Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Introducing SORMAG


Today I continue my series about literary service providers with another favorite of mine. Shades of Romance Magazine, othewise known as SORMAG to many of us. I remember when LaShaunda launched SORMAG. Way back when we were both aspiring romance writers. LaShaunda has a heart of gold and she gives and gives and gives to the literary community . I'm so happy to be able to feature her. 
Introduce yourself to the readers.  Hello everyone, my name is LaShaunda C. Hoffman.  First I’m a wife, and mother of three.  I work full time for the government and in my off time I’m the owner of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine.  An online magazine.  I’m also an aspiring writer, working on a few manuscripts.
Tell us about your literary business.  Shades of Romance Magazine or SORMAG as I call it.  Is an online magazine for readers and writers of multi-cultural literature. It is an interactive magazine that features author interviews, blog tours, columns, book reviews and articles. I started it in 2000 to help promote authors and their books.  It has moved from site to print to a blog over the last 10 years. 
Who are your customers? Our customers are mainly authors looking to promote their books.  Sometimes we’ll have a few businesses promote their events or products.  We welcome business that want to reach readers  18 – 65.
Our readers are book readers, book clubs, and authors.
How did you get started? I have always had a love for books.  I fell in love with romance books and had a hard time finding places on the web that promoted the multi-cultural books.  I decided to start a magazine that would help promote multi-cultural books.  We started off just promoting romances and then we moved to all types of books.  We celebrate 10 years of promoting books and their authors.
Like all business, there are ups and downs in publishing. The current economic downturn has caused a sharp reduction in book sales.   How does this affect your business? A lot of my customers have tighten up their promotion belt, which means less ad sales than in the past.  Some have come to me with a budget and I try to work with their budget because I understand that most publishers aren’t paying big advances like they use to.  I’m willing to work with my customers.  My goal is to help them promote their products.
Share a rewarding or successful literary experience you’ve had recently. This month I’m on the cover of the EKG Literary Magazine, which is a blessing, because I’m usually the one doing the interviewing.  It was a nice write up about me and what I do with the magazine.  I am very thankful for the opportunity and exposure to their readers.  - http://ekgliterarymag.com/
How would you like to improve your business? I would like to see SORMAG at more literary events.  I see this as a way to meet new readers.  I know there are a lot of readers who don’t know about us and I would like to be able to attend more events in order to do this.
What do you enjoy reading? Any Christian Fiction favorites or recent notable reads? I enjoy all types of books.  I try to read at least two books a month.  Usually I have a paperback and a book I’m listening to.  I’m currently reading, Dreams That Won't Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams. I enjoy her style of writing.
Where can writers find you on the Internet? You can find me on my  blogs – SORMAG – http://sormag.blogspot.com  or my personal one – SEE YA ON THE NET – http://lashaunda.blogspot.com
I’m on facebook and twitter or you can send me an email – sormag@yahoo.com

2 comments:

Tyora Moody said...

Great interview, Rhonda!

LaShaunda, I remember when you started SORMAG back in the day too. It's really cool to see how so many literary sites popped up around the same time and the ones that have been going strong for ten years.

LaShaunda said...

Rhonda thank you so much for the feature.

You know I'm so proud of you and your new career. Can't wait to read book 2.

Ty I still can't believe it's been 10 years. I honestly didn't think SORMAG would last a year. I'm thankful for the readers and authors who continue to let me know it's something they enjoy.