Cast Your Pearls

ATLANTA, Ga. –This month, Pearl’s Book’em Publisher announces the release of “More Than Just a Rhyme,” the third book release from poet and author Kotanya Kimbrough. An anthology, as well as an instructional guide for teachers, the book illustrates out-of-the-box strategies to help students read, understand and get excited about poetry by providing lesson plans and other tools that have worked in classroom settings.

“Kimbrough’s new book is an invaluable tool for teachers who are looking for innovative new ways to introduce their students to poetry and illustrate the value of it,” said The PEARL, poet and founder of Pearl’s Book’em Publisher. “It’s an essential tool for grooming a new generation of poets and poetry lovers, and we’re excited to see the impact of the book on both teachers and students throughout the U.S.”

“More Than Just a Rhyme” is written for use in middle schools by English and Language Arts teachers. Using a unique format, the book helps educators teach basic and advanced concepts, while challenging students to read and evaluate poetry with a more open mind. “More Than Just a Rhyme” includes lesson plans, worksheets and poems that have been used successfully in the author’s classroom to engage and enlighten students.

“When I was a new teacher, another teacher exposed me to the benefits of poetry to our students,” said Kotanya Kimbrough, author of “More Than Just a Rhyme” and an elementary school teacher in Bakersfield, Calif. “I begin to find poems for my students to memorize and then began to write poems to appeal to their sense of reality. My new book is inspired by that journey, and hopefully teachers will benefit from my approach to introducing poetry in the classroom.”

“More Than Just a Rhyme” by Kotanya Kimbrough (ISBN: 978-0978576028) retails for $18.00 and is available at www.book-pearl.com and Amazon.com. Retail price is $18.00. Kimbrough is also co-author of “The POET,” an English classroom supplement and comic book that uses poetry and hip-hop to educate students. “The POET” is also published by Pearl’s Book’em Publisher.

Kotanya Kimbrough is available for interviews, booksignings, speaking engagements and other special appearances. For scheduling, contact Ty Mays at (770) 256-8710 or ty@perfectpitchpr.com.

Understanding the publishing industry starts with the understanding that most major publishing houses exist under a multimedia umbrella corporation. These media giants own or control record labels, music stores, publishing houses, bookstores, television stations, radio stations, newspapers and magazines all with correlating websites. Investors look for their opportunity to “buy in.” Job seekers and contractors submit resumes and bids. Authors submit manuscripts, hoping for a book deal.

Maya Angelou and Edward Hirsch are famous authors who wrote successful books of poetry. These authors have or have had book deals with major publishing houses. Angelou signed her first major deal at age twenty-five. Hirsch was thirty-one when he signed his first book deal. However, these iconic authors are among the small percentage that “make it big,” according to most standards.

However, the publishing industry has changed. Printing, typesetting, editing, websites and media are available to those willing to pay the price. Independent publishers, vanity publishers and e-publishers are on the rise. E-books are becoming more popular as online universities make them a part of the learning experience and more people purchase smart phones. Authors, who have generally worked a day job and submit written manuscripts on the side, now write books and use their wages to publish and promote them.

Poets even frequent open mics, book hosting jobs and shows and appear on independent television and radio shows. In Atlanta, there are plenty of opportunities for budding poets to hone their craft, test their skill, typeset their work and promote it. Through the “Poetry in Publishing Examiner,” we continually explore the publishing industry and a poets place within it.

I am so happy that we finally have a place to blog again. We are here to encourage, support and help one another.  Poetry is big, but in my mind we still have a journey ahead of us. Where we take it is up to us. Join in, and get involved. Get poetry involved in everything that you do.

Thank you

The PEARL