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RAWSISTAZ - Combining Literature and Sisterhood
Tee C. Royal



Last Updated: 12/15/2007

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City: Suburbs of Atlanta
State: Georgia
Country: US

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March 20, 2008 - Thursday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

Okay...a quick update for those who have been looking for me on MySpace. LOL.  My deepest apologies, but I don’t stop through here as often as I would like, so please email me directly if it’s urgent.  Otherwise, I’ll try to stop through at least monthly, share tidbits of information, any articles I’ve written recently, or major updates, both personal and professional.

During my last update, I was thanking everyone for birthday wishes, well, that was 5 months ago...and now I have even more news.  We are expecting our second child (a boy) in late June, my daughter just turned 6, and I’ve got a bunch of new books on my list to read.  So as you can imagine, things are hectic.  Did I also mention I’ve been transitioning into my own agency, Royal Literary Management?  Hopefully I’ll be accepting new queries around the end of April, but I have a wonderful list of clients and I can’t wait to share their work(s) with avid readers.

That’s about it, but in all of the happenings, I’m still getting my read on.  (Not that that will ever change).  I’ve also done a few interviews and will share those over the next few weeks, as time allows.  So, do stop back through and stay in touch.

Until next time, keep on reading and writing…

-Tee C. Royal
http://www.royal-literary.com
http://www.rawsistaz.com
http://www.blackbookreviews.net

March 12, 2008 - Wednesday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

5 Tips for Dealing with Rejection by Tee C. Royal

*Originally posted on my column for Blogging In Black at http://blogginginblack.com/?p=761*

Tee C. Royal

It’s a fact. Most people do not like to be rejected and this does not change for those in the literary arena.

This month, I’m going to take a step back from RAWSISTAZ/being a book club founder & moderator and throw on my other hats. While it’s not something I actively promote, I have been a freelance editor and reader for around 7 years. I started both shortly after starting RAWSISTAZ, working directly for authors and also for a few publishing companies, but it’s never been the main focus of what I do, simply because RAWSISTAZ had the Number 1 slot. But during this time, I’ve seen hundreds of manuscripts, quite a few of which needed work and unfortunately I couldn’t recommend for publication.

Now, I’m an agent and focusing more on getting my agency running and taking what I’ve already done in the industry a step further and actually helping authors get their work published. Granted, there were a few deals I helped authors achieve prior to becoming an agent, but now I’m doing it "for real" and enjoying the experience. Unfortunately, one of the hardest parts is rejection. For the author and for me. It’s hard rejecting potential clients, especially if I’ve enjoyed some of their previous work. It’s also hard having a client receive a rejection letter from a publisher. With the very first rejection I received, I was at a loss for words, couldn’t figure out why or what the editor must’ve been missing to pass on such a wonderful book. LOL. (I’m now sure this is what all authors think when they get rejections.) The author took it better than I did, and I eventually put my feelings to the side and moved on. But it’s hard. Man is it hard. I also remember the first rejection I gave as an agent. I was overly concerned about hurting the writer’s feelings, so I took several weeks before I actually sent the email. Again, it is hard!

I said all that to say that I can now somewhat imagine being the author and dealing with rejection, but I do have 5 quick tips on the subject. Hopefully they will help those who may need that extra push to keep going.

1) BE PREPARED - Please don’t submit your work before it is completed. This not only means have the book finished, but ensure it’s been edited. I don’t know how many times I’ve received a query, requested more than the standard 3 chapters, but then I don’t hear from the author for several months. Why? Because they’re finishing the book.

2) ACCEPT CRITICISM - Again, no one likes being rejected, but you’ll find some agents/editors offer feedback on why the book didn’t work for them, suggestions on what needs improving, and things of this nature. Don’t be so quick to throw out these tidbits of information along with the rejection. Good can come from being rejected. Also keep in mind that it can be a good story, well-written, and all that, but it’s not right for that agent/editor, for that cycle, or various other reasons. It’s simply one person’s yes or no. Move on to the next person.

3) BE REALISTIC - There are thousands of authors out there, so you’re not the only one submitting your work to a particular agent or agency. Don’t assume that we’re sitting around fiddling our thumbs. We aren’t. Also, our existing clients are our primary focus, so while we would love to respond in 3-4 weeks or sooner, it simply doesn’t work out that way sometimes. Be patient and realistic while waiting for a follow-up. Inquiring every 2.3 weeks isn’t helping your case any. It actually hurts it. And, once you get the follow-up, don’t be arrogant, rude, obnoxious or all-knowing about it. It’s a turn off and could possibly turn what would’ve been an "I’m interested" into an "I’ll pass." I loved an author’s work recently and could see the book doing well, but his reply to my request for the remaining chapters and a contact number totally changed my desire to work with him. Granted, it took quite a while to get to his submission and reply, but starting off his response with "It’s good to hear from you after 5 months," wasn’t really too bright. Then, he didn’t send what I requested, but another "taste" of the book. What? LOL. Sorry, he had to go. Not following directions is one of my pet peeves.

4) KEEP ON MOVING - Don’t find yourself in the waiting mode; continue to write, query others, write more, and study the craft. Oftentimes, we find ourselves stuck in the "I’ma wait until" frame of mind, expecting someone to do something or for something to happen. While it’s good to be hopeful, it’s not good to be so expectant. Basically what I’m saying is don’t put anything on hold waiting on the "yes" because in some cases, you will be disappointed. Instead, live in the present, and again, continue to write, query, study and do research. Be confident in knowing that it’ll happen when and as it should.

5) CHANGE YOUR VIEWPOINT - Change your viewpoint about the rejection. Don’t take it personal, as an outright slight against you. The work was rejected, not you per se. Look at the rejection as one step further in recognizing your dream of being a published author (or of getting that agent, deal, etc.). Everyone started off with that first book. Many authors who were rejected numerous times over are now best-selling authors. So, continue to work hard, keep the faith, utlize the aforementioned tips and continue to perfect your manuscript. Then, submit again and again and again. It’ll happen.

Continued blessings to each and every one of you on the path to publication. May your rejections inspire you to work harder and one day secure your spot as a best-selling author.

Until next time, keep on reading and writing…

-Tee C. Royal
http://www.royal-literary.com
http://www.rawsistaz.com
http://www.blackbookreviews.net

March 1, 2008 - Saturday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

RAWSISTAZ Book-A-Day Giveaway

Some of you are not on our mailing list, soooooooo I wanted to be sure you knew the

B-A-D Contest is LIVE!  Please feel free to forward!

RAWSISTAZ (and our sponsors) are giving away books EVERY SINGLE DAY in March, in a continued celebration of Black History as a tribute to the authors and publishers who support our reading addictions.  Days coincide with the day of the month and you must submit your entry by midnight that day and only that day, unless otherwise instructed.  (You can not submit more than one entry per day, but you can stop back through daily).

http://www.rawsistaz.com/BAD-Giveaway.htm

February 12, 2008 - Tuesday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

Working Together in the Literary Community by Tee C. Royal

Why is it that we can’t work together for one common good? I’ve asked myself this numerous times in the 7+ years I’ve been involved in the literary community. It really bothers me that folks are so cut-throat, so set on getting that "it" they think someone else has. Over the last several months I’ve seen instances of this first hand. People who want to work with you, who want to do what you do, who want to use your connections to further their own agenda, and people who are downright scandalous in their whole presentation of things. And, I’m sorry, perhaps it’s just me, but I’m tired of it.

What do you bring to the table? What can you do that’s unique to you? What can you add to what’s already there to make the whole better? Take away the prospect of how much money you think you can make and focus on "what do I enjoy doing?" And above all, realize that my passion isn’t yours and vice versa. We can strengthen this community, we can work together, but it won’t really be effective until we leave egos and thoughts of "me, me, me" at the door.

That’s it…

-Tee C. Royal

*Originally posted on my column at Blogging in Black at http://blogginginblack.com/?p=725*

 

 

January 12, 2008 - Saturday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses by Tee C. Royal

Greetings, everyone! 

It’s the new year and time for resolutions, new beginnings, and the desire to get "it" done; whatever "it" may be.  I spent a lot of time last year going in circles it seemed.  I’d do X amount of work, but then I had X-squared more to get through.  No matter how much I worked (sometimes 18-20 hr days), I still couldn’t catch up.  I’m a project manager by profession, so I like to plan and schedule things.  A lot of the work was self-imposed, but it seemed to never end and what I found was that a lot of the "work" on my plate was because someone else failed to do what they were supposed to do. 

Yes, we’re all human, we all have lives outside of what we show online, and sometimes life takes its toll on us.  This, I understand completely and I do my best to help those in need, but when does the time come when you say ENOUGH?  Just do what you agreed to do.  I am sick and tired of excuses.  And OMG, they get so elaborate, I can’t help but wonder how long it takes folks to think this stuff up.  (Probably time they could’ve spent taking care of the task at hand.)

After joining the military and hopping a flight to begin basic training, I learned quickly about excuses.  Even valid ones…lol.  Hey, I couldn’t help it if I couldn’t get up, get prepped and dressed, and be in formation bright-eyed and bushy-tailed…all in 5 minutes.  We were told over and over "Excuses are the tools of the incompetent.  Those who specialize in them are seldom good at anything else."  And, here it is over a decade later and that phrase is still with me.  (And yeah, I even learned to do all that stuff and be in formation in 4 minutes flat.)

I shared this little story in hopes that it will help those who live in a constant state of excuses.  Stop waiting until the last minute to do something and then make up an excuse as to why it’s not done.  Stop lying about the "this, that and the other" which caused you not to finish what you said you were gonna do.  Take responsibility and sheesh…just do it.  Don’t hold someone else back or cause him or her to be late on something because you are not holding up your end of the bargain.  If you can’t do it…say no.  If you’re late, your dog died, your internet is down, your email box was full, you left the project on the train, you blah-blah-blah blah…just tell the person in enough time for them to take care of it.  Be responsible.  Please, please, please stop the excuses.

We’re all guilty of it, just as we’re sometimes guilty of over-extending ourselves. Just say no.  Mmmkay?  You can’t do everything, nor should you try, because when you do…something falls between the cracks.  I finally learned to do what I could, stop, and start over again the next day.  A special thanks to baby-to-be (who has taken the star role in a lot of my excuses lately) for slowing me down some.    But, this helped in my own excuse department and I strive to make 2008 even better.  Feel free to join me. 

Let’s stop the excuses and work to be more efficient, for ourselves and those we work with.  BTW…for those waiting on feedback from me, a reply to a month old email message, or that XYZ I was supposed to be doing…my apologies for the delay,  but I am working it in as time allows.  I haven’t forgotten about you. 

Much love!

-Tee

**Orignally posted for my column on Blogging in Black at: http://blogginginblack.com/?p=685

September 28, 2007 - Friday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

Reposting...

From: RAWSISTAZ Literary Group
Date: Sep 20, 2007 9:05 PM

Please reply directly to the address noted below, not in MySpace.

RAWSISTAZ (and BlackBookReviews.net) is in search of avid readers/writers interested in being reviewers for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (TRR). Unfortunately, the time has come when I must take a step back from reviewing for our team and while I don't produce as many reviews monthly as some of my reviewing sistaz, I do handle quite a number of them. Because of this, I'm putting out a call for reviewers, to help pick up the slack. We are looking for both volunteer guest reviewers and team members for TRR. (And, we have not limited it to readers only this time around; authors are welcome.) This is not a paid position, but books are supplied and your byline is on all reviews.

One of the major requirements is that you read at least 4-6 (or more) books monthly. This isn't the number you'll have to review (though it would be wonderful), but we like to know that your review books will not conflict with your personal reading or book club obligations. Also, you should be able to read/review a book in a two week window. And lastly, you must answer email promptly. Our team produces quite a bit of email.

If you're interested, please send the following information to
TRR-Admin@rawsistaz.com and we will get back with you within 3 to 5 days.

Info Needed:
Name:
Address (no p.o. boxes):
Contact Number:
Email:
of books read last month:
List of the last 5-8 books read:
Preferred Genres:
Genres you do NOT want to review:
Short bio:

You will then be asked to write a sample review (not one previously used) and we'll go from there. As mentioned earlier, our book review site is at www.blackbookreviews.net where you can see our repository of 4000+ reviews.

Thanks in advance for your interest. We are hoping to add 4-5 new reviewers to our team, which has been reviewing almost 7 years, providing a much-needed service to the African-American literary community.


Until next time, keep on reading and writing...

-Tee C. Royal
www.rawsistaz.com
www.blackbookreviews.net  
www.myspace.com/rawsistaz  

"Keeping You IN THE KNOW Regarding the African-American Literary Community."

September 27, 2007 - Thursday 

Since some of you are not on the RAWSISTAZ Friends' List, I'm posting this blog here too.  :)

Hey hey heyyyyyyyyyy!  I've been in a reading slump this month; basically too busy to really focus  on much of anything, but boy am I excited!!!  The following books were just released (or upcoming) and I am standing by the door waiting on the UPS man to drop them off!!  Please share with us what books YOU are anticipating.
 
My List
 
Hell Has No Fury by Keith Lee Johnson -- I'm sorry, but those who have NOT read the Phoenix Perry books are MISSING out.  I have been waiting on this follow-up book since I met Keith about 5-6 years ago after I read Pretenses and Sugar & Spice.   And, you may have read his other books, but they have NOTHING on the PP series.  Soooooooo, all I gots to say is when that book comes, nothing else matters.  (No pressure though Keith...lol).
 
I love the Alex Cross books by James Patterson, but Keith's suspense series rival them IMO (just to give you a point of reference).  Soooooooooooooo...I'm looking forward to this one.  It should be here by the weekend and then it's ON!  I went to two stores the other day hunting it down and couldn't find it.  Hmph!
 
A Family Sin by Travis Hunter - Okay, don't hate, but I read this one already and I really love Travis Hunter's voice and his main characters.  He writes with such realness and sincerity, I always feel "full" when closing his books.  I'd highly recommend this one (and any TH book). 
 
Blow Your Mind by Eric Pete -  Yeah, yeah :::looking at Eric::::  I've been trying to get to this one for a month or so, but I WILL get it read within the next week.  I recently read Eric's previous book and I really enjoyed it.  I'm looking forward to this one and you will definitely hear from me when I finish. 
 
Hmmm, there was another one, but I forgot.  That's all for now.
September 26, 2007 - Wednesday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

CLICK HERE for full press release/PDF.

Tee C. Royal pens Foreword to Here's Our Child, Where's the Village?

We didn't have the opportunity to share this when it was announced because we were in planning stages for The RAW Affair, but wanted to be sure to spread the word.  Be sure to check out the first book in the series too, by going to the website - www.gumboforthesoul.com.

Coming November 2007

Gumbo For The Soul: Here's Our Child, Where's The Village? compiled by Beverly Black Johnson

Foreword by Tee C. Royal

Bookcover, Grandmother Spirit,© by Synthia SAINT JAMES

Here's Our Child, Where's The Village? conveys that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish as a happy, thriving and free spirit regardless of race and displacement factors governing their lives. Who will care for our children if we don't?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The African proverb: "It takes a village to raise a child" still reigns true today even in this ever changing society where people are less likely to get in anyone's business concerning another's child.

Who among us remembers back in the day when a parent-any parent, caught you doing wrong and chastised you before you got home and when you got home somebody got that butt again?!!

Who's been blessed to have their lives reinforced with the loving care of family be it extended or foster?

The publication of this anthology is showing our children that we still care in the present day and are stepping up to the plate to make it known worldwide. Its time to spark change-this plight has gone on too long. Childwelfare.com reports that in 1999 2,474 African American children were in the system awaiting adoption with barely half placed in homes. Great numbers of our children are being displaced each year due to various factors including broken and fatherless homes, lack of proper guidance, drug and child abuse, homelessness and parental incarceration.


From the Press release:
SAN JOSE, CA -- Gumbo for the Soul Publications today announced that Tee C. Royal, literary agent and founder of R.A.W. SISTAZ (Reading and Writing SISTAZ) Literary Group will pen the foreword for the second offering in the "Gumbo for the Soul" anthology series Here's Our Child, Where's the Village? RAWSISTAZ, which promotes and supports the work of African-American authors, has received numerous awards and recognitions, amongst them is Writers Digest's "2006 Top Sites for Writers" award.

CLICK HERE for full press release/PDF

September 16, 2007 - Sunday 

Category: Writing and Poetry
Happy 7 Year Anniversary to RAWSISTAZ!!

In case you missed it...see below and come out TONIGHT at 8:30 PM EST to join in the anniversary jamz chat. Authors, if you're attending, email me at teeATrawsistaz.com (AT=@) with ANNIVERSARY JAMZ in the subject line and include your name, book title and website address. Also include a short (150-200 words) bio and photo in third person and I'll get you on the website for October and/or November. Please embed everything in the email message, except the photo.

Chat location - www.rawsistaz.com/chat.html

-Tee


----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From:
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group
Date: Sep 16, 2007 11:04 AM


Happy Anniversary to RAWSISTAZ! Today we celebrate our 7 Year Anniversary!! Please take a moment to share your feedback. I haven't updated the testimonials page, but plan to do so later this month.

SHARE FEEDBACK/VIEW FEEDBACK PAGE.
Or simply visit OUR GUESTBOOK

I also want to thank each of you for your support of RAWSISTAZ and for sharing in our vision. We plan to continue in our efforts connecting readers and writers, supporting authors, and keeping you IN THE KNOW regarding the African-American literary community through our sites, newsletters, and free services.

(And don't forget to join us for our online chat tonight.)

-Tee C. Royal
Founder, RAWSISTAZ Literary Group
http://www.rawsistaz.com
August 14, 2007 - Tuesday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

Hey all, come on out tonight as we chat with Carol Mackey, Editor-in-Chief of Doubleday Entertainment's Black Expressions Book Club (www.blackexpressions.com)

Where: RAWSISTAZ Online Chat Room
www.rawsistaz.com/chat.html

When: 9PM EST/8PM CST

Why: To find out more about Carol & Black Expressions.

--------------------------
BIO:

CAROL M. MACKEY
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF BLACK EXPRESSIONS BOOK CLUB

Carol M. Mackey is Editor-In-Chief of Doubleday Entertainment's Black Expressions Book
Club, a club founded in 1999 to celebrate the voices and visions of African Americans.
Black Expressions has seen unprecedented growth and success in its short history, making it one of the most successful new clubs in the Bookspan portfolio.

Under Mackey's editorial leadership, Black Expressions was voted Best Book Club by the
African American Literary Awards Show in 2006. The club won the same honor in 2004
during Mackey's tenure. Recently, she has been featured in Heather Covington's Literary
Divas: The Top 100 + Most Admired African American Women in Literature, a compilation
of biographies about African American women who have powerfully impacted America's
literary history.

Mackey's publishing career spans almost two decades – in newspaper and direct mail.
Prior to joining Bookspan, Mackey worked as a Project Manager for Newsday, overseeing
the creation of all promotional materials for the newspaper. After leaving the paper, she
worked as a freelance copywriter for the New York Times, The American Management
Association and Essence Communications among others.

Her career at Doubleday Entertainment began in 1997 when she was hired as a Senior
Copywriter for the Doubleday Book Club. When Black Expressions was created, she came
on as the Club's Senior Copywriter. She was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Direct
Marketer's Association for copywriting the Black Expressions direct mail brochure,
"Where We Celebrate Us." She was then promoted to Editor in 2001, Senior Editor in 2003
and to Editor-In-Chief in early 2006.

Widely recognized as a leading expert on African American literature, Mackey has appeared on the CBS-TV Morning Show in New York to promote African American books. She is frequently interviewed by Publisher's Weekly on the state of African American publishing and in 2005 was named one of the 50 Most Powerful African Americans in Publishing by Black Issues Book Review.

August 13, 2007 - Monday 
Just wanted to share with those of you not on my other lists...
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Tee C. Royal
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 8:00 AM
Subject: Joy is off!!/What I remember...

Well y'all...many of you were here when I was pregnant with Joy and have gone through the baby to toddler to little girl stages with me.  The awe, the frustrations, and yep, the joy!!!  Well, she is off to her first day of school and other than the migraine I have, I'm pretty excited.  It's been a blessing to watch her growing up and kinda scary seeing a mini version of me.  But ya'll, why did she switch off and didn't even wave bye to a sista?  ROFL.  Oh well...so it begins.  (And of course, Mr. Royal is wondering if 13 years is enough time to get the college fund ready.)
 
So now...to try to make this "new-momma-with-her-baby-going-to-school" thread more literary...write about what you remember most about your first day of school (or your children's). 
 
Much love...gotta go attend a "Cheers & Tears" meet and greet and join the PTA. 
 
Until next time, keep on reading and writing...
 
-Tee
August 12, 2007 - Sunday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

Yes, I'm a bit tired of books.  While this isn't the way I had planned to open this month's column, it keeps coming back to me.  I am tired of books.  Not all books, but bad books.  I'm sure many of you can relate as I hear it often in various groups and outlets.  I'm an avid reader and collector and in past years have purchased books just because  I wanted to support our writers and their work.  I plan to continue in this effort, but I've become a bit more selective in what I'm buying.  To continue article, go to:  http://blogginginblack.com/?p=491  and share your thoughts and comments.

-Tee

July 12, 2007 - Thursday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

Greetings everyone and happy Thursday to you. 

From day to day, I do a lot of juggling roles from mother and wife, to literary entrepreneur, but I always manage to find time to get in most of the things important to me; even if that means working in the wee hours of the morning.  Bottom line is I have to get it all done and most of the time, it doesn't really feel like "work" since I do enjoy what I do. 

Through RAWSISTAZ, I've met and interacted with many authors who are parents, and they too manage to get it all in... 

CLICK HERE to read the remainder of this blog, which is my latest column on the Blogging in Black Website.

-Tee (The Royal One)

April 8, 2007 - Sunday 

Category: Writing and Poetry

Hey all, many of you are only on my friend's list and not RAWSISTAZ, so please add RAWSISTAZ as friends since that's where I do the majority of our MySpace posting, and subscribe to our Blog for your daily dose of all things literary.  Unfortunately, Tee doesn't really have much time to hang out as Tee on MySpace, so she focuses on RAW-related work.  (Gotta stop the 3rd person talking, huh?) 

Anywho, what's new with RAWSISTAZ?  Well, be sure to stop by the RAWSISTAZ site, to see the latest updates.  We have the Poetry Special going on for April, we have a hot new book in our contest section, our daily black book review newsletter is back, and we have posted over 100 reviews to our book review site over the past week.  Oh, and every Sunday on the RAWSISTAZ Blog, we do our Showcase Sunday, where you can promote yourself...at no charge.  The one from last week was great, so check it out too.

Oh, don't forget The RAWSISTAZ Affair 2007 will be in Atlanta this year, September 7-9th, so we hope all you readers and writers will come out and join us.

Last thing, please email me directly at tee at rawsistaz.com.  Replace the at with the @ sign and remove spaces.  Unfortunately, I DO NOT check MySpace email. 

I'm out...have a wonderful week. 

-Tee (The Royal One)

April 1, 2007 - Sunday 

Category: Writing and Poetry
Hey all, my latest two author websites are now live!!  Please stop by and show your support to these two authors.  (And please sign their guestbooks).
 
Minnie Dix - http://www.minniedix.com (redesign)
 
I normally only do websites by referral, but through April 10th, I am offering an author special, for 5 to 10 authors in need of a website; so email me at webdivatee@aol.com if you're interested.  Include your name, what kind of site you need, # of pages, color scheme desired, and your book cover(s).  My sites range in price, but are the most affordable you'll find on the net.  
 
(I may not be able to reply until after the 4th, but all inquiries will be answered).
 
-Tee