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Joymarie
First Time Poster
Username: Joymarie

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2008

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 02:30 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Hi everyone,

I'm a new author and I've been lurking on this site for over a year. I've learned so much and I want to thank all of you, especially Troy. I self-published my first book, "The Straight-Up Truth About the Down-Low: Women share their stories of betrayal, pain, and survival." and yes...I was a victim. My book is due out on March 1, 2008. We just completed our website and I would like your honest opinions (be nice). Please visit the site at www.straightuptruth.com
Post your comments here so others will benefit from your critique. Thank you so much.

Joy Marie
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A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon

Post Number: 2082
Registered: 05-2004

Rating: 
Votes: 4 (Vote!)

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 05:03 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Hi Joy Marie,

Wow, I was wondering when one of the women of these men would step forth and tell their side, share their feelings. It's a very brave thing to do to put yourself out here like this.
I like the website, although the picture of the two men together like that is kind of jarring at first. It is a story that very much needs to be told.

If your book is trade paperback, then you've priced it a bit high for a new author, IMO. The links on the site are all easy to follow. If I were you, I would add a guestbook for visitors to sign, to increase your contact base.

It's a story that needed to be told,from the woman's side so good luck!
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Joymarie
Newbie Poster
Username: Joymarie

Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2008

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 06:24 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Thank you A_womon,

This book was very painful for me and my co-author to write. When I found out about my husband, I was devastated, and I searched high and low for a book or website with some answers. I used to be a very private person until this happened to me...now I don't care about putting my business out there, if it means helping other black women. Women really have no clue as to how many men are living double lives (just look at the Adam4Adam.com site). A lady contacted us just last week because her sister was just hospitalized with full-blown Aids thanks to her down-low husband. God spared me from HIV, but I'm going to do my part by spreading the word to other women. Men like JL King cannot speak for me and other women. Our book tells everything the down-low man doesn't want you to know.
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique

Post Number: 11343
Registered: 01-2004

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 09:05 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

This is such a traumatic subject. It's like discovering you have cancer or that you're adopted. But it's a fact of life, and one that being in denial about can only make matters worse. As a topic, it does need to be tackled in a book by a woman who has experienced this outrage. Maybe you'll have a shot at appearing on Oprah's. The cover is eye-catching in that it has shock value, and from what I read, the writing is clear and straight forward, so Good luck to you.
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Robynmarie
Veteran Poster
Username: Robynmarie

Post Number: 668
Registered: 04-2006

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 09:16 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Congrats on your writing and marketing efforts. Your book is sure to be a hit.

I would have liked to see less emphasis on the men and perhaps a picture of a heartbroken woman.

Just a thought.
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Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy

Post Number: 1084
Registered: 01-2004

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 11:26 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Hi Joy Marie,

I love it when a lurker surfaces. Welcome to the book and thanks for sharing information about your book.

Honestly this subject matter is just too tragic for me to even want to contemplate. I'm so glad you don't so glad you don't have aids, I don't think I could have even visited your web site.

Cover is a little striking. If I did not read the title I would have though it might be a book of erotic stories for hom sexuals...

I looked at your web site quickly. It has all of the requirements and is laid out in a way that is easy to navigate.

Just a few quick suggestions...

I would remove the background image on the text pages, it makes it more difficult than necesary to read the pages.

I would also remove the scrolling within the page (on the excerpt page), that makes it hard for people to print the page to read off line. if it is really long break it up onto multiple pages and offer an option for downloading a pdf.

I would also make you book available via a well known established entity like Amazon, or the AA owned CushCity. This will make people more comfortable ordering your book online when they deal with a known entity rather than with you directly.

Offer a discount for books clubs or quantity purchases. If they do buy through you. Definitely off an discount for those who preorder.

I would also put something on your site to keep folks coming back. Maybe a blog where people can share stories.


Peace

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