Success Stories: 15 Women of Color Who Self-Published

“A word after a word after a word is power.”

Margaret Atwood

The publishing process can be intimidating for an unknown writer. The traditional Agent-Publisher-Author relationship is hard. Rejection after rejection is common as Agents say ‘no’. Writers become discouraged and often give up. Manuscripts stay in the darkness of desk drawers for years.

As time has involved, so has the advent of self-publishing. Writers become bold and take advantage of their publishing plight. They make bold moves; step ahead, take the reins to achieve their publishing goal of becoming an author. With low budget and unplanned expenses, some cut corners and quality becomes compromised. Book covers are mediocre. Titles lack depth. Formatting is non-existent, which leads to the demise of some great manuscripts.

On the other hand, some writers step out, work hard, invest, learn the process, and viola! Success follows!

Self-Publishing Success

Here are 15 Authors of color who achieved significant success through self-publishing:

1. Toni Morrison – While primarily known for her traditionally published works, she self-published her first novel “The Bluest Eye” before gaining wider recognition
2. Terry McMillan – Initially self-published her debut novel “Mama” before securing a publisher for subsequent works
3. N.K. Jemisin – First self-published some of her fantasy work before becoming the first author to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel three years in a row
4. Alexandria House – Found success self-publishing contemporary romance novels featuring Black characters
5. Kristen Ashley – Built a dedicated following through self-publishing her romance novels before signing with traditional publishers
6. Brenda Jackson – Pioneer in African American romance who began with self-publishing before becoming a New York Times bestseller
7. Alyssa Cole – Initially self-published her diverse romance novels before becoming an award-winning author
8. K.M. Jackson – Self-published romance author who found success writing diverse contemporary stories
9. Nikki Turner – Self-published her first urban fiction novel before becoming known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Fiction”
10. Beverly Jenkins – Started self-publishing historical romances featuring Black characters when traditional publishers showed little interest
11. Sister Souljah – Self-published “The Coldest Winter Ever” which became a groundbreaking street lit phenomenon
12. Nnedi Okorafor – Self-published some of her early Africanfuturist works before winning multiple prestigious awards
13. Kiini Ibura Salaam – Award-winning speculative fiction writer who self-published collections of her short stories
14. Octavia Butler – Though mostly known for her traditionally published works, she self-published some early stories
15. Zane – Built an erotic fiction empire beginning with self-published works before launching her own publishing company

These authors demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial spirit and literary talent often creating space for Black women’s voices. This occurred at a time when traditional publishing wasn’t receptive to their work. Many of these women went on to sign traditional deals. Suffice it to say they proved their commercial viability through self-publishing. Others maintained independence throughout their careers.

Need help to get over your fear to make the leap? Let these women inspire your journey. Thoughts about any of these or other women of color who have experienced success? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!