Are you a writer with a story burning to be told, but feeling overwhelmed by the traditional publishing maze? Listen to this electrifying workshop facilitated by Dr. Shelly Cameron on behalf of Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library. The tips and tricks will transform your publishing dreams from wishful thinking to strategic action.
In this game-changing discussion, you’ll discover the exact blueprint successful self-published authors use to launch their books, build their audience, and generate real income. We’ll pull back the curtain on the traditional vs self-publishing industry, revealing insider strategies that most writers never learn—from choosing the right platforms and mastering digital formatting to marketing techniques that actually sell books. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer looking to take control of your publishing journey, this session promises to equip you with practical, immediately actionable insights. Stop waiting for someone else to validate your story. Listen and Learn how to become the author you’ve always dreamed of being—on your own terms, with your own power. Don’t miss your chance to revolutionize your writing career.
Key Insights: Publishing Questions from Authors You Must Know
Many questions were asked throughout the presentation. Here are a 14.
Should you use Ai for Book cover designs?
Are authors required to let readers know that you used Ai?
What is the full marketing potential for a book?
How do you translate a book into another language?
How do you negotiate speaking fees for your book?
Are there any supporting groups to guide on how to format books on KDP?
How can you hire someone to help with publishing?
I’m doing away with writing the Foreword or comments on back of book. What’s the trend?
Do you have resources to look for the audiobooks?
How much can editors charge for beginner writers?
How do you copyright a book?
How do you find someone to edit your work?
How can I get more exposure for sales other than amazon?
Do I have to be a published author to be an editor?
If you’re interested in publishing your book, listen to the presentation and accompanying responses. If you need help, we are passionate about publishing. Reach out for help today and realize your publishing dream!
Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give. ~William Arthur Ward
Are you a writer living from paycheck to paycheck? Do you want to take that dream vacation but your pocket dictates otherwise? You may just want to purchase that long desired goal but can’t seem to come up with the funds. Well, why not try to boost your income creatively? Here are 10 methods that can turn your talent into money in a flash (legally of course – yikes)!
1.Freelance Writing Platforms
Sign up for sites like:
Upwork
Fiverr
Freelancer
PeoplePerHour Start with blog posts, bios, product descriptions, or email copy. Quick turnaround = faster pay.
2. Offer Resume & Cover Letter Services
Tons of people need help polishing their resumes. You can charge $50–$200+ depending on your expertise.
3. Sell Digital Products
Create and sell templates (journals, planners, ebook templates) on Etsy or Gumroad.
If you’ve already written a book, turn it into a workbook or checklist.
4. Pitch Articles
Submit articles to platforms that pay per piece:
Medium (via Partner Program)
Narratively
The Bold Italic
Listverse
Cracked Some pay $100+ for accepted content.
5. GHOSTWRITING
Offer ghostwriting for blog posts, social media captions, or even eBooks. It’s in high demand, especially for coaches and small businesses.
6. Edit or Proofread
Writers are great editors! Offer fast-turnaround proofreading on Fiverr or Facebook groups.
7. Write LinkedIn Profiles or Bios
Professionals always need help optimizing their online presence.
8. Transcribe Audio for Creators or Podcasters
Great for fast typers. Websites like Rev or TranscribeMe pay per audio minute.
9. Offer Email Newsletter Setup / Writing
Many small biz owners want to start newsletters but don’t know where to begin.
10. Monetize a Blog or Substack Fast
Offer a mix of free content and a paid tier with extra goodies (writing tips, coaching, behind-the-scenes, etc.).
Did any of the above spark your interest to boost your earning potential? Any missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.
Listening to the dulcet tones of a familiar voice is an appealing way to work our way through those books we’ve always meant to get around to, but haven’t.– Clare Thorp
You have written your book! Took it a step further and did the audiobook. Now what do you do? How do you get it into the hands of listeners? The options listed may help.
1. Audible (an Amazon company)
What they do: Industry leader in audiobook publishing and distribution.
Also produces: Audible Originals (exclusive content).
New and aspiring writers are curious about the publishing process. As a foundation, it is important to understand the basic advantages and disadvantages of each. These two infographics were prepared as a comparative analysis to help writers understand each especially when navigating the agent-publisher-author relationship.
Here’s hoping it will clarify any confusion associated with the process and help new authors make informed decisions.
Which have you used? Traditional, Self-Publishing, or a combination of both. Do share, we would love to hear.
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:
Toni Morrison – While primarily known for her traditionally published works, she self-published her first novel “The Bluest Eye” before gaining wider recognition
Terry McMillan – Initially self-published her debut novel “Mama” before securing a publisher for subsequent works
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
Alexandria House – Found success self-publishing contemporary romance novels featuring Black characters
Kristen Ashley – Built a dedicated following through self-publishing her romance novels before signing with traditional publishers
Brenda Jackson – Pioneer in African American romance who began with self-publishing before becoming a New York Times bestseller
Alyssa Cole – Initially self-published her diverse romance novels before becoming an award-winning author
K.M. Jackson – Self-published romance author who found success writing diverse contemporary stories
Nikki Turner – Self-published her first urban fiction novel before becoming known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Fiction”
Beverly Jenkins – Started self-publishing historical romances featuring Black characters when traditional publishers showed little interest
Sister Souljah – Self-published “The Coldest Winter Ever” which became a groundbreaking street lit phenomenon
Nnedi Okorafor – Self-published some of her early Africanfuturist works before winning multiple prestigious awards
Kiini Ibura Salaam – Award-winning speculative fiction writer who self-published collections of her short stories
Octavia Butler – Though mostly known for her traditionally published works, she self-published some early stories
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.
“Writing is a process, a journey into memory and the soul.”
Isabel Allende
Award-Winning Storyteller and Journalist Sharon Gordon published her debut novel Sheribaby and started off with a bang! Introverts may not be as purposeful due to shyness. They are reserved and avoid putting themselves ‘out there’ for the world to see them and their author life.
That said, here are 15 women authors who found significant success through self-publishing:
Amanda Hocking – Became a millionaire by self-publishing her paranormal romance novels before signing with a traditional publisher
E.L. James – Initially self-published “Fifty Shades of Grey” as fan fiction before it became a global phenomenon
Colleen Hoover – Self-published her debut novel “Slammed” before becoming a #1 New York Times bestselling author
Rachel Abbott – One of the UK’s most successful self-published authors with her thriller novels
Lindsay Buroker – Found success with her Emperor’s Edge fantasy series and numerous other works
Bella Forrest – Self-published the phenomenally successful “A Shade of Vampire” series
H.M. Ward – Romance author who sold millions of copies of her self-published works
Jasinda Wilder – Self-published numerous bestselling romance novels before signing a traditional deal
Vi Keeland – Initially self-published her romance novels before becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller
Penny Reid – Built a successful career with her self-published romantic comedies
Rupi Kaur – Self-published her poetry collection “Milk and Honey” which became a worldwide bestseller
Sierra Simone – Found success with her provocative romance novels
Sarina Bowen – Award-winning romance author who began her career self-publishing
L.J. Shen – Romance author who built a massive following through self-publishing
Many of these authors began self-publishing when traditional routes weren’t available to them. They remained independent even after achieving success. Several eventually signed traditional publishing deals after demonstrating their commercial appeal through self-publishing
Need help to get over your fear of leveling up to achieve your goal of being a published author? Let these women inspire you. Have you or someone you know stepped out and achieved success? Do share. We would love to hear.
Absolutely thrilled to announce that Sharon Gordon’s debut book “Sheribaby is NOW AVAILABLE!
Journalist Sharon, is the talented 2025 Award winning Storyteller and niece of beloved Jamaica’s Singer Songwriter Beresford Hammond.
I met Sharon a decade ago when Reggae music matriarch Miss Patricia Chin, hosted my Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders book event at VP Records, New York.
It’s been such an honor to guide Sharon through the book publishing journey – from connecting her with Raquel, the perfect editor for her genre, to navigating publisher conversations and finally seeing her words in print.
Her dedication to the craft and willingness to embrace the publishing process made this success inevitable. This is why I do what I do!
Congratulations Sharon! Indeed, hard work pays off!
If you have been dreaming of becoming a published author but aren’t sure where to start, let Sharon’s journey inspire you. With the right guidance, YOUR story could be next on the shelves!
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face — Eleanor Roosevelt
Uncertainty and fear are common these days as both federal government and private sector battles with job security.
Government jobs once thought of as the most secure are now being eroded. Employees across the board are now forced to adapt quickly or be left behind.
In this video, Chris Daley, and I in my capacity of Certified Master leadership Coach, explore the emotional and practical challenges faced by workers who experience sudden, unexpected job loss. We share how professionals across various industries can arrive at work only to be told their positions had been eliminated—with little to no warning.
The video briefly examines:
📍The initial shock and emotional impact of unexpected termination
📍Common corporate practices that leave employees in the dark
📍Immediate financial concerns and survival strategies
📍The psychological journey from disbelief to acceptance
📍Practical steps to take after job loss.
Whether you’re currently dealing with sudden unemployment or want to prepare for corporate uncertainty, this video offers both emotional support and actionable advice for those facing one of life’s most challenging professional transitions.
If you or someone you know has been affected, DM to connect.
If you’re an employer or business leader who needs help with business transition, reach out today and get the help you need to do it the right way.
Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words. – Paul Engle
An evening of laughter, fun and cheer! Yes indeed, it was great ❤️ The Writers Group of South Florida Authors performed. Energy pumped, attendees became inspired, created and shared on-the-spot pieces.
Personally, it was an honor to have lead this initiative and to have read Poet Charmaine Allwood-Hanson’s piece “WE ARE THE CARIBBEAN”, written in recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month 2021.
An energizing event with promises of more to come.
Thanks fellow author and Poet, Dr. Susan Lycett Davis for the La Veranda venue referral. It was the perfect location to host this inaugural Open Mic event 🎙️
Aging is not for the weak. One day you wake up and realize that your youth is gone, but along with it, so go insecurity, haste, and the need to please… You learn to walk more slowly, but with greater certainty. You say goodbye without fear, and you cherish those who stay. Aging means letting go, it means accepting, it means discovering that beauty was never in our skin… but in the story we carry inside us.
Stop asking why they keep doing it and start asking why you keep allowing it.
Setting boundaries involves defining expectations and limits in relationship (Positive Psychology). Here are 5 characteristics to help balance your work/ life.
1. Self-Care Prioritization
Regular exercise
Quality sleep
Healthy nutrition
Meditation/stress management techniques
2. Boundaries Setting
Clear work-life separation
Learning to say no
Limiting overtime
Scheduling personal time
3. Professional Support
Discuss workload with supervisor
Seek workplace accommodations
Consider professional counseling
Join support groups
4. Mental Reset Techniques
Take regular breaks
Practice mindfulness
Use vacation days
Pursue hobbies outside work
5. Systematic Recovery
Identify stress triggers
Develop coping strategies
Regular mental health check-ins
Gradual lifestyle adjustments
Here’s hoping these tips will help you achieve your work / life balance goals.
