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From the Basketball Court to the Boardroom: How Excerpt's Can Move Mountains

Founder, Damond Williams Negotiates Licensing Deal with W.W. Norton & Company for the 6th edition of 'They Say / I Say,' by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein

 

By, Damond L. Williams

February 6, 2023

Many authors are signing new licensing agreements with major publishers, and for Damond Williams, Founder of the Chicago Basketball Academy (CBA), this is an exciting time to be apart of the publishing world. Williams, now recognized as a newly published author; after signing a licensing agreement with W.W. Norton & Company, has agreed to allow them to own the non-exclusive rights to an excerpt from his unpublished manuscript - about a book Williams is writing addressing the lack of career options available to basketball players from disadvantaged backgrounds. His evocative excerpt will be added in the 6th edition of 'They Say/ I Say,' written by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, and will be published in the fall. Gerald and Cathy are pioneers and world leaders in English, literacy, writing, and establishing the moves that matter in academic writing. With more authors like Williams gaining access to larger platforms and iconic literary figures such as these, it means that his story will have the chance to reach more people and become widely noticed.

 

WAYS TO CAPITALIZE ON LICENSING AGREEMENTS FOR NEW AUTHORS

For Williams, having a licensing agreement with a major publisher such as W.W. Norton & Company, is set to open doors to many opportunities that will compliment his efforts as an emerging author; such as better access to marketing opportunities, improved distribution channels, increased public visibility, and larger followings. Additionally, they will provide more resources to Williams such as education and support, which can help new authors like him reach his writing goals more quickly. Williams will also receive access to more sophisticated technology and tools, which can help him produce more polished work that meets higher editorial standards.

 

 

At the rise of digital publishing, technology has made signing publishing contracts easier than ever before, and major publishers often provide authors with additional incentives to get their work out into the world. For example, some publishers offer non-exclusive, or exclusive rights to certain titles or series, allowing authors to retain complete control over their works. Other times, authors may receive upfront payments for their works, allowing them to cover their production costs and finance more creative endeavors.

Ultimately, signing publishing agreements with major publishers is a great way for authors to expand their platforms and get the attention they deserve. With the right mix of advantages and resources, authors will be able to create compelling works that will captivate readers everywhere. Excerpts like his, are powerful premises that can capture the attention of a potential reader and draw them into a book. They are also important tools for publishers of new publications, as they help to promote the work and generate interest.

 

THE BENEFITS OF ADDING NEW EXCERPTS IN BOOKS FOR AUTHORS

Powerful and engaging excerpts not only give readers a taste of what is to come, but they also can provide authors with a platform to demonstrate the quality of their work across large platforms. Through a well-crafted excerpt, authors can display their writing style, the themes in the work, and the hook that will draw readers in. It also allows authors to showcase their intellectuality and creativity, while allowing the publisher to gauge their potential success. Excerpts are also a remarkable way to get word of mouth going about a new publication. When people typically read an engaging excerpt, they are more likely to share it with friends and family, creating a snowball effect of advertisement and promotion.

 

Finally, excerpts can entice readers to follow the author's work, and eventually purchase copies of their books. Through an effectively placed excerpt, readers can get a sense of the overall story and its premise. This helps to pique their interest, which can encourage them to pick up the book. Whether you’re an author or a publisher, excerpts offer a powerful tool to create excitement and interest in new publications. When used correctly, they can be extremely effective in generating a following and establishing an audience & demographic to market. Excerpts can also be combined with other promotional tactics, such as reviews and interviews, to further fuel the buzz around a new release.