A Sly Observant New Novel By Acclaimed Author Gigi Levangie Grazer | view site
LOS ANGELES – Lightray launches Queen Takes Kingbooksitefor acclaimed author Gigi Levangie Grazer.The new book which hits the stands this June delves into the lives of a New York City power couple in the midst of a contentious divorce. While the subject is a serious one Grazer brings her trademark satire and insight for a fast and entertaining read. Grazer is the author of three other best selling books, two of which have been turned to successful shows, The Starter Wife starring Debra Messing, and Maneater premiering this June. Lightray will also be launching a comprehensive author site for Gigi this summer that showcases all her work, in print, on tv, the big screen, and more.
“Authors are quickly embracing the Internet as a essential tool for promoting their books and building fan bases. says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director. Having a presence on facebook, and twitter as means to reach out to fans has revolutionized the tedium of building an fan list. We believe all authors should have a home base, namely their own website from which they can launch a consistent branded presence on the social networking sites. It works, and it’s just the beginning.”
Watch Gigi Discuss Her Book on the CBS Morning Show
Lightray launches website and blog for acclaimed author Vicki Iovine and her series the Girlfriends’ Guide. Vicki has authored 5 best selling books, translated into 12 languages, as she guides her readers through pregnancy, surviving the first years of motherhood, dealing with toddles, and getting your groove back. In 2009 she began blogging weekly as a featured writer on the Huffington Post Living section. Her blogs span subject matters, from current events (which effect girlfriends) to raising teenagers (likely her next book), and they never fail to entertain.
“Vicki is the most wonderful client, she’s visionary, funny, and brilliant. says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director. We enjoys working with Vicki on an ongoing basis, and aim to help her bring her empire of Girlfriends online.”
Lightray announces the launch of the Trophieswebsite for author/actress Heather Thomas. The site, which promotes the authors first novel, reflects the whimsy of the story, complete with excerpts, press, interviews, purchasing options, and a YouTube video narrated by Gore Vidal, featuring Barbie and others.
Lightray has launched many sites for authors and books. “It’s an important promotional vehicle for publishers and authors, a place they can capture email addresses of fans, sell books, and reinforce the brand.” says Lightray CEO Kimberly Brooks. “As we like to say in the office, if it’s not on the Internet it doesn’t exist.”
Lightray announces the launch of the The Comeback website for acclaimed author Emma Gilbey Keller. The Comeback, explores the stories of 7 women who have gone from career to family and back again. Lightray was asked to create a book site that offered more then the standard necessary fair, but rather an interactive vehicle for sharing ideas, and connecting directly with the author.
“Emma’s wanted to be accessible to her readers in venues beyond a Barnes & Noble book signing. Says Lightray CEO Kimberly Brooks. As believers in the power of new social networking technologies we used skype, and ichat to offer Virtual Book Clubs, coupled with online booking using google calendar. It’s a new frontier for authors, and Emma’s site can serve as a inspiration to those who want to use the Internet to connect with their readers.
Watch Emma talk about her new book on ABC News
Emma Gilbey Keller is also the author of of Lady: The Life and Times of Winnie Mandela. Previously she had written for The London Sunday Times
The Global Viral Forecasting Initiative | view site
Lightray announces the launch of GVFI.org, The Global Viral Forecasting Initiative. Founded by world renown scientist Nathan Wolfe, GVFI’s pioneering mission is to prevent future pandemics before they occur. The GVFI team maintains satellite laboratories around the world, monitoring hot spots where viruses are most likely to jump from animals to humans. Lightray was first approached to publicize the work of Dr. Wolfe and his team, by creating a brand, a website, helping to communicate their mission and raise funds and awareness for the work.
The initial and modest launch of wolfelab.org has since grown into a formidable organization, funded in part by the Google Foundation, Skoll, National Geographic, and the NIH. They’ve been featured in New York Times, The Economist, Wired, and CNN’s Planet in Peril to name a few.
“Shining a light on the important work of Dr. Nathan Wolfe is exciting for a number of reasons. says Kimberly Brooks CEO of Lightray. Not only is the work truly groundbreaking, but our involvement in it’s formation and noteriety emphasizes the power of the Internet and it’s ability to bring into the focus even the most complex scientific endeavors.”
Lightray announces the launch of three books sites for Leonard Shlain’s acclaimed, best selling books, Art & Physics, The Alphabet Vs The Goddess, and Sex, Time & Power. Admired among artists, scientists, philosophers, anthropologists and educators, Shlain defied all categorization. His visionary books continue to inspire the intellect and captivate the imagination. Lightray created three websites that visually connect the books inspired ideas as they evolved over the authors career.
Norman Lear: backstory, work, words, and more | view site
Lightray launches the first official website for Norman Lear (www.normanlear.com.) Norman Lears’ body of work expands beyond his beloved Television and Film career. His prolific talent and passion has impacted the world of business, citizen activism, education, philosophical, and social commentary. The site intent was not to show absolutely everything Norman Lear but to carefully select and organize his vast body of work to show it’s breadth.
“We worked closely with Norman Lear and his team to present his work in such a way that it served educational tool, and inspiration to young artists, entrepreneurs and citizen activists. says Kimberly Brooks, ceo of Lightray. The outcome was an elegant, timeless design that could contain the scope of Normans work with subtly.”
Defending the Environment, Democracy and The American Way | view site
Lightray launches RobertFKennedyJr.com, in collaboration with the launch of Stopglobalwarming.org (also a Lightray designed site.) The new site acts to promote the causes that RFK Jr. tirelessly fights for, as well as his writing, multiple books, and affiliations. RFK Jr’s articles frequently appear in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Washington Post to name a few.
“Mr. Kennedy needed online platform for him to aggregate and promote his work and his message – in way that reached a main stream audience. says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director. It was important that the design visually synthesize and emphasize the connection between environmentalism and Democratic values.”
Fighting to raise awareness and stop global climate change | view site
Lightray launches a new website for academy award winning author, and producer Laurie David. In 2005 Laurie founded the Stop Global Warming Virtual March at www.stopglobalwarming.org with Senator John McCain and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. In addition she produced the award winning Inconvient Truth, and has written 2 best selling books.
“Laurie through her website, books and films has played a lead role in raising awareness about global warming.” says Jessica Thompson Lightray Creative Director. “Lightrays’ goal was to create a site where Laurie that could showcase all the campaigns and causes she is devoted to without being overpowering. The result is a understated site that lets her work speak for itself.”
