Since arriving at the Hachette Book Group's Warner imprint from Kensington's Dafina imprint in early September, Karen Thomas has brought along one notable author and made several high-profile acquisitions as she works to build Warner's presence in the African-American category. "We want to make a statement in the African-American market," said Thomas, "by building new authors and taking those authors that are already at the top of their game even higher." To help Thomas reach those lofty ambitions, Hachette has promoted longtime Warner publicist Linda Duggins to the newly created position of director of multicultural publicity.
Joining Thomas at Warner is author Mary B. Morrison. Morrison, who writes under the pseudonym Honey B., got a multibook deal to write a series of erotica titles; the first book will be released in late fall 2007. Thomas also lured Video Vixen author Karinne Steffans away from Harper with a high six-figure deal for her next two books. Vixen Diaries, which will be released in early fall 2007, includes details Steffans didn't address in her bestselling memoir, Confessions of a Video Vixen, as well as particulars surrounding her much-publicized relationship with comedian Bill Maher. The second title is a novel, a fictionalized account of Steffans's life that Thomas said will be "fun and juicy."
Self-published street lit author Teri Woods has signed a seven-figure contract with Warner, her first book deal with a traditional publisher. In addition to reprinting her well-known novel True to the Game, Warner will publish two sequels and two original titles. Warner is planning an extensive marketing campaign for Woods's first sequel—including print advertising in traditional African-American publications, paid placements in magazines like People and subway advertising—to appeal to her established fan base and target a larger readership.
In her new role as director of multicultural publicity for Hachette Book Group, Duggins will be responsible for implementing publicity plans for Woods, Steffans and Morrison, and will help the company reach out to multicultural communities. Duggins said she'll take a nontraditional approach to publicity. She points to cultivating relationships with major black organizations, such as the Association of African American Museums, as a way to provide diverse event and sales opportunities for Hachette authors.
In addition to seeking out new writers, Thomas said Warner is also nurturing the careers of African-American authors already on its list. In January 2007 Warner will make a big push for Red River, the latest novel by Lalita Tademy, author of the Oprah Book Club selection Cane River.
