Is a book award important?

Books by LR recently congratulated one of our clients on been listed as a finalist in the Book Excellence Awards!

The Professor Book 1 - finalist in Books by LR

While we took the opportunity to praise him for his success and he now has a new accolade to add to his book…the question was asked is book awards really important to authors?

We took a while to ponder a bit on the thought and here is our take on the issue:

What is a book award?

Generally, book awards are a way to publicly recognize and validate a book’s contribution to the literary world. They are hosted by various entities, and they aim at deeming a book well done or provides some celebration of a book’s excellence. There are some common and well-known book awards such as the Nobel Prize in Literature, Pulitzer Prize, such as but there are others that are more unknown as surface from time to time. However, for many authors they that discover then they have attested to the benefits from being a part of it.

How do you know if that’s the right route for you to market your book?

Book awards present a great opportunity for any kind of book because they have nearly every category available for you to choose from- whether you are fiction or non-fiction writer, self-published or traditionally published, a recently published book or on the market a few years to even unpublished manuscripts or stories.  So yes, because of the variety of options available, you can find one within your niche and in-line with your goals or your chances of winning.

How to you find legitimate ones to enter?

There is no one way to determine which Book awards are best. There are the crème de la crème ones that are very rigorous to enter and appeal to a lot of scholarly and well-seasoned literates. Then there are others that are relatively easy to enter and maybe more useful to the average author. Here are a few recommendations:

  1. Check the criteria and ensure your book is eligible
  2. Compare prices to see what’s affordable- whether it’s free to enter, mid-range or very expensive
  3. Check the reviews – get feedback from authors
  4. Check history and sustainability of the awards- the longer it’s been around, most likely the more legitimate it is.
  5. Check for ones that has a thematic area suitable to your niche and writing whether it appeals to Indie Authors, Black authors, women authors, etc.

My last advice is to consider how you would use these accolades when won. Does your target audience see book awards winnings or finalists as important to the value of your book? Would more sales be derived if you had a book award or not?

Tune into the next article on how to use your book awards winning to market your book.

amazon amazonkdp author authors awards book book-review Book awards book launch books books by lr booksbylr budgeting caribbean caribbean author caribbean books caribbean publishing caribbean writer caribbean writers ebook fiction first time author kleon mcpherson latoyaa roberts marketing must read new author new book poems poetry publishing publishing tips puplishing reading Self-Publishing self-puplishing self publish social media tips travel Trinidad and Tobago women writing writing coach Writing Tips

The Books By LR Writing Workshop is Back!

Think it… Write it… Publish it!

The Books by LR Intensive Writing Workshop is a small group writing program designed to get your book idea onto paper and out into the world within 3 months. You will have access to all the tools, support, feedback and expertise needed to turn your ideas into words that will then be packaged and published at the end of the program. Come write that book you’ve had in your head alongside our team of qualified and recognized facilitators and other aspiring writers with the same goal.

ENROL NOW

It’s time to finally write that book you’ve been planning for ages.

Raise your hand if:

  • You’ve got a story to tell or knowledge to share but writing that book has been a daunting and lonely process
  • You have a book idea but you’ve been struggling to conceptualize those ideas and find your writing style
  • You have a working draft but you have no idea how to go about preparing & packaging it for publishing
  • You’ve had an idea for a book for a while and you’re ready to get serious about putting it out into the world
  • You’re looking to write, edit, format, market and publish a book on a budget

Writing a book, especially your first one, can sometimes be a daunting and lonely process. The Books By LR Intensive Writing Workshop will bring together a small group of writers all with one goal: to finally publish the book you’ve been planning for ages.

At Books by LR, our core value is to foster a space where authors can find support, advice and all the tools necessary to take their literature from idea to draft and then publishing. We believe every person has a story worth telling, and that you can carve yourself into history with the right tools and guidance.

All the tools & support you need to turn your ideas into words

ENROL NOW

THE MODULES

1. Conceptualizing Ideas

In this module, we’ll focus on different tools to bring out your ideas from your mind such as mind mapping, brainstorming, Talk it out, Free Write, Storyboarding, Five whys, etc in an effort to encourage the writer to generate as many ideas or stories that may be interesting to the narrative of his/her book.

2. Types of Writing Styles

This module is developed to introduce writers to different genres of writing, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition, it gives the opportunity to analyse some authors as inspiration for their work or to see how different writing styles may be similar or different to their focused work.

3. Structuring your Book

This module introduces participants to ideas on how their manuscript can be structured based on the type of book and the target reader and audiences by going to templates and practical ideas on how to ensure the book is properly structured.

4. Structuring your Book

UMPH – Box paragraphing Method- A guest writer and educator, Deanne Whiskey-John will join us to share her writing method – a whole-brain approach to writing stories. The writer uses block-paragraphing a logical, left-brain strategy to facilitate creative writing a right-brain activity.

5. Writing Enhancement

A guest author and writing coach of Ideas to Ink, Jenelle Jack, will speak about the writing process through her lens and her tips and advice to budding writers to move along their work to completion.

6. Putting Image to your Words

This module focuses on visualization and graphic elements that can be included in your book. Tips and techniques relating to illustrations, graphics and visualization elements will be explored.

7. Getting Ready to Publish

(Adding finishing touches, Formatting, Cover, ISBN) This module will focus on all the essentials needed to ensure your book is completed and ready to be published by focusing on all the auxiliary services and items needed to complement a finished manuscript.

8. Marketing

This module focuses on introducing your book to the world by discussing book launch ideas, getting shelved at a bookstore or sales outlet (physical or online), marketing opportunities and activities that every writer should engage in to ensure they are getting the most engagement out of their book.

All the feedback & expertise you’ll need to package & publish your work

ENROL NOW

You will have access to:

Editors to edit, format & provide invaluable feedback on your work,

Graphic designer for book cover design,

2 individual consulting sessions,

Publishing to Amazon once the book is completed in 3 months,

Guidance on securing ISBN number, book registration etc., and

Insider information on how to Marketing & selling your book in the Caribbean & Globally.

Your Roadmap to Self-Publishing

Disclaimer

Careful consideration should be given to the timeline above. Authors are responsible for all printing and publishing costs of books created during the Books by LR Intensive Writing Workshop. Self-publishing through Amazon will depend on the timely completion of the book, securing of ISBN number, complete course payment & writer’s readiness to publish. One additional month has been added to the workshop timeline to allow for persons to complete final preparations and publish their book under the guidance of our team. Books by LR reserves the right to terminate projects after the 3-month period, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

PRICING

ENROL NOW

BONUSES

Free advance copy of ‘The Self-Publishing Road Map’

You’ll get a free copy of our intense writing workshop guide, ‘The Self-Publishing Road Map’ by Latoyaa Roberts. This interactive guide will be your companion and book of reference throughout the course and can be used as a standalone guide for your future writing projects.

Bonus Lecture by Guest Facilitator, Deanne Whiskey-John

Guest writer and educator, Deanne Whiskey-John will join us to share her writing method, UMPH Box Paragraphing Method– a whole-brain approach to writing stories using block-paragraphing a logical, left-brain strategy to facilitate creative writing a right-brain activity.

Bonus Lecture by Guest Facilitator, Jenelle Jack

Guest author and writing coach of Ideas to Ink, Jenelle Jack, will share her expertise on the writing process through her lens as well as her tips and advice to budding writers to move along their work to completion.

PICTURE THIS:

  • Writing your book is no longer a daunting and lonely process because you’re writing alongside our team of qualified and recognized facilitators and other aspiring writers with the same goal
  • You’ve finally gotten that book idea that you’ve been struggling to conceptualize down on paper; you’ve explored and found your preferred writing style(s)
  • You have taken your book draft and made adjustments, and it’s been edited, formatted, packaged and self-published with the guidance of our team
  • You’ve got all the insider information on how to market & sell your book in the Caribbean & Globally both from our team and guest facilitators
ENROL NOW

It’s time to finally write that book you’ve been planning for ages.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Your Main Facilitator

Meet Latoyaa Roberts B.A, M.Sc

Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas is the owner & lead consultant at Books by LR. She is a social entrepreneur, communications and development consultant and an avid traveller. She is a Member of the Artist Registry of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Caribbean Creative Network and possesses a B.A in Communications Studies with Linguistics and International Relations (First Class Honours) and a M.Sc in Global Studies (Distinctions) from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. After becoming a self-published author, Latoyaa has since assisted many other Caribbean authors with the preparing, packaging & publishing of their work through Books by LR. Learn more about Latoyaa here

Guest Facilitators

Deanne Whiskey-John

The author of UMPH is an expert educator, educational administrator, business consultant, entrepreneur and author with a proven 31-year track record. Certified to teach preschoolers, primary and secondary students. She taught creative and essay writing to both primary and secondary students for more than twenty years with a 100% pass rate. Served as an Administrator in Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Founder, Director & Training Consultant at the I-sparK Leadership Centre.

Jenelle Jack

Jenelle Jack helps professionals, subject-matter experts, and entrepreneurs write and self-publish a book to spread their message, make an impact, and build their brand. She is a published author and book coach who works with women who want to create impact, influence, and income with a book. To put it simply, she’s here to teach our participants how to streamline their writing process to help achieve your goal of becoming a published author.

Let’s help you create your story for the world to see.

Your journey to self-publishing begins April 3rd, 2023

ENROL NOW

Copyrights and Non-Disclosure Clause

All participants will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Books by LR before the commencement of the workshop to ensure that all confidential information shared between both parties, as a necessary part of doing business together in this 10-week intensive writing workshop, will be guarded with the utmost responsibility to avoid litigation.

All materials generated during the workshop will remain the copyright of the authors for their individual works generated during this programme.

All materials provided by Books by LR or its affiliates will remain the property and copyright of said parties. The materials should only be used by the participants registered in the workshop. No duplication of materials or sharing to third parties are encouraged without the written consent by Books by LR or its authorised representatives.

Let’s Connect @booksbylr

4 Journaling Prompts for Writers to Start 2023

The end of the year is fast approaching, which means it’s time to reflect on your writing goals for 2022, celebrate your accomplishments and start planning for the year ahead. Here are four journal prompts that writers should answer before the start of the new year:

👉🏾What has 2022 meant for my writing and what have I learnt?

👉🏾What are my writing goals for 2023?

👉🏾How can I (realistically) achieve these goals? (Make a plan)

👉🏾What can I do now to set myself up to accomplish these goals?

While you are reflecting, be sure to check out The Books By LR Intensive Writing Workshop to learn about how you could take your book from idea to published in the first 3 month of 2023 alongside our team of qualified and recognized facilitators and other aspiring writers with the same goal.

Happy writing!

If you need assistance with marketing, editing or self-publishing your book click here to learn more about our services or email us directly at booksbylatoyaaroberts@gmail.com.

Introducing the Books by LR Intensive Writing Workshop

The Books by LR Intensive Writing Workshop is a small group writing program designed to get your book idea onto paper and out into the world within 3 months. You will have access to all the tools, support, feedback and expertise needed to turn your ideas into words that will then be packaged and published at the end of the program. Come write that book you’ve had in your head alongside our team of qualified and recognized facilitators and other aspiring writers with the same goal.

ENROLL NOW

It’s time to finally write that book you’ve been planning for ages.

Raise your hand if:

  • You’ve got a story to tell or knowledge to share but writing that book has been a daunting and lonely process
  • You have a book idea but you’ve been struggling to conceptualize those ideas and find your writing style
  • You have a working draft but you have no idea how to go about preparing & packaging it for publishing
  • You’ve had an idea for a book for a while and you’re ready to get serious about putting it out into the world
  • You’re looking to write, edit, format, market and publish a book on a budget

Writing a book, especially your first one, can sometimes be a daunting and lonely process. The Books By LR Intensive Writing Workshop will bring together a small group of writers all with one goal: to finally publish the book you’ve been planning for ages.

At Books by LR, our core value is to foster a space where authors can find support, advice and all the tools necessary to take their literature from idea to draft and then publishing. We believe every person has a story worth telling, and that you can carve yourself into history with the right tools and guidance.

All the tools & support you need to turn your ideas into words

ENROLL NOW

THE MODULES

1. Conceptualizing Ideas

In this module, we’ll focus on different tools to bring out your ideas from your mind such as mind mapping, brainstorming, Talk it out, Free Write, Storyboarding, Five whys, etc in an effort to encourage the writer to generate as many ideas or stories that may be interesting to the narrative of his/her book.

2. Types of Writing Styles

This module is developed to introduce writers to different genres of writing, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition, it gives the opportunity to analyse some authors as inspiration for their work or to see how different writing styles may be similar or different to their focused work.

3. Structuring your Book

This module introduces participants to ideas on how their manuscript can be structured based on the type of book and the target reader and audiences by going to templates and practical ideas on how to ensure the book is properly structured.

4. Structuring your Book

UMPH – Box paragraphing Method- A guest writer and educator, Deanne Whiskey-John will join us to share her writing method – a whole-brain approach to writing stories. The writer uses block-paragraphing a logical, left-brain strategy to facilitate creative writing a right-brain activity.

5. Writing Enhancement

A guest author and writing coach of Ideas to Ink, Jenelle Jack, will speak about the writing process through her lens and her tips and advice to budding writers to move along their work to completion.

6. Putting Image to your Words

This module focuses on visualization and graphic elements that can be included in your book. Tips and techniques relating to illustrations, graphics and visualization elements will be explored.

7. Getting Ready to Publish

(Adding finishing touches, Formatting, Cover, ISBN) This module will focus on all the essentials needed to ensure your book is completed and ready to be published by focusing on all the auxiliary services and items needed to complement a finished manuscript.

8. Marketing

This module focuses on introducing your book to the world by discussing book launch ideas, getting shelved at a bookstore or sales outlet (physical or online), marketing opportunities and activities that every writer should engage in to ensure they are getting the most engagement out of their book.

All the feedback & expertise you’ll need to package & publish your work

ENROLL NOW

You will have access to:

Editors to edit, format & provide invaluable feedback on your work,

Graphic designer for book cover design,

2 individual consulting sessions,

Publishing to Amazon once the book is completed in 3 months,

Guidance on securing ISBN number, book registration etc., and

Insider information on how to Marketing & selling your book in the Caribbean & Globally.

Your Roadmap to Self-Publishing

Disclaimer

Careful consideration should be given to the timeline above. Authors are responsible for all printing and publishing costs of books created during the Books by LR Intensive Writing Workshop. Self-publishing through Amazon will depend on the timely completion of the book, securing of ISBN number, complete course payment & writer’s readiness to publish. One additional month has been added to the workshop timeline to allow for persons to complete final preparations and publish their book under the guidance of our team. Books by LR reserves the right to terminate projects after the 3-month period, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

PRICING

ENROLL NOW
ENROLL NOW

BONUSES

Free advance copy of ‘The Self-Publishing Road Map’

You’ll get a free copy of our intense writing workshop guide, ‘The Self-Publishing Road Map’ by Latoyaa Roberts. This interactive guide will be your companion and book of reference throughout the cost and can be used as a standalone guide for your future writing projects.

Bonus Lecture by Guest Facilitator, Deanne Whiskey-John

The author of UMPH is an expert educator, educational administrator, business consultant, entrepreneur and author with a proven 31-year track record. Certified to teach preschoolers, primary and secondary students. She taught creative and essay writing to both primary and secondary students for more than twenty years with a 100% pass rate. Served as an Administrator in Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Founder, Director & Training Consultant at the I-sparK Leadership Centre.

Bonus Lecture by Guest Facilitator, Jenelle Jack

Jenelle Jack helps professionals, subject-matter experts, and entrepreneurs write and self-publish a book to spread their message, make an impact, and build their brand. She is a published author and book coach who works with women who want to create impact, influence, and income with a book. To put it simply, she’s here to teach our participants how to streamline their writing process to help achieve your goal of becoming a published author.

PICTURE THIS:

  • Writing your book is no longer a daunting and lonely process because you’re writing alongside our team of qualified and recognized facilitators and other aspiring writers with the same goal
  • You’ve finally gotten that book idea that you’ve been struggling to conceptualize down on paper; you’ve explored and found your preferred writing style(s)
  • You have taken your book draft and made adjustments, and it’s been edited, formatted, packaged and self-published with the guidance of our team
  • You’ve got all the insider information on how to market & sell your book in the Caribbean & Globally both from our team and guest facilitators
ENROLL NOW

It’s time to finally write that book you’ve been planning for ages.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Your Main Facilitator

Meet Latoyaa Roberts B.A, M.Sc

Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas is the owner & lead consultant at Books by LR. She is a social entrepreneur, communications and development consultant and an avid traveller. She is a Member of the Artist Registry of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Caribbean Creative Network and possesses a B.A in Communications Studies with Linguistics and International Relations (First Class Honours) and a M.Sc in Global Studies (Distinctions) from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. After becoming a self-published author, Latoyaa has since assisted many other Caribbean authors with the preparing, packaging & publishing of their work through Books by LR. Learn more about Latoyaa here

Let’s help you create your story for the world to see.

Your journey to self-publishing begins January 16th, 2023

ENROLL NOW

Copyrights and Non-Disclosure Clause

All participants will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Books by LR before the commencement of the workshop to ensure that all confidential information shared between both parties, as a necessary part of doing business together in this 10-week intensive writing workshop, will be guarded with the utmost responsibility to avoid litigation.

All materials generated during the workshop will remain the copyright of the authors for their individual works generated during this programme.

All materials provided by Books by LR or its affiliates will remain the property and copyright of said parties. The materials should only be used by the participants registered in the workshop. No duplication of materials or sharing to third parties are encouraged without the written consent by Books by LR or its authorised representatives.

Let’s Connect @booksbylr

Definitely, You Can Judge a Book by its Cover

Many persons interested in self-publishing spend a lot of time working on their manuscript. While that is all good, I must admit that significant time must also be spent on doing the book cover. There is an old adage that says, “Never judge a book by its cover.” However, in an authors’ world, you may want to relook that statement a bit.

Why a good book cover matters

Ideally, the cover is the first thing you see before exploring a book. So why not add good value to the book by ensuring that the cover presents all the crucial information that you need to ensure someone is converted to one, pick up the book and look at it. Then, two possibly browse inside. Lastly, persuaded to purchase it.

Should I design the cover myself?

As a self-published author, you may be working with a limited budget. As a result, DIY on your own cover is a good option. There are many free online design tools to help you with the process such as CANVA or Amazon Kindle Create. Just ensure you have the right book sizing taking into account the Trim size, Bleed and margins and you are good to go.

How to work with a designer

If you are eager to work with a graphic designer that’s also awesome. You should give the person clear directions for the vision of your book. If you have a sample image, sample book designs, key works or themes that can help them create a suitable graph then share those. Bear in mind that graphic artists are not intimate with your book like you are. So, provide clear information to help the process go smoother.

Placing content on your book cover

Your book cover should carry critical information legibly for your book to be properly published and accepted for sale internationally, even in libraries and bookstores. Key things to ensure your book cover carries are: Book Title, Name of Author/Publisher and ISBN Number in barcode format. Optional items include subtitles, selling price of the book included in the barcode, author profile/ biography, website, contact info for author/publisher and logos. Please ensure you display all information visibly on the book.

If you need book cover design services do not hesitate to contact Books by LR. We are here to help you through the process.

The Self-Publishing Road Map

The self-publishing journey is an interesting and fulfilling one. We, at Books by LR have made it our mission to help other Caribbean authors take their books from the first draft to published at an affordable price.

Our services are tailored to suit your specific needs and take you through all the steps necessary to publish your book. These can include:

  1. Assisting with writing your book;
  2. Editing your book;
  3. Designing your book cover;
  4. Assisting with securing your ISBN;
  5. Formatting your book; and
  6. Publishing your book on Amazon and other desired platforms.

Visit booksbylr.com/our-clients to see the exceptional Caribbean authors we’ve had the pleasure of working with thus far and how we can help you get your story out into the world.

If you need assistance with marketing, editing or self-publishing your book click here to learn more about our services or email us directly at booksbylatoyaaroberts@gmail.com.

Five Common Mistakes Persons make while (Self) Publishing a Book

Over the last year, I have worked with a variety of persons who are going through the self-publishing process. So here is my take on mistakes that persons frequently make on their journey to becoming a self-publishing author (especially if based in the Caribbean).

  1. Taking too long to secure an ISBN number. Unfortunately, if you would like to publish locally in the Caribbean securing your ISBN number does not take a click of the mouse as if you are based in the US and purchasing it from BOWKER online. Instead, you must go through your national library or authorizing body in your country and this process will take 4-8 weeks from submission of the request, payment for the services and returning a confirmed ISBN to you. So, ensure you apply early.
  2. Thinking that your Caribbean dialect or language is not good enough. I have had clients who stated that I need to make the language in their writing sound proper and not too much like a Caribbean author. My recommendation to writers is usually based on them really trying to define the audience and helping them realize that there is richness ad authenticity in the work when they keep some true Caribbean flavour in their writings.
  3. Not thinking that your book is ready to be published. Chances are you will never be ready to submit. Persons must acknowledge when they have reached a stage in their writing which is good enough to share with the market. It may never be perfect but with a great editor, we can ensure it becomes a piece of work that others will appreciate.
  4. Investing money and time to market your book. Unfortunately, self-publishing is becoming a growing field and in order for persons to see and view your work, money and resources must be put aside for marketing. Many times, persons are so concerned with just completing the book, however, they do not have a plan on how to get the book out there.  What people don’t know about they won’t buy.
  5. Thinking that the self-publishing process is cheap. Well, it is obviously cheap-er than going to a traditional publishing process. However, proper planning and budgeting must be still catered for; especially now that you will doing the work yourself it will take time, effort and resources to ensure that you book comes out just as competitive as the traditional book publishing route.

If you need assistance with marketing, editing or self-publishing your book click here to learn more about our services or email us directly at booksbylatoyaaroberts@gmail.com.

How to Have the Best Book Cover Design

Your book cover design is the first thing a potential reader sees when they spot your book in a bookstore or even online. Over the past month on the Books by LR Instagram  and Facebook I shared my five best tips on how to have a good book cover which I learnt while in the process of self-publishing my first book “Collection of Poems by Latoyaa Roberts“. Let’s dive into these tips a bit more:

BUY NOW

The first thing to consider for your book cover design is who will create it. Will you be hiring a professional or doing it yourself? I recommend that you find the best image/graphic, hire a professional if you have to. For my my first book “Collection of Poems by Latoyaa Roberts“ I opted to hire a professional to get the job done efficiently but if you’re on a tight budget Canva is a great place to start.

Next, consider the overall mood and attitude that you want your cover to portray to your audience and use the right colours to make your book pop.

You also want to be smart about your book title, make it attention-grabbing, memorable and searchable.

When you pair the perfect book title with the right font, colours and an attention grabbing cover image/illustration, you’re on the right track to a successful marketing campaign.

Remember, people do judge a book by its cover so ensure that it tells a story about what’s inside. If everything else fails, you can still do a simple and clean cover that appeals to many readers.

If you need assistance with marketing, editing or self-publishing your book click here to learn more about our services or email us directly at booksbylatoyaaroberts@gmail.com.

15 Book Recommendations To Read During Lockdown

This month on the Books by LR Instagram  and Facebook we explored book genres that may spark your interest in writing or reading. Here some book recommendations from these genres written by both local and international authors that I think you’ll enjoy during this lockdown period:

Memoirs

Becoming by Michelle Obama

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically … Read more

From Mason Hall to Whitehall by Dr. Keith Rowley

From Mason Hall to Whitehall: His name is Keith Rowley is the autobiography of Dr. Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago. Rowley gives several anecdotes from his life’s experiences, with a healthy appreciation and fondness for Mason Hall, Tobago from which he came. Divided into five parts, these memoirs recount the details of Dr Rowley’s life and career from his humble beginnings in Tobago to the launch of his political career and … Read more

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is one of the great moral and political leaders of our time: an international hero whose lifelong dedication to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa won him the Nobel Peace Prize and the presidency of his country. Since his triumphant release in 1990 from more than a quarter-century of imprisonment, Mandela has been at the center of the most compelling and inspiring political drama in the world. As president of the African National Congress and head of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, he was … Read More

Short Stories

Joebell and America by Earl Lovelace

The self confident gambler Joebell, in an attempt to escape the drudgery of life in Trinidad, schemes to find his way to the promise and fantasy of America. Each step of his journey uncovers him to himself and his island he had never really seen.

A poignant tale of love, ambition and self-discovery. Read more

Poetry

Selected Poems by Derek Walcott

Drawing from every stage of his career, Derek Walcott’s Selected Poems brings together famous pieces from his early volumes, including “A Far Cry from Africa” and “A City’s Death by Fire,” with passages from the celebrated Omeros and selections from his latest major works, which extend his contributions… Read more

Collection of Poems by Latoyaa Roberts

Collection of Poems by Latoyaa Roberts is not merely a book of poetry, but it tells an anthology of the author’s life through five distinct themes: women in society, civil society movements, inspiration and motivation, exploring the world and roots and identity. The five themes that cover forty-five poems is complemented by Caribbean art, through illustrations of Tomley Roberts that preface each section. This makes the book a wonderful piece for a coffee table or to be placed on bookshelf. Take a journey with… Read more

Cookbooks

The Multi-Cultural Cuisine of Trinidad & Tobago & the Caribbean by Naparima Girl’s High School

A collection of receipt reflecting the taste and culture of the diverse ethnic groups of Trinidad and Tobago. Many of the recipes have been handed down from generation to generation and have altered little with time. Recipes included are Creole, East Indian, Chinese, Spanish, English, Syrian Lebanese (middle eastern) as well as those of other Caribbean islands. With more than 500 recipes and 32 colored photographs, this book is a comprehensive guide to Trinidad and Tobago cuisine… Read more

Classics

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Orphaned as a child, Jane has felt an outcast her whole young life. Her courage is tested once again when she arrives at Thornfield Hall, where she has been hired by the brooding, proud Edward Rochester to care for his ward Adèle. Jane finds herself drawn to his troubled yet kind spirit. She falls in love. Hard. But there is a terrifying secret inside the gloomy, forbidding Thornfield Hall. Is Rochester hiding  … Read more

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is a novel by Herman Melville, in which Ishmael narrates the monomaniacal quest of Ahab, captain of the whaler Pequod, for revenge on the albino sperm whale Moby Dick, which on a previous voyage destroyed Ahab’s ship and severed his leg at the knee. Although the novel was a commercial failure and out of print at the time of the author’s death in 1891, its reputation grew immensely during the twentieth century. D. H. Lawrence called it “one of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world,” and “the greatest book of the sea ever written.” Moby-Dick is … Read More

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is a novel of manners by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The story follows the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of the British Regency. Elizabeth is the second of five daughters of a country gentleman living near the fictional town of Meryton in Hertfordshire, near London. Page 2 of a letter from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra (11 June 1799) in which she first mentions Pride and Prejudice, using its working title First Impressions. Set in England in the early 19th century, Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Mr and Mrs Bennet’s five unmarried daughters after the rich and eligible Mr Bingley and his status-conscious friend, Mr Darcy, have moved into their neighbourhood. While Bingley takes an immediate liking … Read more

Action and Adventure

Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling

Orphan Harry learns he is a wizard on his 11th birthday when Hagrid escorts him to magic-teaching Hogwarts School. As a baby, his mother’s love protected him and vanquished the villain Voldemort, leaving the child famous as “The Boy who Lived.” With his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry has to defeat the returned “He Who Must Not Be Named.” … Read more

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

The thrilling trilogy expertly described by Suzanne Collins. You enter a future world where every year two tributes from each district are thrown into an arena expected to fight to the death or get knocked out by other means. Only one can survive… Read More

Science Fiction

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

Divergent: One choice can transform you. Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling debut is a gripping dystopian tale of electrifying choices, powerful consequences, unexpected romance, and a deeply flawed “perfect society.” Insurgent: One choice can destroy you. Veronica Roth’s second #1 New York Times bestseller continues the dystopian thrill ride. As war surges in the factions all around her, Tris attempts to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Allegiant: The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent… Read more

Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell by chance into the hands of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. From Sauron’s fastness in the Dark Tower of Mordor, his power spread far and wide. Sauron gathered all the Great Rings to him, but always he searched for the One Ring that would complete his dominion. When Bilbo reached his eleventy-first birthday he disappeared… Read more

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But when he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known … Read More

Whatever you choose to read, I hope it is able to take your mind off our current situations even for a little while. Perhaps one of them will inspire you to get started on writing your next book.

If you need assistance with marketing, editing or self-publishing your book click here to learn more about our services or email us directly at booksbylatoyaaroberts@gmail.com.

5 Things You Should Know Before Publishing Your Book

Before you publish your book there are a few things to consider and some publishing jargon that you should be aware of. This month on the Books by LR Instagram  and Facebook I shared some little nuggets about publishing your book that I learnt while in the process of self-publishing my first book “Collection of Poems by Latoyaa Roberts“ and I’m compiling them into one blogpost. Here are five things you should know before publishing your book:

  1. Get a new ISBN number for each version of your book e.g paper back, hardcover, ebook, updated editions.

2. Ensure that people respect the copyright of your book. You can do so by ensuring the author, year and the copyright can be found on your book usually at the copyright page.

3. Self-publishing online through platforms like Amazon makes it easy and reduces a lot of cost than traditional publishers.

4. Royalties is the price that a publisher pays an author for copies of a book sold. It is usually calculated as a percentage of the book sold.

5. If you work with A publishing company, there must be a signed contract and ensure you understand the fine lines of that contract.

If you’re still wondering where to get started with marketing, editing or self-publishing your book click here to learn more about our services or email us directly at booksbylatoyaaroberts@gmail.com.