Compass Dance Publishing

When I knew we’d be introducing a boy to the CDP Family, I was very careful to choose his story and name wisely. I wanted to turn labels on their head, so I started with a moniker to redefine.

His name is of Scottish origin and means one with a crooked or wry mouth, idiomatically referencing a liar or untrustworthiness, yet he is everything but.

Young. Inquisitive. Righteous. Joyous. Caring. Just. Vulnerable. Considerate. Imperfect. A Doer. Adventurous. A Learner. Empathetic.

The list goes on and on...and considering all
this, I was apprehensive about what making
“lying” the plot of his story would say; I did not
want to contribute any further to the baseless claim that our boys are not truth-tellers, BUT I wanted to create a space for their imperfections and worth to coexist, growth and grace to take root, and innocence andwisdom to be recognized.

My biggest aim was to challenge stereotypes about Black boys and to defend their innate ability to be vulnerable, to have integrity, and to possess gentleness.

So, say hi to Campbell! This is his true story.
- From this week's CDP Newsletter Issue

Buy Campbell's Journey through Honesty Cave now. 🔗
Available on Amazon (https://amzn.to/4rFojTY) and @ www.compassdancepublishing.com 🦋

Always be prepared to be remembered by:

QR code displays.
Newsletter sign-up sheets.
Business cards.
Personalized products (pens, bookmarks, stickers, etc.).
Postcards. Handwritten “Thank You” notes.
A heartfelt smile.
An usie.

Not everyone will purchase a book from you. Maybe they’re not your intended audience. Maybe it’s not the right time. Maybe it’s not financially in their budget. Whatever the reason, let that not stop you from staying connected to the people you encounter.

Not now ≠ Never. Delayed ≠ Denied.

Compass Creatives, C2, is the author service center that can help you get your creation off the ground! Check it out - 🔗

All the best on your author journey!

I appreciate the Collins Dictionary definition of the word: a specific area of marketing with its own requirements, customers, and products.

…and even how Merriam Webster considers niche synonymous to an alcove, or a hollowed out space; a recessed nook.

How you carve out your distinct place in the literature market is very important. It should be a clear and comfortable (authentic to you and your target audience) walkway into your shared interest. Make it easy for people to know that your work is for them, so you do not have to beg, plead, or persuade.

Example: I write allegorical children’s books with Christian faith overtones to aid children in their development of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and relational maturity.

Keywords:
🦋 children
🦋 social
🦋 emotional
🦋 relational
🦋 healing
🦋 autonomy
🦋 faith

Simplified Niche Designation: teaching SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
Complex Niche Designation: teaching how to balance Empathetic Living with healthy Emotional Autonomy

Consider the following, from greatest upfront cost to absolutely free:

1. Invest in table accessories that promote your niche - customized stress balls/gadgets for vendor events instead of candies and sweets for a SEL niche

2. Create loyal customers with niche layering - bring back previous buyers by strategically rolling out new services & products on a stretched schedule. This will help capitalize on all the pages and ideas of your book(s) & get all the juice out of one item before moving on

3. Streamline your shared content through a niche lens - originate an audience nickname and present continued character/theme peeling (reveal nuances) to bridge a closer connection & intimacy with your readers (Hey, Sojourners!!!)

So, author, have you settled on your simple & complex niche designations? How do you make your niche known through on-brand merchandise & accessories related to your book?

Compass Creatives, C2, is the author service center that can help you get your creation off the ground! Check it out - 🔗

All the best on your author journey!

BEEN IN A CAVE...

Introducing our amazing Campbell (kam-buhl), a young, Black boy made of integrity, empathy, and a will to know and be known.

10 years old 🔟
A big brother 🧒🏿
A big cousin 👧🏾
A warrior 🪖
Introspective 🪁
A dinosaur expert 🦕
A painter 🎨
A source of truth 🪨

We are doing our part to shift the narrative that has followed our young and old Black and brown men. They do rule themselves with vulnerability, gentle strength, and honesty.

Welcome to a true story. Coming February 10th, 2026.
..GOING DEEPER.

Get ready for Houston Reads Day - February 28th, 2025! 💛👧🏾🦋⛰️📚

The APL Shop has some lit goodies for you! 📚

Grab your copy of Acire's Journey to Forgiveness Mountain during your next visit to the Austin Central Library - W. Cesar Chavez 💛👧🏾🦋⛰️

from

✨The vibes we bring✨
💖 Supporting local authors
📚 Promoting literacy

These titles are available at APL Shop through the end of February. Stop by to support Austin and Texas-based authors!

Elizabeth Ashton
Armeen Basavaraju
Jenna Bastian
Catrina Bell
Joe Ettle
Dana Frank
Nick Grey
Hollie Hardy .hardy
Erica Henderson
Collette Hill
Britta Jensen
Lucy Limón .books
Terry Mitchell
Kim Nguyen
Cathy Rosenthal