Tate Publishing's Rita Tate Named Woman of the Year!

What a wonderful year it has already been and we are just getting started!   I wanted to share (brag) an article we are proud of.   Rita Tate was just named the Woman of the Year by Hughes News.  Here is the article and a link as well.  As you know since Rita Tate is my mom I already knew she was the woman of the year!!!!  Congratulations Mom and I have received so many e-mails and calls from our authors and artist already congratulating you.  We are all very proud of you and our company is so blessed to have someone like you as a founder.  Many people don't realize that the main focus of Tate Publishing is to build God's Kingdom and give as much as possible.  Every employee, author, and artist in our company plays such a huge role in making that happen and it is a blessing to have any part.  Enjoy the article and this also gives some great history on my mom and our family!

Rita Queen Williams Tate has been named the Hugh's News Woman of the Year for 2012

Rita Queen Williams Tate was born in Clinton, Oklahoma to Hubert and Violet Williams in 1948. Soon after Rita was born her father became pastor of Central Pentecostal Holiness Church, moving the family to the south side of Oklahoma City in 1950. He had a hugely successful tenure as the church grew by the hundreds throughout the early to late 1950s. Rita would be one of eight children born to the couple. After four boys, she was the first of three girls, and then another younger brother was added later. Her middle name, Queen, is a tradition passed to the first girl born into a Williams family.

Rita loved church and grew up memorizingScripture and singing for the congregation. She was saved at the age of six in a Sunday school class taught by Opal Finchum, whom Rita calls “a masterful teacher who made Bible stories come alive and explained fully what it meant to give your heart to Christ.”  The first person she told about her salvation decision was her father who said with tears in his eyes, “Rita Queen that is the greatest news you will EVER tell your Dad.” 

By the time Rita was a teenager, her father had left the ministry but the family remained dedicated to the church and maintained a strong Christian household. She attended Southwestern Christian University, first briefly as a high school sophomore, then later as a full time college student. Rita's uncle, C.H. Williams, many may recall, was a dean and professor at Southwestern for many years. In fact, C.H. Williams, helped found the school along with Oral Roberts, and R.O. Corvin in 1946.

Rita's love for music was always apparent and one evening while at home with her two younger sisters, she asked if they would sing a song with her. Almost miraculously a sound developed very quickly. Younger sister, Vikki took the lead part, the youngest sister, Renee, sang tenor, and Rita was the alto for the group. No lessons, no direction, just three voices united in the closest of harmony, difficult to come by unless the voices are related. The ease and clarity of sound even surprised the sisters.

[Rita Williams Tate; Vikki Williams; Renee Williams Light (of the Light family--relatives of the Muse family)]

Soon, The Williams Sisters were being asked to sing at local youth events, revivals, and conferences. Rita became the spokesperson for the group and developed a unique speaking style, sharing Biblical messages and illustrations, weaving the music into the overall theme. Along with a small band as accompaniment, they began to tour the country performing at church youth camps, conferences, and holding revivals from coast to coast. From the late sixties to mid seventies, The Williams Sisters were traveling and ministering full time. The group's two albums, Introducing … The Williams Sisters and Joy!, produced during that time, are still asked for today.

“It was a wonderful time in our lives. We were privileged to see many young people come to know Christ and we were enjoying the time together, understanding how blessed we were to do something we loved to do,” said Rita.

In 1974, The Williams Sisters were introduced at the National Quartet Convention held in Nashville as “The New Group of the Year.” The honor was part of a program that was the precursor to the current Dove Awards awarded to Christian artists. Thereafter, the sisters would share the stage often with The Oak Ridge Boys, the Stamps Quartet, The Inspirations, and other well-known groups.

As the 1980s approached, marriage and raising families became new priorities and the group no longer toured, but got together periodically for special events through the years. Rita married Dr. Richard Tate, a campus minister, in 1977, and they served on the campus of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri for many years. As Vice President for the school as well as Campus Minister, Richard along with Rita continued to sing together and minister, representing the school and recruiting many students throughout the Midwest. Two children, son, Ryan, and daughter, Trinity, were born while at Bolivar.

The couple moved to the San Diego, California area in 1990 to take their first full time pastorate. It was during this time they began to work on producing a book aimed at helping married couples and families. The material for the book was gleaned from the live seminars and conferences Richard and Rita conducted several times a year. When the family moved back to their Oklahoma roots in 1997 the manuscript was sent to several publishers. Finally, their book 11 Reasons Families Succeed was published. “It's a great tool for dating or married couples, and families experiencing challenges,” Rita explained.

“Richard was serving as the Chief of Staff for Mary Fallin, who is now the Governor of Oklahoma at that time, but we learned so much about the publishing process and marketing books that we became interested in creating our own publishing house. In 2000, our son Ryan graduated from the University of Oklahoma where he was a varsity wrestler for the Sooners and daughter, Trinity, a cheerleader for OU on track to graduate in 2001. Ryan married a beautiful girl and after a brief stint as Area Director for Youth for Christ, Ryan joined us as we finally formed Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC. Ryan was named President of the company and Trinity soon entered the family business as one of our first editors,” Rita continued.

“Trinity is now the Executive Director for Acquisitions. You know, it was as if it happened by itself. I suppose that's how you know it truly is a 'God thing'. We can't take credit for a single thing. When we began to solicit manuscripts the response was overwhelming and from that day to this; the business continues to thrive. We are so grateful. It is God's business, not ours. Everyday we look around, amazed at what God has done in twelve short years. We have over 200 employees, produce wonderful, beautiful books that bless and change people's lives, and are able to give into the kingdom of God because of Tate Publishing's success.”

Rita became involved with Southwestern Christian University upon the family's return to Oklahoma and is now Vice President for the Executive Committee for the Board of Regents and loves the school that gave so much to her when she was a young student. “Southwestern is in my DNA – I have a passion for it's past and it's future. To see the school expanding, building, and becoming a vibrant educational entity is thrilling. You step on that campus once, and you will never be the same. I'm in for a lifetime.”
Rita maintains a busy schedule as always. As Executive Creative Writer for Tate Publishing she is a ghostwriter for the company's celebrity authors. She has written for Lee Greenwood, Neal McCoy, the niece of Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers, the Selmon brothers--Oklahoma University football greats, along with Joe Washington. She has also written for Nolan Ryan, Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers, and NBA's Karl Malone and many others. She is also active in the Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women and directs the Miss Mustang Pageant, a preliminary for the Miss America Pageant.

“Family will always be our highest priority. As years pass, Richard and I realize more and more that time spent with them is the most precious, valuable, and important thing we do. Ryan and Christy have two children, a daughter, Courtney Queen, carrying on the middle name tradition, and son, Will; Trinity and husband, Lee have two beautiful little girls, Sloane and Avery."

“When Hugh approached me about being namedHugh's News Woman of the Year, I was of course, honored, but more than that, I was humbled. I remember as a six year old, on my knees praying the prayer of salvation. I have not been perfect and have made some mistakes along the way, but I always knew God loves me, guides me and favors me in ways I can't fathom. I have been sold out to Him for many years now and He gets credit for anything I have accomplished. As to this newest honor, it reminds me of a Williams Sisters song we used to sing,'It's A Wonderful Feeling!' Love and blessings to all--Rita Williams Tate.”

[Editor's commentary: Rita asked me this question: "Hugh, How do you go about selecting the person of the year for Hugh's News?

That is a great question. I am not sure I could tell her or you exactly how it happens. I had a Frenchprofessor at Furman University who enjoyed giving us pop quizzes. We would study diligently, memorize the vocabulary, etc. After all the hard work, he would invariably fail to give us a quiz for which we were primed to do well. How disappointed we all were because we knew we could make good grades if we studied.

We asked him how he decided when to give a text. He said, "It depends on how my liver acts on any given day."

All I can say is that I pray about it all year, starting in January and wait to see how things go, and how God may impress me with the right individual.

As I recall, I first met Rita Williams Tate in 2006 at the Annual Homecoming of Southwestern Christian University, and she and her sisters, the Williams Sisters, sang. Rita spoke, too, and I was impressed with her poise, charisma and ability to connect with those who were in attendance. I saw in Rita a tremendous leadership ability. Shespoke with the anointing of the Holy Spirit that moved the large group that came to sing.

Following that first meeting of Rita, she was asked to be the emcee for the annual reunion singing. She has done it with charm and an appealing demeanor and command of the event. She is well-organized, and the movement of the whole event is carried by the flow of music and introductions of singers with professional precision and poise. She invited Lonnie Rex to be the conductor of the Gospel Singing last November and what a magnificent job he did, along with Betty on the grand piano, Laban West and Randell Drake on the other pianos.

I learned later that Rita and her sisters grew up in the home of a pastor in the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Oklahoma. They formed a trio, The Williams Sisters Trio, that traveled all across the west [and the whole country] where they were well received, loved, and greatly appreciated for their anointed and dynamic gospel singing.
It is the opinion of this writer that they were on a par with the Andrew Sisters and the Lennon Sisters who sang on the Lawrence Welk TV Show. They were known as America's Sweethearts. The Williams Sisters Trio were the Sweethearts of the Pentecostal family of churches throughout the west.

Rita Tate is co-founder of Tate Publishing and Enterprises–a Christian based publisher located in Mustang, Oklahoma. She is the author of 12 Battles Every Woman Must Win!, and co-author, with her husband of 11 Reasons Families Succeed.

I have visited the Corporate Offices of Tate Publishers and Enterprises in Mustang, OK, and met with her husband, Dr. Richard Tate, also a remarkable person with enthusiasm, energy, vim and vitality. I would say he has Spizzerinctum.

It is my delight and honor to introduce you to RitaWilliams Tate, the 2012 Hugh's News Woman of the Year.

Tate Publishing's Latest New York Times Bestseller

Good afternoon and it is now time I can say "Happy Holidays",

That you for visiting Tate Publishing and there is so much happening right now it is hard to keep up! First, please make sure to check out our latest New York Times Bestseller, "Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid". Tanya and Lawrence have delivered a bestseller that is incredibly well written, this is easily one of the most powerful stories of loss and hope I have ever read. Tanya and Lawrence have appeared on Inside Edition, Dr. Phil Show, and we recently were contacted and told that a future People Magazine article is in the works!

In addition, many of you have noticed and commented our our new website we launched a couple of months ago. Thank you for all your comments and we are glad you like the new look and feel. We are so privileged to work with some of the best authors in the world and I want to encourage each of you to continue to deliver great books that change our world for the better. I can't help but think about how much our society is in need of authors to deliver great content to this generation. Nothing has changed our society more than books! From the Bible to history text books, to great fiction works that challenge us to dream big dreams, if you want to change the world - write a book!

At Tate Publishing we continue to provide the best options we possibly can for authors to succeed. We pride ourselves in striving to be the best and deliver what others can't. There is so much negativity and hate being spewed in the world, it is hard to see through it, but God is in control and he will direct our paths and victory certainly rests with him. Stay focused and don't let anything get you off track, let's change the world one book at a time.

Sincerely,

Ryan Tate

(405)376-4900

Tate Publishing Has A Lot To Be Thankful For!

As Thanksgiving approaches it is always important to take time to think about all we have to be grateful for in our lives. At Tate Publishing we have many blessings and things that we appreciate. I was sitting at my desk working late last night and couldn't stop thinking about how much I appreciate several things at Tate Publishing.

First, is our incredible staff. Through this entire year our staff has grown significantly, but they have become closer and tighter through the growth. Our award winning staff not only love what they do but they are always putting our authors and artists first. I preach in staff meetings that service is key and to make everyone we deal with feel special. I am so proud and blessed to see this through our staff on a daily basis.

Secondly, I am so thankful for our authors. We have seen Tate Publishing authors accomplish more than ever before in this year. We are averaging close to 1,000 events every month in 2010 and our authors have sold more books and had more success than ever before. I believe we have the hardest working authors in the industry and they know that successful books don't happen over night and that success requires a great partnership between them and their publisher. I am so proud of each of you and cannot wait to see what our family of authors accomplish in 2011!

Third, the blessings and growth our authors have achieved in this economy are a miracle. Every-time we turn on the news these days we have to listen to horrible stories about how bad the world is and how high unemployment is and that the economy is spiraling out of control. While there is no doubt that there have been many difficult issues facing our country our staff and authors never looked at any of the circumstances as a problem, but an opportunity to work harder and be smarter. Tate authors have increased the number of niche marketing events and opportunities through our marketing department at an incredible rate. If in store sales weren't going well for an author our staff quickly looked for new opportunities. No other publisher works harder to help and create these opportunities and I am so grateful that our authors never go it alone in this incredibly competitive industry.

Fourth, is our bookstore and distributor relationships. For many publishers they are being cut back and told to take their books and go home by the largest retailers and distributors. We have built over the last decade wonderful relationships with Borders, Barnes and Noble, Ingram and every other large chains as well as small bookstores. I would like to thank each of you for your support of our authors and the opportunities you provide us with every day. We don't take it lightly and we are very thankful.

Finally, my family and God! I spend everyday working hard to make sure that Tate Publishing will be the best opportunity for any author. I believe we have accomplished that and we will continue to offer more and more. In the last year alone we started putting every Tate author on national television. Tate authors have had their book commercials seen by over 300 million viewers! No other publisher does more. My passion for our authors is something that my family has been instrumental in supporting. I am so grateful that my girls at home have made it possible for Dad to work long hours and travel often as we serve our author family and the publishing industry. I could not be more blessed and I thank God for you everyday! God has blessed us with amazing opportunities to share our books with the world and help change peoples lives. I never take that responsibility or opportunity lightly.

I can think of so many more things, but I am afraid that list will go on and on! Thank you to everyone who has made this year a success and been a part of the Tate Publishing family. I consider myself so blessed.

Sincerely,

Ryan Tate

Tate Publishing Announces Television Commercials For Author Family

As we begin another year we are all very excited at Tate Publishing!  2009 was one of the most successful years in the history of Tate Publishing and 2010 is positioned to exceed that.  While most of the publishing industry was in turmoil and marked by financial pain and job loss.  Tate Publishing increased our market share and watched authors succeed like never before.

While 2009 brought many famous authors to Tate Publishing like Kenny Rogers and even American Idol song winner Reggie Hamm, I am the most proud that our first-time or previously unknown authors showed  unprecedented success.  As an author it is always important to have a publisher that can truly partner with you and help you succeed in a very difficult marketplace.  That is exactly what we accomplish everyday at Tate Publishing.

We pride ourselves in providing more products, services, distribution and publicity than any other publisher in the industry, especially for first-time authors.  We will never forget that to be a successful author, you must have a powerful publisher that can partner with you to truly succeed.  We have always provided this level of service and experience, but we constantly are looking for new ways to expand and help our authors accomplish even more.  In this same spirit we are pleased to announce that we have once again pushed the envelope and are now able to provide nationwide commercials on over 150 different networks for our authors.

Visibility is one of the most important things an author needs.  Visibility is key to sales and with the addition of television commercials to our marketing and publicity plans, we put Tate authors on a completely different level than anyone else.

Starting in January we will begin airing  :30 second commercials of our published titles.  These commercials will play nationwide on the largest networks.  We are so excited that we can provide this opportunity and we have committed to make a huge investment in our authors.  

2010 will be another great year at Tate Publishing and make sure you drop us a note when you see Tate Published authors on your television this year!!!

Have a wonderful year and God Bless,

Ryan Tate

Tate Publishing - Never Settle For Second Best

I am often asked how it is that we have built a publishing house from nothing almost a decade ago and built it to the size and market share that Tate Publishing experiences today.  For us the answer is obvious.  Be The Best!!!   In the 90's my family and I had a desire to create a publishing company that put the author first, helped first-time authors experience traditional or large publishing production and distribution, but most importantly was looked to as the best.   We spent years looking at every publishing option there was in the world and began to develop a model and company that incorporated all of the best parts of the publishing industry and mixed in a lot of creativity and hard work.

Today I am proud of what our authors and staff have built.  Tate Publishing is one of the largest publishers in the world and has the production, distribution, marketing and publicity that leads the industry for our authors.  None of this was just luck, all of it was God's provision and a resolve to never give up.   Our authors are amazing, talented and extremely hard working folks that share our same passion to work hard and succeed.  We are leaders in every major category in the industry and will continue to press forward and push to stay on top and provide services, product, distribution and publicity that sets our authors apart in this incredibly competitive industry.  

They say that imitation is one of the greatest forms of flattery.  If that is true, then we certainly are flattered.  As we watch competitors or other publishing houses try to compete it never ceases to amaze me that people will try to imitate what we do at Tate Publishing for authors.  The problem is that others in this industry can only talk a good game.  It is important that you do your research as an author when searching for a publisher.  Many new companies have come  and gone in the past decade and self-publishers seem to be everywhere now.  Be careful and don't fall for tricks or promises that aren't in writing.  My favorite is publishers that tell you if you sign with them or if you pay them to be published they will give your book to larger publishers to see if they want to sign you in the future.  There is even a large traditional publisher that started a self-publishing company to try and get authors to feel like they will someday be hanging out with Beth Moore or Mark Victor Hansen if there book does well.  Why would any author settle?  Go for the best!  

Tate Publishing is a large publisher that delivers what no one else does.  We are selective and can only sign around 3% of the manuscripts submitted to us, but when you become a member of the Tate Publishing family you truly join the elite.  It is funny, authors always ask me at conferences or even CEO's of other publishing houses what we guarantee or what can I promise an author.  Besides the fact that we offer more services, true-distribution, publicity and marketing in our contract, there is a quality that sets us apart.  HARD WORK!  There is no substitute, we enter into a true partnership with our authors and fight beside them.  If an authors call us and wants more or is even frustrated that an event or a book signing didn't go well, we take it to the next level.  We are always eager to look into new niche markets, and fight for success.  We have never believed in luck, only hard work, planning and preparation.  That is the difference.  Authors should never be a number, I hate that self-publishers just sell services, list books for sell and don't care whether an author succeeds or not.  As an author what do you do, who do you call in that publishing situation?  As a Tate Publishing author you call us, your publishing home and we will work to fix your problem, set-up new events, promote an opportunity and sell your book.  We believe in our authors and want our authors to believe in their partnership with our publishing house.

Authors deserve the best opportunities possible, without authors there would be no books.  We are a publishing house birthed from authors that wanted to make a difference for authors.  That is how it should be.  

As always thank you for reading and if you have any questions or need anything at all please fell free to contact us or send you questions my way.

Have a blessed week!

In Him,

Ryan Tate

Tate Publishing Increases Market Share and Opens New Facilities

It is the beginning of a new month and a wonderful time to be in the book publishing industry.  I could not be more proud of the incredible authors, artists and staff we have at Tate Publishing.  While most publishers in the industry struggle to make ends meet, our authors are selling great and holding more events then ever.  I am perhaps the proudest that our staff and author pool know the difference hard work makes.  

Educated and experienced business people will be the first to tell you that supply never drives or creates demand.  Many authors or artists think that if a publisher will just print a million copies and put them everywhere people will buy them.  That is silly!  Our philosophy is that we must create demand first and then the product will sell.  The Tate Publishing marketing staff is second to none and the best in the business at gaining visibility and setting up events for our authors.  Authors that want to be successful understand that they must have a publisher that can market and partner with them to have the best opportunity for success.  That is why self-publishing is not always a good option for authors that want to truly succeed and sell books in one of the most competitive markets in the world.  You can see why I am so proud of our people and the family of Tate authors!

In addition to the successes in the marketing department and book sales, I am also excited to announce that we have opened up a new 8,000 square foot production facility.  As Tate Publishing continues to add and provide additional services and opportunities to our authors, our need for space and offices for our staff continues to grow as well.  This month will be the first full month that our production staff will be in the new facilities and we couldn't be more excited.  

The new offices include lounge and kitchen areas for our authors and artists when they are visiting.  A brand new state of the art studio, illustration rooms, conference rooms and huge production floors for our editors, graphic artists, multi-media department and producers.  If you haven't been out to visit the Tate Publishing campus please call and schedule a time to come out and visit.  We would love to have you.

As always if you have any questions please feel free to send them my way and we are praying for you and your success!

Sincerely,

Ryan Tate

Tate Publishing - Just Returned From New York

I have just returned back from New York City and had to blog about how proud I am of the incredible work our authors and staff are accomplishing.  This week was a planning retreat for the upcoming year with all of our high level executive staff members.  These individuals are the directors of all of our departments, manufacturing divisions, marketing and public relations firms.  From Senior Editors to Executive VP's, we meet to plan and discuss how to continue to grow and serve the publishing and music industries.

While most publishers and music labels are suffering and having to take huge action to stay in business, we are expanding.  Our sales have increased, our exposure and Tate sponsored and promoted events have nearly doubled in the last year.  This is a result of talented authors and what we believe is the best staff in the industry.  Our model and the partnership we provide is proven and has changed this entire industry over the past decade.   When we select an author or artist work, success is possible with great production, editing and design when mixed with our top of the line marketing, promotion and public relations divisions.   You must have this type of partnership as an author to even have a chance.  

While in New York we took a break to head over to the Barnes and Noble corporate offices to meet with our large press buyer.  She is a delightful lady and her support, hard work and belief in the industry and our company are absolutely priceless.  While this type of relationship and support is a result of many years and the success of our product line, it is also a result of the great staff and buyers at Barnes & Noble.  These individuals demand great product and great books that have a publisher with a vision and fantastic marketing plans to help each title succeed and have the best opportunities possible to be seen and sold.  These relationships are a true blessing and a great call for us to continue to deliver products, services and marketing that is second to none for our authors.

This week proved to be an exciting time of developing future vision and placing an emphasis on continuing to lead in every major category.  Over the course of this year you will see many new products and promotions launched as a result of this productive time, once again continuing with our mission to add to our already extensive and industry leading services, products, marketing and distribution.  

I want to say thank you to all of the executives that were there and continue to serve our authors and staff every day to continue to be the best.  Your passion and willingness to never accept failure as an option inspires us all.

Sincerely,

Ryan Tate 

Tate Publishing Staff - Leaders in the Book Publishing Industry

As you all well know success is never possible alone.  Especially not in the publishing industry.  To truly succeed in life and publishing, you need a great team.  At Tate Publishing we have put together that very team for our authors.  The success and growth we are having at Tate Publishing is a direct result of the talented staff we employee and assign to partner with our authors.  While other publishers are cutting back, firing staff and selling fewer books, we are growing and selling more than ever.  As the President and CEO there is nothing more wonderful than a staff that never quits, sees challenges as opportunities and serves our authors and vendors everyday.  

It is this very quality that makes it possible for us to succeed.  We were so pleased to find out that once again Tate Publishing has been named one of the best places to work in the State of Oklahoma.  In these economic times it is a huge privilege and honor.  I am not exaggerating when I say that Tate Publishing authors and vendors truly get to work with one of the most talented staffs in the industry.  Most publishers outsource and farm out their work because it is cheaper.  We have always had the feeling here that quality and service is more costly, but if you want to lead an industry and succeed you need to make the extra investment in the staff to see the results that are desirable.  We handle ever element of production in house and are able to produce results faster and better than anyone else.  

Once again I couldn't be prouder of this most recent accomplishment and we are looking forward to another incredible year.

As always feel free to send your questions my way and have a blessed week!

Ryan Tate

Tate Publishing, An Author's Best Friend!

Good afternoon, I am sitting in my office and just got off the phone with our Director of Production, Dave Dolphin about a new piece of printing equipment we just bought.  We recently purchased a new color printing device to add to our production facility that is state of the art and a large investment during these economic times, but is the best investment we could make to ensure quality for our authors.  As I was getting off the phone Dave stated, "This acquisition puts the author first and delivers quality product that is second to none!"  In one statement Dave made apparent what I try to preach to our staff every chance I get.  Serve the author!

Our company was founded on the principles of serving authors and creating a publishing company that delivers products, services, distribution and marketing that no one else in the industry can or would.  We make huge investments and take huge risks in our authors every day, and they pay off everyday too.  The incredible success stories have changed the publishing industry and has put Tate Publishing at the top of the list in sales, services and products offered in the industry.  Our investment into the author has created a publishing house that leads in nearly every major category of concern in the industry.  For those of you that follow my blog you now know that Tate Publishing has reached the top ten for sales volume through retails stores and we offer more marketing, distribution and services to our authors than any other publisher.  

We knew early on that investing in the writers of the world and searching for the "diamond in the roughs" was risky, but the writers of the world have proven that talent properly marketed and produced can change the industry and deliver success for both the publisher and author.  At Tate Publishing we value the relationship we have with our authors and truly view it as a partnership.  It is this very belief that has made it possible for us to not only love our jobs, but believe in the talents of our authors.  I can honestly say as an author and publisher, that Tate Publishing was created to be the author's best friend and we have lived up to that everyday. 

Our staff searches daily for new ways to support, promote and provide quality to our authors.  It is our passion and something I thank God everyday to have the opportunity to achieve.  It truly is an exciting time, please if you have any questions don't hesitate to let us know.

Sincerely,

Ryan Tate 

Tate Publishing Makes Audio Book Available To All

Good afternoon, it is a beautiful day at our offices this morning and I just left one of our printing facilities and couldn't wait to write about some exciting things taking place at Tate Publishing.  

This morning I received a call from our Director of Marketing, Mark Mingle.  Mark is currently in New York City and was meeting with our buyer in the Large Press Division at Barnes& Noble.  At the meeting the buyer was not only very interested and picking up the titles being presented for distribution, but she was very interested in one of the features that accompany most Tate Publishing titles.  The feature is what we refer to as eLive!  eLive is basically a total digital package that comes with a Tate Published title.  

Whenever a customer buys a Tate Published book, if it has an eLive logo on the cover, they have just purchased the complete digital entertainment package.  There is a download code in the back of the book that gives the buyer access to a free download of the e-book and audiobook from any computer.  The value this adds to a book is huge and the investment that Tate Publishing makes in our titles to provide these types of benefits is unparalleled.  Our buyer even mentioned that she had never heard of or seen a publisher every do this and loved it.  

This is one more way that Tate Publishing has always set ourselves apart from the competition.  For those of you who follow my blog you know that Tate Publishing is a company born to provide services, product, and distribution to authors, buyers and distributors that can't be found or compared to anywhere else.  eLive is a perfect example of the Tate difference.

Perhaps the biggest confirmation of how successful the eLive feature has been comes from my own house.  I have a four year old daughter at home who tests all of our children's books.  The second daddy brings home a new book, she goes straight to the computer downloads the audio book version and follows along.  If she loves it we have a winner on our hands.

I couldn't be more proud of what we are accomplishing every day at Tate Publishing and the incredible success our authors and books are experiencing.  We will continue to push ourselves to the next level of service and product offerings everyday, and remember next time you visit your local bookstore to make sure your purchase is a Tate Publishing book with the eLive logo on the cover.  The digital entertainment package is sure to not disappoint.

Have a blessed day and let me know if you have any questions!

God Bless,

Ryan Tate

New Year Ahead At Tate Publishing

What an exciting time at Tate Publishing.  I always love this time of year because we begin a new start of driving ourselves to build upon the success of last year and the history of Tate Publishing as we continue to lead the publishing industry and provide our authors with the best possible opportunities for success with services and products that are second to none.  

If you follow my blog at all you know that we are a leader in the industry in most of the important categories used to measure a publishers success.  We are very proud of our position, but it is important to clarify that we will never become complacent or sit back and enjoy the past or present successes.  As the president of Tate Publishing I have set a clear vision for the entire staff that these are the very times we need to press onward and expand our capacities to serve our authors, vendors, and distributors.

In 2009 Tate authors will see even more services added to the services we already provide.  There is not another publisher in the industry that does more for an author than Tate and our focus to add to this experience and the opportunities is a commitment we are making to once again help ensure the opportunity for success as an author.  

Once again, thank you for the most incredible year in the history of our company in 2008 and continue to keep your eye on Tate Publishing in 2009!

God Bless and Happy New Year we are praying it is the best year in your life as well!

Ryan Tate

Book Publishing Research

Good afternoon, I had intended to write earlier this morning, but like most of the country I was up late last night watching the results come in for the Presidential Election. I have been getting a lot of questions from authors about how to search for the best book publishing company. This is an excellent question and that very search for a book publisher is what lead to the founding of Tate Publishing many years ago.

As you have probably read in past posts, Tate Publishing was founded to provide the only real opportunity a first-time or unknown author has in the book publishing industry. Most authors begin their search for a publisher by going to the internet and using Google or other internet search engines and looking up keywords like "book publishing", "get published", "publishing companies", or other keyword searches to help them find a publisher. While this start makes since, the problem is that you will be instantly bombarded by countless self-publishers claiming they want your book and want to publish your book for almost no money. This is when you need to become very selective as an author!

First, make sure the publisher is selective. What I mean by this is that you need to make sure that the publisher doesn't accept every author. Selectivity makes sure that the publisher's product line and services will be good and you will have an actual chance to compete in the book publishing industry.

Second, look at the services the publisher offers. Many self-publishers require you to purchase books, purchase services or simply print books. You need a partner, you need to know that if you sign with a publisher the end result and the final product will be truly ready for the marketplace.

Third, distribution is the most important part. Please make sure that the publisher has actual distribution and doesn't simply list titles in a database like a self-publisher will. Your product must be warehoused and inventoried with stores and distributors and product must always be 100% returnable, if it isn't, bookstores and buyers won't even look at it.

Fourth, customer service is a must. Does the publisher answer your calls, return them and treat you like the asset you are, or is it cold and you feel you are going to be doing everything yourself? That would be a bad situation and almost gaurantee the failure of your book.

Once again, Tate Publishing is the best in the industry and offers services, products, distribution and customer service that is second to none. I encourage you to read my blog about our services and what to expect and about what book distribution should be in order for your book to actually have a chance to succeed!

During your journey ask a lot of questions and always make personal contact. You need a partnership to succeed and people make the difference. An established publisher is very important in this industry. As always please feel free to contact our offices or respond to me with any questions you may have. Don't forget, I am praying for you and your success and the exciting opportunities in our book publishing industry, especially for Tate Published authors.

Sincerely,

Ryan Tate

Royalty Time At Tate Publishing!

I hope this post finds everyone doing great! I am pursuing my pilots certificate and only lack a coupe of more hours before I get my certificate and the windy Oklahoma weather has caused me yet another delay today, but tomorrow should be beautiful and perfect to fly! Since I couldn't fly this morning I was able to be at the office when this quarter's royalties were finalized and I am excited to announce that royalties for this quarter are higher then they have ever been in the history of the company.

Tate authors and their books are selling great and doing a fantastic job in the marketplace. I couldn't be prouder of the wonderful job that our staff and authors are doing to succeed. As a staff we are unique in that we literally pray for the success of our authors, vendors, staff and company, especially during the current financial times. We have always believed that we should pray as though everything depends on God and work as though everything depends on us.

I was a wrestler at the University of Oklahoma and I can remember that I never prayed to God before a match that he would help me win or make the other guy lose. I always thought that wasn't fair and God wouldn't make that decision, instead I always prayed that God wold give me great opportunities to take advantage of in a match. I believed that I would always be in better shape and outwork my opponents so given the opportunity, I would be ready to seize it and win. We bring this same passion to the publishing industry. We believe we are just hard work away from anything and that we need to be prepared to take advantage of every opportunity we have to help our authors succeed and sell a book.

So, given the fact that royalties are at an all time high, I believe Tate authors and staff are doing a great job of working hard, preparing and taking advantage of every opportunity! Great job to everyone and congratulations!!!

Ryan Tate

Why Does Tate Publishing Cause Such a Buzz?

Well, it is raining here in Oklahoma today, but I love this time of year! Football season and colder weather mean the holidays are just around the corner and with a four year old daughter at home nothing is better than the holidays!!!

It is funny because I was on the phone with one of our account representatives from Google yesterday morning and we were discussing the volume of people who search for information on Tate Publishing. It is amazing how many people want to know what is going on here, I even read blogs where people can't believe our success or how we are achieving what we are for our authors. We were then discussing how all of our competitors use the Tate Publishing name to try and promote their own companies. To me, it is probably one of the greatest compliments when your competitors use your name and reputation to try and get some business for themselves. I have even seen a company named after a dog post untrue statements on their website about us, it never ceases to amaze me the level people will stoop to! However, we have succeeded on a level that no one can come close to. In the radio business there is a saying, "The top dog never barks back!" and that is true. Many people often ask me if negative comments or lies about who or what we do frustrates me and the answer is two fold.

First, when companies like Dog Ear or other smaller publishers make up information or when I read a blog that is just mean in tone or spirit I hate it and my first instinct is to rebut and correct. Now, we all know that usually gets you nowhere and I believe that the best way to silence a critic is to succeed. That has been our model at Tate Publishing, help our authors succeed.

Second, there is no such thing as bad publicity. While this is hard to believe it is true, when individuals or groups try to attack it only ends up promoting us because it causes people to do more research or contact us. Personal contact changes opinions and we are always eager and happy to help our authors in achieving their goals and educate people on all the options they have.

In our main campus in Oklahoma I office just down the hall from our marketing wing. I love it when I can open my door sit back and hear the entire hall full of the sound of marketing reps setting up events and assisting our authors. It is something that many said couldn't be done and many still can't believe is being done. Tate Publishing is holding over 25K events every year for one of the smallest authors pools there is for large publishers. Most of these authors are first-time and unknown, yet they can succeed. That brings me great joy knowing how hard we work for our authors!

I am also proud of the fact that while it is impossible to make everyone happy, we will always do our best. If I run into an author that is frustrated or upset they are surprised to see that regardless of the situation we are always ready to continue to promote them. That will never end for us at Tate Publishing, we have signed up for a partnership with our authors no matter what and we will always just be a phone call or an email away for more assistance or solutions.

We are a Christian company and many people think I shouldn't openly state that. This in no way implies that we are perfect by any means, but is does speak to the resolve of our convictions to serve and offer services, products and opportunities that we believe are good and in accordance with our beliefs. Romans 8:28 & 31 says that "all things work together for good to those who love God... and that if God if for us who can be against us?" Now at the risk of sounding like a crazy Bible beater, I do believe this with all my heart and this is how I run our business. I am held accountable to God for the service we provide and the integrity by which we conduct our business, our spiritual side frustrates many and I have made so many mistakes in my life I am amazed God didn't give up on me a long time ago, but we always strive to get better and serve better everyday. I believe that is why there is such a buzz about Tate and why we succeed, we believe in what we are accomplishing.

Aside from the fact that we provide a level of services, products and marketing that is second to none and we truly don't have a competitor in this, we believe in the dreams of an author or artist alike to have a chance at success. I only wish we could help everybody and didn't have to be as selective as we are, but we must protect the bottom line to succeed in this difficult industry.

Please continue to send your questions my way and link to this blog. I always appreciate everyone helping us get the word out.

In Him,

Ryan Tate

What does distribution for your book really mean?

This is one of the questions that our acquisitions team is asked the most.  It is also probably the most misunderstood question for first-time authors.  

First, understand that most self-publishing companies will claim that they have bookstore distribution.   The truth is that these companies only list their products with a retailer or distributor.  You will not find the titles in a store, only titles listed in a database that if you pay for it they will have a book printed and shipped off.  In most cases self-publishers even use print on demand companies or print on demand distributors like Lightning Source to print a book as it is ordered, the products are never warehoused.  

Second, self-publishers don't offer returnable product.  For a bookstore to stock titles or a distributor to inventory a book for sale and availability the books or products must be returnable.  This simply means that if the books don't sell they can be returned to the publisher at no cost to the distributor or bookstore.  Self-published authors and their books are not returnable and are not able to compete in a retail environment.  

Third, self-publishers don't pay for books sold or put into distribution.  When a publisher is actually trying to sale product in bookstores they must have product inventoried and warehoused.  This is a huge risk and very costly because if you're are putting books into stores or retailers and distributors warehouses you must be prepared to accept the product that doesn't sell as a return.  This means that you could lose a lot of money if a title doesn't sell well and that is bad business.  At Tate Publishing we just recently had a book titled, "From Pulling Weeds to Picking Stocks" that went to number one on Amazon.com.  It is also being watched for the New York Times Bestsellers list and has had purchase orders from stores like Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books A Million and wholesalers and distributors like Ingram and Spring Arbor for over 30,000 copies in the first 6 weeks of the release.  A self-published author would have to pay 10's of thousands of dollars to simply print this many books and then assume the risk that the product won't sell out and have the returns come right back to you.  This is not a risk any author should have to take, that is a risk your publisher should take.

At Tate Publishing our authors books are set up for distribution as a traditional publishing house and product is 100% returnable, product is warehoused (not simply listed in a database) and all product sold into distribution is paid for by Tate Publishing, not the author.  In addition, Tate Publishing works with and provides product to every major distributor and retailer, but we also have direct relationships with the largest retailers in the country which means we provide product directly to them for in store sales.  Check out our events page to see our distribution and event strengths.

Once again, as you are searching for options and trying to learn this industry make sure you ask your publisher or potential publisher these questions about their distribution system.  If all of these elements aren't in place you cannot compete against the traditional publishers or expect to have great success from a retail standpoint.  

As always, please send any of your questions or additional topics you would like me to discuss, I would love to help answer them for you.  

Ryan Tate

President, Tate Publishing

Welcome to the President's Desk..........

Well, I am very excited to begin the process of helping all of you out there not only understand the publishing industry in general, but specifically about the wonderful options and opportunities available to you at Tate Publishing that no one else can offer!

Tate Publishing is a company that my family started almost a decade ago with one desire;  create an environment where authors truly can succeed.  My parents had published a book when my father was Chief of Staff for the Lt. Governor of Oklahoma with a traditional publisher, the book was titled, "11 Reasons Families Succeed" and it sold very well, but as many authors find out the money always flowed to the publisher and rarely to the author.  In addition, my parents did all of the work, travel, speaking, promotions, just about everything.  The reality became clear that hard working authors deserved a chance to succeed and profit from their book and efforts and that opportunity didn't exist for most.

Tate Publishing was started to create this environment and has been the most successful publishing company story our industry has seen in quite some time.  Tate Publishing offers more services, products, support,marketing and distribution that any publisher out there.  Many will claim they are as good or provide the same level of service or products, but don't be deceived, none even come close.

As a Tate published author you will receive the following:

1. Editing - Copyediting, Technical Editing and Conceptual Editing

2. Custom Cover Design - Our in house design team will work with you to create the perfect cover, and back-matter that helps your book stand out on any shelf.

3.  Custom Interior Layout - Your layout artist will once again work with you to make sure that the inside of the book is just as beutiful and attractive as the outside.  

4.  Ebook Creation and distribution - Every title is available to download as an ebook from our website and other online retailers for ease and instant use.

5.  Audiobook creation and distribution - Tate Publishing produces our books as audiobooks as well, we are the largest provider of audiobooks to Apple iTunes and audible.com and have created another opportunity that no other publisher can for our authors to succeed and this gives a Tate author one more advantage over the competition.  

6.  Website design and hosting - What better way to promote than through your own website, while this can be difficult and confusing on your own we create the website for you and host it so it never costs you a dime.  Plus it gives a constant online presence for promoting and selling your work.

7.   Video book trailers and commercials - These commercials have become an amazing opportunity and tool for our marketing department and authors.  The commercials are streaming from YouTube to our website bookstore, news reports and televisions worldwide.  We have more books sold and recognized from these videos than could have every been expected.  

8.  Marketing - You are assigned an actual marketing rep that manages distribution, availability and sets up events for you worldwide.

9.  Publicity - Every event and book is promoted to local and national media for the life of the work.   We use several different publicity firms to promote you and your events, but our favorite is Key Marketing Group Communications. 

10.  Distribution - Tate Publishing product is all 100% returnable and warehoused and not simply made available for order or on a list.  We have direct relationships with every major retailer, distributor and wholesaler and provide product directly to their warehouses and are even in the large publishing division with Barnes & Noble, no one else comes close!

As you can see, no one can compare to what Tate Publishing offers, many can publish books, but NO ONE provides the services, products and support that Tate Publishing provides.  As you begin your journey ask a lot of questions, ask what other services other than simply book printing or creation a publisher can provide and make sure that you will have a partner that helps create opportunity for you.

Once again, our desire was to create an environment that an author could actually succeed.  Tate  Publishing authors out sell, work and promote all the competition.  No one should have to go it alone.  There are many options out there, but none are of the Tate standard, level of service or quality.  I want to encourage you to check out our other blogs and chat with other staff members if you would like.  

Visit our website and submit your manuscript for review, or simply call the office.  We only accept a small percentage of authors for publication and have three options available.  At Tate Publishing we either offer an advance, pick up the cost without any cost to the author or issue a contract with a refundable author investment.  Regardless, every Tate author has a mix of products, services and distribution that no other company can match.  

Let me know if you have any questions and I am looking forward to providing whatever assistance I can.  God Bless you and as always I will be praying for your success no matter where you end up on your journey!

Sincerely,

Ryan Tate