AALBC.com's 17 Most Frequently Asked Questions

Chances are you are reading this page because you emailed us one of these questions and we referred you to our FAQ page, or you were kind enough to look for an answer here before contacting us.  Hopefully you'll find the answer to your question.  If not, please email us again and let us know your question was not answered in this FAQ.
 

1. How do I join AALBC.com (The African American Literature Book Club)?
   AALBC.com does not require membership.  Ok, I know the word "Club" in our name implies some form of membership.  However, even when we ran an on-line book club, we never required memberships.   The only thing you should do is enjoy our content, let others know about us and maybe share your ideas about books and Black culture on our popular discussion boards. 
    
2. How do I submit my book for review?
   This is easy:  Visit http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/reviewer_guidlines.htm 
    
3. How do I contact ______________? (fill in the blank)
   If the author's contact information is not provided, or is incorrect, please do not contact AALBC.com to request this information.  You can often reach an author through their publisher or via the author's official web site.
    
4. I want to write a book what should I do?
   This is very broad question and there is really no simple answer that would apply to all individuals.  While AALBC.com provides a host of resources for writers, at all stages of their careers; our primary strength is helping authors promote their finished book to our on-line audience. 
   
   That said, anyone who is interesting in writing a book should do two things:  First, learn and continue to study the craft of writing.  There are many courses and workshops you can take to help you do this.  Second, aspiring authors should learn the publishing business.  Whether you are looking for a deal from a publisher or interested in self-publishing your own work you will benefit a great by understanding the book business.
   
   Zane, an extremely popular author shared her insight on this very question on our discussion boards back in 2004: Click here to read what she had to say.
    
5. I just finished my manuscript what should I do next?
   If you want it published through traditional means, you should find a good agent.   If you want to publish your own book check out The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter.  You may also find additional resources in our Writers Resources section.
    
6. Can you recommend an Agent, Publicist, Editor, Ghost Writer, Printer, etc?
   Yes, please visit: http://writers.aalbc.com.  Unfortunately we don't have the resources to reply to individual requests for this type of information.
    
7. How do I get my book on AALBC.com?
   
   There are 7 ways:
   
   1. Talk about your book on our discussion boards and Facebook fan page (just don't get carried away)
   2. Sell enough copies to make our bestsellers list
   3. Commission an AALBC.com Review (See question #2 above)
   4. Purchase an AALBC.com author's profile
   5. Contribute an article or other form of content to the web site.  If we publish it we will definitely mention your book.  If we really like it, or you contribute regularly, we'll create an author profile for you for free.
   6. Launch an AALBC.com ad campaign.  Campaigns start for as little as $99 (to place you book, in rotation, on the homepage for a month) and can include placing your book, ad banner or video on virtually every single AALBC.com web page.  Visit http://aalbc.com/advertise_on_aalbc.html for more information
   7. Do something noteworthy and we may mention you in our monthly eNewsletter
       
8. How do I get more information about AALBC.com?
   Please visit: http://aalbc.com/aboutus.htm
    
9. Can add a Link on my site to AALBC.com?
   Absolutely! Please, by all means, link out our site.  Visit this page http://www.aalbc.com/linking.htm for some really cool banners, you can use to link to our web site.
    
10. What is the best way to contact someone at AALBC.com?
    1st is via Email: troy@aalbc.com
    2nd is through a direct Facebook message
    3rd is by calling us toll free 866-603-8394
     
11. I emailed you but no one got back to me.  Why not?
    Yes, I did say that email was the best way to reach us; but email is not perfect. Your email may have been:
    
    • Trapped by our spam filter
    • Overlooked (writing something nebulous in the subject line or worst  -- leaving it blank; will virtually guarantee your email will be overlooked.)
    • Lost in transit and simply not received by us (your email program typically notifies you if this happens)
    • Your message did not warrant a response (ex. You did not ask a question)
    • Whatever the reason may be, if we have not responded to your email in 2 or 3 days, please resend the email or follow up with a phone call to our toll free number (866-603-8394).
    • Active or prospective clients customers should expect a reply within 24 hours.
       
      
12. Can you tell me how to publish my book?
    Sorry we do not offer consulting in this area.  While we provide a wealth of information for both writers and readers we are currently not staffed to provide individuals with detailed assistance on the steps required to get your book published.
     
13. How do I get my book added to your club's reading list?
    Our online book club was active for almost 8 consecutive years.  However, as of January 2007, The Coffee Will Make you Black, On-line Book Club is no longer active. Perhaps one day we will resurrect on-line book club.  If this happens we will consider your book, for inclusion, at that time. 
     
14. Can AALBC.com help me establish my web presence or increase my website's traffic?
    Yes.  AALBC.com provides consulting services to help inidividuals and small business create low cost websites (that they can maintain), increase traffic and take advantage of social media.  The rate is $150 for the first hour and $100 per hour for each subsequent hour.
     
15. Can AALBC.com make my book available for sale?
    Definitely.  Please read #7
     
16. Is Thumper really Troy Johnson?
    No.  This was a very commom question a few years ago.
     
17. How do I learn more about AALBC.com's founder and president Troy Johnson?
    Please visit: http://aalbc.com/events/aalbc_com_founder_appearances.htm
     

If your question was not answered above, please feel free to email or call (see #10 above).  Thanks again for visiting AALBC.com.

Keep in mind, AALBC.com is a massive web site; make sure you take advantage of all of our content by utilizing our site specific Google search engine.

Our customized Google search box (circled) can be found on virtually every AALBC.com web page.  If you are looking for information on an author, book, genre, or any subject, simply enter the information in the search box and you'll likely discover a wealth of information.