We now continue our exclusive interviews with the former authors of Black Pearl Books. "Former" due to the contraversy surrounding the company alledgely not paying royalties to its authors. So far we've heard from two of them, Brenda M. Hampton and Rahsaan Ali. Now another author steps forward to tell her side of this complex tale. As always, Authors N Focus welcomes a response or even a rebuttal from Black Pearl Books. In the meantime, here is the interview.
Tia Hines is an Essence best seller. Her novel DRAMA finished in the top ten of the magazine’s list. She is also one of the authors who wrote for Black Pearl Books, but now demands her royalties which she has not received from the publisher. In another exclusive interview for Authors N Focus, Ms. Hines will share with us her feelings about her former company, her books and what she has learned from this experience.
Charles: Tia, thank you for agreeing to do this interview. I guess like in the title of your recent book, this ongoing dispute with Black Pearl Books has been nothing short of DRAMA, hasn’t it? Now that you’ve had some time to think it over, what are your thoughts of not being paid for your work even to this day?
Tia: Yes, it has been nothing but DRAMA with BlackPearl. I’m actually at a lost for words to speak on them. I work hard to put my creative work on paper. I thought I had a hustle on the side bringing in some extra money but apparently not. I got hustled! Shoooot, I got school loans I need to pay. Why they playing?
Charles: When did you suspect you weren’t being paid for your work?
Tia: When June 1st rolled around and Felicia said nothing to me about a check, no phone call of an update and no letter of any sort.
Charles: Tia, you wrote another book for Authorhouse before Drama. Could you please tell us what it is and what led you to Black Pearl in the first place?
Tia: Well the book I wrote and self-published under AuthorHouse is the same book under BP. They just changed the name. I had never heard of BP but one day got this email from a Felicia Hurst asking if I would be interested in a book deal. Excited, I emailed her back like, of course. We spoke eventually and she told me whoever in her company read the book and loved it and things flew from there. I got my contract through email, let a lawyer look over it and bam signed it like I was on my way to stardom.
Charles: If you could tell us, what did BPB promise you when you signed your contract?
Tia: They promised great promotion, many book signings and nothing would be done without consulting with the author because the author’s feedback is important.
They weren’t dishing out cars or anything like that so nothing too far fetched.
Charles: How did you feel about the success of DRAMA when it came out?
Tia: At first I wasn’t feeling anything. I hated my book cover and was told it could not be changed because the book had already gone to print and Borders and other stores have ordered it. This was a shocker because what happened to the whole nothing without author consultation but whatever. The book was not released on the date promised which was September 30th. It was more like November. I asked for several signings to be set up at chain bookstores and it was not done. One of the local bookstores here I did do a signing but was told to set it up myself. Can you believe that? I actually ended up finding a publicist to help me out. It was disappointing.
Charles: When it was time for you to receive your royalty check and it didn’t come on time, did you contact BPB at all? What was their initial response?
Tia: Yup, I called FH and asked what’s up with the check and she said she was just waiting for the rest of the numbers from Borders and other bookstores and the checks would be out soon. Yeah right! A week or two went by and nothing. I called her up like what’s the deal with the check and she gave me some sob story about a legal matter she couldn’t get into. I asked what did that have to do with my money and she simply said a lot but she would let me know more detail soon. Then called her like a week later and she didn’t answer. I left a message. She never got back to me. Then I get some stupid letter in the mail basically asking me to snitch some "legal matter" that I had no idea what she was talking about.
Charles: When was the last time you heard from BPB about your royalty check? Did anyone give you a satisfactory accurate date?
Tia: No date, no valid explanation, nothing, only soon. Promising huh? That was through an email because of bickering and so forth and she wanted to clear her name of not being a bad person or whatever. Besides that though, she hasn’t like personally called to say hey this is what the deal is. She doesn’t answer the phone and she doesn’t respond to specific emails requesting explanation of this matter. Even with the letters of exchange with herself and my lawyer, she responded but by not answering the pertinent questions only badgering and trying to threaten the lawyer.
Charles: What would you tell a new or beginning author who may consider a publishing house like Black Pearl Books?
Tia: Don’t do it. Don’t you dare unless you are trying to get some community service points or an award of that sort. Nosa, but really do extensive research and get references on the company. Speak to their clients and authors. Negotiate the contract. Get what you want.
Charles: Tia, have you ever wondered if signing with Black Pearl Books was worth it?
Tia: I’m not going to sit here and say the whole thing was garbage because that’s not true. So far, I made a name for myself with the help of BP. I’m pretty sure later down the line I could have done the same but the process was speeded up. It’s cool though. I ain’t bitter. I’m learning. The company is mud not me. It was an honor to make Essence Magazine April Best Seller’s List.
Charles: Although this has been a difficult process for you, what have you learned from all this? Are you planning another book in the future?
Tia: Oh definitely, the writing does not stop. I plan to write until I make the New York Times and I will. I’ve learned that people will be people, you know. No matter how many times you look at a contract, you will always find a problem after you sign it. You just have to deal with problems as they are thrown your way. Like I said, I’m not bitter, disappointed yeah, but not bitter. I’m leaving this in the Lords hands. He works things in mysterious ways. BP knows what they did was shady and they will get theirs. I’m not worried. This is just a bump in the road and they will not stop my success, check or no check.
Charles: Tia, in closing, do you have anything you would like to say to your fans?
Tia: Don’t worry, I’ll be back on the block very, very soon with so more Drama that will blow your mind. I live and write, my fans. You give me inspiration. Thanks a million.
Charles: Tia, thank you for taking the time for the interview. I wish you continued success in the future.
Tia: Thanks a lot for giving me a chance to speak my voice.
Contact Tia at TiaHines.com
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