cushcity.com
World's Largest African-American Selection
DVDs, Books, Stage Plays, Software, Toys, Calendars & More

Reach Thousands of African-American Book Readers and/or Consumers at Affordable Rates!!
[PRICES FOR PROGRAMS ARE SHOWN IN GREEN]
To order a program, select the "Add to Cart" option underneath the program description or call 1-800-340-5454

Cushcity.com offers the following marketing/promotion programs for authors.  Once your payment is received, you will receive an immediate e-mail with instructions on your next step:

  • Social Media Power Campaign: new2.jpg (731 bytes) Add more followers and fans to your Facebook pages by utilizing our exciting new Social Media Power Campaign.   We offer the combined sphere of influence of 15,000+ via social media to promote your book(s).  The Social Media Power Campaign includes:  Weekly Facebook and Twitter posts promoting your book on people pages and fan pages for the National Black Book Festival, its co-founder's personal page and Cushcity.com's fan page.  Posts can include announcements about your book, your book tour, promotion of your book trailer, media appearances, etc.  Program is coordinated with author for maximum impact.  [ONLY $199 for one month]

  • Promotion Plus:  new2.jpg (731 bytes) Cushcity will prepare a customized e-blast for you that will go out to 200 African-American book clubs.  Using this same e-blast, you can add on promotions to bookstores, libraries, media and book reviewers for an additional $49.00 to each targeted list.  PLUS, you can send it to 5,000 African-American consumers for an additional $79.00.  The stipulation is that the e-blast cannot be edited or revised and, once the initial e-blast is approved, this same e-blast goes out to each of the groups you select.  For example, if you want to add bookstores and media, the cost will be an additional $98.00.  Base price starts at $99.00.  Call 1-800-340-5454 to set up this program.

  • Book Club Bulletin to 1,100+ Clubs:new2.jpg (731 bytes)  Cushcity will customize an e-mail bulletin to 1,100+ African-American book clubs nationwide, featuring your book and requesting that they consider it for one of their book selections.  Bulletin includes book image, synopsis, author's contact info (phone and e-mail), link to author's web site and/or Facebook page.
    [$250 for one-time distribution OR add $20 for two distributions]

    $270 for two distributions to 1,100+ Clubs

     

  • Book Club Bulletin to 500+ Clubs:new2.jpg (731 bytes)  Cushcity will customize an e-mail bulletin to 500+ African-American book clubs nationwide, featuring your book and requesting that they consider it for one of their book selections.  Bulletin includes book image, synopsis, author's contact info (phone and e-mail), link to author's web site and/or Facebook page.
    [$150 for one-time distribution OR add $20 for two distributions]

    $170 for two distributions to 500+ Clubs
     
  • Book Club Bulletin to 200+ Clubs:new2.jpg (731 bytes)  Cushcity will customize an e-mail bulletin to 200+ African-American book clubs nationwide, featuring your book and requesting that they consider it for one of their book selections.  Bulletin includes book image, synopsis, author's contact info (phone and e-mail), link to author's web site and/or Facebook page.
    [$99 for one-time distribution OR add $20 for a two-time distribution]

    $119 for two distributions to 200+ Clubs
     
  • Own Your Personal Book Club List:  After several inquiries from authors, we are now making a mini-list of Book Clubs available for sale.  The list is in Excel format and includes all of the information we have available for 200 book clubs nationwide.  The list may be purchased by AUTHORS ONLY (no marketers, publicists or publishers allowed) and is for personal use ONLY, not for resale.
    [$179 for 200 book clubs in Excel format]

  • Hot New Books:  Home page prominence for two weeks with image of your book and link to your permanent Cushcity book page, created at no additional cost.  Designed for books released in the last 12 months.
    [$99.00 for two weeks] NEW LOW PRICE!

  • Power Campaign:  Prominent simultaneous home-page placement on three top African-American literature web sites:  Cushcity.com, AALBC.com and Mosaicbooks.com.  Campaigns can be for one month or more.
    [$449 for one month on all 3 sites]

  • Web Site Traffic Booster:  Interested in getting more traffic to your web site?  Our Web Site Traffic Booster helps you get the eyeballs you are seeking.  Two-pronged approach includes an e-blast to 5,000 African-American Internet users AND your book's cover for two weeks on our home page under Hot New Books, with the link going directly to your web site or Facebook page. [$289.00]

  • National Black Book Festival - October 24-26, 2013 - Houston, TXnew2.jpg (731 bytes)Join over 100 authors and thousands of readers at the 6th annual National Black Book Festival.  Brought to you by Cushcity.com.  Visit the Festival web site for details:  www.nationalblackbookfestival.com.  Download the author vendor packet here:  http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/authors.pdf

  • Book Feature - National Black Book Festival Newsnew2.jpg (731 bytes):  This monthly e-newsletter is distributed to over 1,100 African-American book clubs, 6,000 authors and 25,000 consumers via e-mail.  Your book feature includes an image of your book, which is linked to your web site, Amazon.com page, Cushcity.com page, or wherever you would like the link to go.   [$69.00 per book per issue]

  • Featured Video of the Week on National Black Book Festival Web sitenew2.jpg (731 bytes):  Provide a one- to five-minute video that will be featured on the NBBF web site's home page for one week.  Video must be uploaded to YouTube.  Book trailers, interviews, performances, etc. are permitted.  Cushcity.com provides book trailer video production services, if desired.  Video must be tasteful and contain no nudity or excessive profanity.  This advertising may be scheduled to occur at any time author desires, as long as the space is available. [$59.00 per video for one week]

  • E-Blasts to African-American Internet Users: Cushcity has developed a database of African-American Internet users to whom you can promote your latest book. We'll design your e-blast and send it according to your preferred schedule, as a bonus, we'll send it to 10 of the author's friends and family.  E-blast includes book image, synopsis, link to author's site, and links to online stores carrying the book.
    [E-Blast to 15,000:  $299.00 per e-blast]

    [E-Blast to 25,000:  $399.00 per e-blast]

    [E-Blast to 35,000:  $499.00 per e-blast]
    [E-Blast to 60,000:  $999.00 per e-blast -- Includes Cushcity customers]

  • Book Feature - Cushcity E-Newsletter:  This e-newsletter is distributed via e-mail to Cushcity's entire customer base of 60,000.  Your book feature will be included in one edition of the newsletter and will include an image of your book, which is linked to your web site, Amazon.com, Cushcity.com book page, or wherever you would like the link to go.
    [$129.00 per book per edition]

  • Library UpdateCushcity.com has developed a database of approximately 200 libraries that purchase books and other materials from African-American authors and producers.  The database includes all HBCU libraries as well as public library systems in urban areas that have ordered African-American titles from Cushcity.  Update includes book cover, synopsis and contact information for acquiring books (from Cushcity, publisher or author).
    [$150.00 for a one-time distribution]

  • Media Announcement You and your recent book can be presented to 400+ African-American media representatives via Cushcity's new media announcement program.  Radio, print and T.V. media personnel, as well as book reviewers, are included on our recently verified e-mail list to African-American media.  The standard Media Announcement includes:
    **  An image of your book cover and a synopsis
    **  A photo of you and a brief bio
    **  Contact information (e-mail address and phone number) for media interviews
    **  Links to online locations where the book can be purchased
    Click here for a sample Media Announcement

    [$150.00 for a one-time distribution]

  • Book Reviewers Bulletin:  Cushcity.com has developed a database of 200+ book reviewers, both online and offline, who will receive our Book Reviewers Bulletin. Our recently verified list includes not only African-American book reviewers, but reviewers throughout the book industry from major newspapers, magazines and on-line book sites.  The standard Book Reviewers Bulletin includes:
    ** An image of your book cover and a synopsis
    ** Contact information (e-mail address and phone number) to request a copy of your book for review
    ** Links to online locations where the book can be purchased
    Click here for a sample Book Reviewers Bulletin

    [$150.00 for a one-time distribution]

  • Featured Items:  Home page features for a period of one month.  Choose from top/front and center space to any space on the home page.  Advertise your featured item for two consecutive weeks and receive FREE feature in one edition of e-mail newsletter.
    [$300.00 for one month]

  • Author E-Invite.  Cushcity.com will e-mail an announcement regarding your book signing or author appearance to hundreds of African-American invitees in any U.S. major metropolitan area.  E-invites are distributed about one week in advance of the event and include contact/RSVP info.  Author receives number of recipients and also the E-invite, as it is distributed.  The E-invite features ONE book, for ONE signing/event, for TWO distributions to ONE U.S. metropolitan area.
    Click here to view a sample E-invite

    [$200.00 for two distributions]

  • Bookstore Advisory:  Cushcity will distribute, via e-mail, a weekly circular including a maximum of five books that over 200 African American bookstores and distributors should consider for their stock of books.  Includes book cover, synopsis and contact information for acquiring books (from distributor, publisher or author)
    Click here to view a sample Bookstore Advisory

    [$150.00 for a one-time distribution]

  • Package Insertion Program.   Include your flyers, postcards, bookmarks or other promotional materials in all of Cushcity.com's outgoing packages.  Author must provide the promotional item to be inserted.  Priced per 1,000 pieces.
    [$200.00 for 1,000 pieces]

  • Click here for a recent article by an author who recommends Cushcity as a great place to advertise!

We are here to service your specific needs and can design a promotional program to fit your budget.  Premium advertising space is generally sold out at least a month in advance, so call or e-mail today to discuss your advertising needs and reserve your space.

Cushcity.com offers the following video production and marketing services:
  • Business/Commercial Video Production:new2.jpg (731 bytes)  Production of videos to advertise your business, event, theatre production or musical project which range from 60 seconds to 3 minutes.  Includes standard videos with a montage of images and voice narration, as well as role play videos with two voice actors portraying a scene.  When completed, your video can automatically be included on the Cushcity.com YouTube channel.
    [Prices range from $150 to $600, depending on production complexity]
    View samples of business/commercial videos here

     
  • Inclusion on the Cushcity.com YouTube channel:new2.jpg (731 bytes)  Do you have a 1- to 5-minute video for which you'd like to receive more eyeballs -- in other words, more views?  Then we'll include your video on the Cushcity.com YouTube channel for six months for a one-time fee of only $39.00.  Cushcity has established a channel that is heavily promoted on its home page and in company e-blasts.  The video will be included within one of the appropriate playlists so it can be easily located.  [NOTE:  Cushcity.com has the right to refuse any video that it deems inappropriate.]
    Access Cushcity.com YouTube channel here
    [$39.00 one-time fee to be on Cushcity.com YouTube Channel]

Cushcity.com offers the following author video services and premium marketing packages:

  • Publicist Services:new2.jpg (731 bytes)  Cushcity.com now offers publicist services through one of its co-founders, Gwen Richardson.  Gwen has a B.S. degree in marketing from Georgetown University and 20+ years of experience with marketing and promotion.  Publicist services include:
    ** Serving as client's representative for media contact
    ** Creating digital press kits for media distribution
    ** Writing/distributing press releases to appropriate media outlets
    ** Writing and editing web content
    ** Media preparation for professional clients
    ** Contacting media reps to arrange interviews or pitch feature story ideas
    ** Book club marketing to arrange book discussions (via conference call or in person) and increase book sales
    ** Book tour management for established and self-published authors
    ** Social media marketing
    ** Manuscript ghostwriting, editing and proofreading

    Publicist Services are available on a customized basis and catered to the individual client.  Call toll-free at 1-800-340-5454 for additional information.

     
  • Book Trailer Video Production:new2.jpg (731 bytes)  Production of book trailer videos which range from 45 seconds to 3 minutes.  Includes standard videos with a montage of images and voice narration, as well as role play videos with two voice actors portraying a scene.  When completed, your book trailer can automatically be included on the Cushcity.com YouTube channel.
    [Prices range from $149 to $598, depending on production complexity]
    View samples of book trailer videos here

    View description and pricing of all book trailer video programs here
  • Inclusion on the Cushcity.com YouTube channel:  Do you have a 45-second to 5-minute book trailer for which you'd like to receive more eyeballs -- in other words, more views?  Then we'll include your trailer on the Cushcity.com YouTube channel for six months for a one-time fee of only $39.00.  Cushcity has established a channel that is heavily promoted on its home page and in company e-blasts. The video will be included within one of the appropriate playlists so it can be easily located.  [NOTE:  Cushcity.com has the right to refuse any video that it deems inappropriate.]
    Access Cushcity.com YouTube channel here
    [$39.00 one-time fee to be on Cushcity.com YouTube Channel]
  • Press Release Writing and Distribution:  Cushcity will write a professional, 300-word press release announcing your latest book or project and distribute it to the African-American media.  Author will also receive the press release in PDF form to be used on author's web site or in public relations efforts. [$149.00 for writing 300-word press release, $249 for writing and distribution; $199 for writing 500-word press release, $299 for writing and distribution]
     
  • Copy Editing ServicesOur professional copy editor(s) will edit your book and make it ready to be published.
    [$3.00 to $3.25 per page]
     

Toll-free marketing/author services line:  1-800-340-5454

Willie A. Richardson
Email:  wrichardson@cushcity.com
Advertising Representative, Cushcity.com, Inc.

Premium Author Marketing Packages

  • Pick 4 for $500.00 Program.  Select four of any of our programs that are $200 or less and pay a total of only $500, a savings of about 40% off our standard prices. [$500.00]

  • On Your Team BASIC Package.  Includes four of our premium programs:  Book Club Bulletin to 1,000+ clubs, E-Blast to 35,000, Author Spotlight on Cushcity Home Page and Media Announcement.  [$950.00]

  • On Your Team PREMIUM Package.  Includes all of the programs in the On Your Team Basic Package, PLUS Power Campaign for one month OR Radio interviews (2). [$1,499.00]

  • On Your Team DELUXE Package.  Includes all of our standard marketing programs:  Book Club Bulletin (to 1,000+), Hot Off the Press, Radio Spotlight, Home Page Author Spotlight, E-Blast (to 35,000+), Library Update, Media Announcement, Book Reviewers Bulletin, Author E-Invite (2 cities), Bookstore Advisory, Package Insertion Program (1,000 pieces) [$1,999.00]

Cushcity.com's Market Success and Track Record

As a successful author, you know that writing and publishing your book was just the beginning.  Marketing your book and getting it in front of the right audience can be extremely challenging--and costly.  Cushcity.com, the world's largest selection of African-American products online, is here to help.  Cushcity.com is the mostly highly trafficked African-American e-commerce site in cyberspace.  We reach a worldwide audience of African-American consumers and receive 3 million+ hits per month.  In addition, Cushcity.com:

  • Was featured in the Jan/Feb 2006 edition of Black Issues Book Review in its listing of "The Power Behind Black Books."

  • Has been featured in Essence, Ebony, Black Enterprise and Upscale magazines, as well as in the business section of The New York Times.  Cushcity.com was also featured in a national radio and print ad campaign by the U.S. Postal Service for its success as a growing e-commerce enterprise.

  • Reaches an affluent African-American audience online that is 65% female, 66% college educated and with an average household income of $50,000+, AND best of all:

  • Cushcity.com has a variety of promotional programs that fit almost any budget.  Our ad rates start at ONLY $69, depending upon the program you select.

Here are three testimonials from satisfied authors:

"Having written four books, and done extensive internet marketing for all of my titles, Ms. Richardson and the Cushcity family provides REAL top notch Internet marketing and I am a witness that they deliver what they promise.  Thank you Cushcity."
    --Jihad, Author of Street Life, Baby Girl, Riding Rhythm and MVP

"It is both wonderful and effective to use Cushcity.com to advertise!! On February 22 of this year my book Dark Things was ranked number 915,012 on Amazon.  BUT after my wife and I advertised our book with you, it rose up to the ranking of 141,160!!  That's AWESOME!  Thanks for your true professionalism and all you do."
       --David Humphreys, Author of Dark Things

"As a new author, you can spend hundreds of dollars in travel, hotel and food doing book tours.  You may sell out of books, but you've still spent more in expenses than you took in.  You were better off taking out a $500 ad on Cushcity.com for a month. . .I have learned that I generated more sales and got the word out on my book better by ad placing versus traveling all over town."
       --Joylynn Jossel, Author of When Souls Mate

For more information about Cushcity.com and its co-founders, visit the following web links: