Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Black.
Kendra, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been a reader. It was always the one thing that brought me peace even as a child. I’m a Gemini and we tend to enjoy escaping into our own little fantasy world when we need to decompress. You could always find me with a book in my hand or writing short stories. Fast forward to the advent of social sites like Goodreads and online marketplaces. I found a place to share my passion for literature with others and discover new works of fiction. I would always be asked what I was reading, my thoughts or asked to edit articles, short stories or technical works by people who knew me and thanks to word of mouth. December 2018, I had just submitted my critique on an independent author’s short story when they made the comment that I should share my work and what I do. I’m an introvert and had to really think if I wanted to invite people into my safe space. I sat with the idea for a couple of weeks or so and eventually gave in and created KayBee’s Bookshelf.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was actually easy to get started with my blog and sharing what’s on my bookshelf, recommendations, and reviews. The challenge came in deciding the direction that I wanted to take my blog, how to create engaging content, and if I wanted to actually promote any services. Up until this point, I had only worked for a handful of independent authors, thanks to word of mouth. As an introvert, it is always challenging being front in center. You will find very few images of me. I like to keep the focus on the authors and their work.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the Founder & Content Creator of KayBee’s Bookshelf. It is a literary blog that focuses on offering honest and constructive feedback for independent authors in the form of book reviews. I also offer a few select literary services in the form of manuscript critiques, bookshelf spotlights on indie authors and book tours. I also have the honor of serving as a blog tour host to a few select groups that I am affiliated with virtually. My goal is to make sure the author, if they have engaged me, that I am doing my all to make sure they are presenting their best self.
My specialty is the manuscript critique/consultation and outside of the free book reviews is the most requested service. I think what sets me apart is the I deliver honest and constructive feedback to everyone. You could be the best selling author and you are going to receive the same level of service as an author publishing their first novel. I believe you can deliver criticism without “gut-punching” someone and I think that because I handle my feedback with care and respect, it sets me apart and is appreciated.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Thanks to the internet, my business can be done from anywhere. However, I will say that being from Houston gives my blog a slightly southern “boujee and bookish” feel that I don’t think I could have gotten living anywhere else. That being said, the city does have a rich black literary culture that can never be promoted too much. I’m hoping to do my part to increase awareness of the culture going forward.
Pricing:
- Manuscript critiques starting at $8 pages 1-199; $5 pages 200+
- Publisher’s Reader -$2 per page
- Beta (test) Read- $10 per book up to 200 pages
- Book Review -Free
- Social Media Promotion i.e. blog tours -contact for pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaybeesbookshelf.com/bookreviewsandblogtours
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaybeesbookshelf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaybeesbookshelf/?view_public_for=924501664604951
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KayBeesbooks
Image Credit:
Kendra Black
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