry professionals who are a part of the business of literature and the urban art community. “By providing an urban perspective of business, art and literature, Urbania Magazine’s goal is to provide urban businesses and artists strategies to effectively promote their products,” says Wells. “The magazine’s staff stresses a first-hand experience that gives more accurate and contextual analysis of urban books, music, art and business strategies.”
Wells added, “We illustrate what goes on in the city through focused perspectives, business and stories written in a vernacular and expression anyone can understand. By being simple and upfront, our magazine will be available for anyone to gain knowledge and engage.”

Readers gain marketing tips to grow their business and promotional opportunities for their products. A team will review submitted products. Readers and subscribers are entered in a drawing for a $35 value prize pack from the magazine. To subscribe to the webzine, visit online at www.Urbaniamag.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for advertisers. Contact Q.B. Wells for sponsorship information or visit www.UrbaniaMag.com. UrbaniaMag is part of ArtOfficialMedia.com, a multimedia publishing company founded by Wells in 2005. The company publishes urban books and art-related media.

About Q.B. Wells: Q.B. Wells is an author and editor of The Urbania webzine at www.Urbaniamag.com, and Webmaster of www.ArtOfficialMedia.com. In his 30s, Wells holds an M.S. in Professional Writing from Towson University and a B.A. from Columbia College. He currently resides in Baltimore, MD.