Black Issues to launch new book review supplement in black newspapers

(May 21, 2006) Black Issues Book Review magazine and Target Market News have announced the introduction of Blacks&Books, the first monthly book review supplement to be nationally distributed through black newspapers and editorially focused on books for African-American readers. The new publication was unveiled at the recent Book Expo America convention in Washington, D.C.

“At a time when interest in African-American literature has never been greater, Blacks&Books will provide news and reviews about the vast and growing array of black books,” said Ken Smikle, president of Target Market News, the company that acquired Black Issues Book Review magazine two months ago. “This monthly tabloid will serve as a unique bridge between publishers, authors and retailers who want to tap into the more than 12 million African-Americans who read a black newspaper every week.”

Starting in September, 150,000 copies of Blacks&Books will be distributed in audited black newspapers in the nation’s top six African-American metropolitan areas: New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta. The supplement will have an estimated total readership of more than 400,000.

According to research from The Media Audit’s annual Black Newspaper Report, 65% of black newspaper readers are female; 88% of black newspaper readers do not buy daily newspapers; and 51% of black newspaper readers purchased five or more books in the past year.

“Blacks&Books will bring the book publishing industry together with a $300 million market,” said Smikle. “For the first time, a publication will put booksellers in direct contact with an African-American audience that relies on the printed word for information and entertainment.”

Blacks&Books will be edited and designed by the award-winning staff of Black Issues Book Review magazine. With original editorial content designed to appeal to new book readers, each issue will include:

- Recommended newly released titles
- Book reviews
- Suggested children’s titles
- Author profiles
- Bestsellers lists
- Literary calendar
- Author tour schedules

For further information contact Black Issues Book Review, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 1522, New York, NY 10118, tel. 212-947-8515, or visit www.bibookreview.com.


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By Ken Smikle
With Wayne Dawkins and
Earni Young

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