AALBC.com’s Most Frequently Asked Questions

Note: During August 2024 we will be preparing for a major website overhaul. As a result, changes to the site will be minimized.


aalbc search screen shotAALBC.com is a massive web site; make sure you take advantage of all of our content by utilizing our site’s search engine.

A link to search engine (shown in the image) may be found on every AALBC.com web page. If you are looking for information on a specific author, book, genre, or subject, simply enter the information into the search engine and you’ll likely discover a wealth of information.

To find a book on a specific subject use our Search for Book by Category page. There you can find books in over 1,500 different categories.

Hopefully, you’ll find what you are looking for here.  If not, please email us.

    AALBC.com's Frequently Asked Questions
  1. How do I join AALBC.com?

    The the word “Club” in our name implies some form of membership.  However, we don’t require membership — even to participate in our on-line book club.

    We encourage to enjoy our content, let others know about anything your enjoyed or found useful. You may use the social media icons, provided on most pages, for this purpose, or simply tell others. Please share your ideas in the comments section on most pages and on our popular discussion boards. 
     
  2. How do I submit my book for review?

    The process simple.  Please read our book review guidelines.
     
  3. What are your bookstore’s policies?

    AALBC sells books both online and during select events. We ship orders over $75 for free and do not collect sales tax (except for the sate of Florida). Viola Davis
  4. How do I contact ______________?

    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.
     
  5. 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, including manuscript editing, book printing, and consulting; our primary strength is helping authors promote their finished book to our on-line audience. 

    Anyone who is interesting in writing a book should do two things;  (1) Study the craft of writing.  There are many courses and workshops you can take to help you do this;  (2) Aspiring authors should learn the publishing business.  Whether you are looking for a deal from a publisher, or interested in self-publishing, you will benefit a great by understanding the book business.

    Zane, an popular author nd publisher shared her insight on this very question on our discussion boards back in 2008: Read what she had to say.
     
  6. 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, you may find useful resources in our Writers Resources section.
     
  7. Can you recommend an Agent, Publicist, Editor, Ghost Writer, Printer, etc.?

    For editorial services please visit AALBC’s Edit 1st.com.  Edit 1st provides a full suite of manuscript editing services.
     
  8. How do I get my book on AALBC.com?

    Here are nine ways:

      Author Renee Allen McCoy with her AALBC Mug SHot
    1. Discuss your book on our Black literature discussion forum
    2. Sell enough copies to make our bestsellers list
    3. Commission an AALBC.com Review
    4. Purchase an AALBC.com Author’s Profile
    5. Contribute or pitch an article, or other form of exclusive content, to the web site.  If we publish it, we’ll create an author profile for you for free.
    6. Launch an AALBC.com ad campaign.  Campaigns start for as low as $199 and can include placing your ad banner on every AALBC.com web page.  We can even customize a campaign specifically for your needs.  Visit our advertising section to learn more. 
    7. Share something on Black literature discussion forum that you have done which is noteworthy and we may mention your accomplishment in our monthly eNewsletter.
    8. Do something to support AALBC.com.  It is so much easier to support authors and publishers who also support AALBC. If you are author profiled on our site, or a publisher with books on the site and have not provided a link to AALBC from your website, what are you waiting for?
    9. AALBC.com is also open to barter.  Drop us an email and tell us about any ideas you might have.

     
  9. How do I learn more about AALBC.com?

    Please visit our About Us page.
     
  10. Can add a Link to AALBC.com on my website, blog or social media?

    Absolutely! Please, by all means, link out our site.  Visit this page for some banners you can use to link to our web site.
     
  11. What is the best way to contact someone at AALBC.com?

    Email: troy@aalbc.com (please be descriptive in your subject line), or call our office 347-692-2522 (347-69-AALBC). We prefer email communication. You can also reach us on our discussion forum (I read everything posted there).
     
  12. I emailed you but no one got back to me.  Why not?

    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 (347-692-2522).
    • Active clients customers should expect a reply within 24 hours.
       
  13. Can you tell me how to publish my book?

    While we provide editing (Edit 1st), book printing (AALBC Prints Books), domain hosting (Domains for Authors) and a variety of other services and information to writers, we do not offer formal consulting in services this area.
     
  14. How do I get my book added to your club’s reading list?

    The Coffee Will Make you Black, On-line Book Club is currently on hiatus, as we look for a new bookclub moderator. In the meantime, you can always make us aware of your book by sharing information about it on our Black literature discussion forum
     
  15. Can AALBC.com make my book available for sale?

    Definitely.  Please read How do I get my book on AALBC.com? (above)
     
  16. How do I learn more about AALBC.com’s founder and president Troy Johnson?

    Please visit Troy’s Biography and Troy’s Appearances Page
     

    17. If your question was not answered above, please feel free to email. Thanks again for visiting AALBC.com. This FAQ was last updated November 13, 2023.