3 Black Book Web Sites Lead the Way w/Group Economics

I know you've heard the old saying that "black folks can't work together."  There is usually some truth to old sayings and I'll admit that I've made this statement myself a time or two.  But, for three years, my husband, Willie, and I, through Cushcity.com, have been part of an effort by the nation's three leading African-American book web sites to provide an opportunity for authors to affordably market their books.  This partnership, among Cushcity.com, AALBC.com and Mosaicbooks.com, has endured for the past three years and has been surprisingly drama-free.

Cushcity.com, AALBC.com and Mosaicbooks.com all went online in the late 1990s and all three sites had the goal of promoting African American books, both old and new.  We all quickly became aware of each other, communicated frequently and viewed each other as friendly competition. 

Over the years, all three sites have evolved.  Cushcity.com expanded its retail operation beyond books and also started offering marketing services.  In addition, our company hosts the annual National Black Book Festival in Houston.  AALBC.com and Mosaicbooks.com kept their focus on books, but expanded their sites to include author web pages, marketing services, contact lists and discussion boards.

About three years ago, we received a call from Troy Johnson of AALBC.com and he proposed the concept of our three sites working together to offer an author promotion program, where a book could be promoted on all three sites simultaneously.  At first, we were skeptical, since we had been burned more than once by people who proposed joint ventures where we ultimately did all the work, acquired all of the clients, but had to share the revenue.  In order for any partnership to be successful it has to be win-win:  All partners have to share the risk and rewards equally.  Troy seemed to understand this so we took the conversations a step further.

After a few more discussions which included Ron Kavanaugh of Mosaicbooks.com, we formed the outlines of our agreement.  We called the new venture the "Power Campaign" and agreed that each site would retain its autonomy while promoting this program.  To date, we have assisted dozens of authors with promoting  their books this way -- achieving simultaneous exposure at an extremely affordable rate.

We've had a few bumps in the road and have revised our agreement when problems arose.  Yet we've never had a disagreement that would cause the relationship to dissolve because each person involved operates with integrity and believes in the win-win principle.

For those who may want to pursue partnerships, here are some tips we've learned from this relationship and other ones we've had:

• The relationship has to be win-win.  If the scales tip too far in any one direction, the other people involved are going to be short-changed and the relationship will eventually be severed.
• The partners all must operate with integrity.  No cutting corners, no shenanigans, no half truths, falsehoods or lies.  Mistakes happen, but each partner has to be upfront and honest.
• Communication is key.  If something is bothering you or one of the partners, get the issue out on the table immediately.  Don't let a disagreement fester and grow like a cancer, thus poisoning the relationship.  Communication keeps drama to a minimum.
• Be flexible.  As the relationship evolves and situations arise, adjustments will need to be made from time to time.  Everyone will not always get exactly what they want but, as long as the relationship remains win-win, the adjustments can be made and the partnership can move forward.

As 2010 comes to a close, Willie and I salute our partners at AALBC.com and Mosaicbooks.com.  We look forward to a continued successful relationship.