Crowded Airport when a woman exclaimed “I love your colors”. Adorned in summer colors, I replied crazy, right? Ahhh vibrancy she chirped. Vibrancy.
I leaned over and whispered back with a smile “vibrancy” and walked on.
I thought of that interface with a complete stranger. Such simple passerby exchange yet amicable. It left me thinking about perspective. It’s late evening and I’m taking the last flight out. I Only wanted to take a carryon to my out of state meeting so I placed the hot yellow necklace around my neck. Added the orange shoes with a red pants. But I’m known for that. I do things others are afraid to do, all with a purpose… my purpose to take one bag (smile)
How about you? Do you do things that perturb others leaving them wondering… could that be me? Do share. We would love to hear.
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.
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!
As humans, we die, but Books Live on Forever, culturally and intellectually enriching the lives of future generations.
– Ralph Hogges
2024’s Collection of poems, writings and gleanings from The Hogges, Cowins, & Smiley South Florida Writers of Color, literary Magazine shown in the link below.
Empowering Women’s Ascent. A great event for sisters, friends or colleagues to boost your self esteem, increase your knowledge, set goals, become assertive, practice self-care and more. The Writers Group of South Florida’s upcoming Women’s Empowerment event promises to be inspiring and an event not to be missed. It will be held at the West Regional Library Broward Boulevard, Plantation, Florida on Saturday, September 28.
Attendees will be inspired by thought provoking topics including:
Women in Leadership: Empowering Women to rise into leadership roles to reach their full potential
Learn the Challenges women face and the strategies to overcome
Breakthrough: Transitioning from Burnout to Balance helping driven women and busy moms transform their thinking and redefine balance in their lives
Achieving Financial Independence: Enabling women to gain control of their financial futures and becoming financially secure.
The event will be cemented by an exciting Panel Discussion with Founder, VP Records and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Patricia Chin (Miss Pat).
Other guest speakers include Dr. Susan Davis, Attorney Asiah Wolfolk Manning, The Sisters and yours truly, Dr. Shelly.
This empowerment event promises to be great. In South Florida? Plan to attend and if you’re not, we will revert with all the Deets post event.
If you want the present to be different from the past, study the past.
Baruch Spinoza
The question was asked“Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?” Here I share.
To shape the future, it requires focus to navigate the journey ahead. Looking back on the past is important to assess how far you have come. To be more clear, it is important to keep score. Looking back on the past year(s) help you to analyze your successes as well as those areas requiring possible improvement. At times there may be the need to make a u-turn.
It’s like sitting an exam. You reflect on the theoretical steps applied combined with the practical to gain the learning. Then sit the exam and receive a pass or ‘fail’. You then analyze next steps. You may need to resit the exam or some persons may choose to do a total revamp to make that giant leap towards achieving their goal.
Here’s hoping you will understand the need to look back to get ahead.
The 12 warning signs you might need a coach a stellar Rachel Turner share. A list you would be mad to miss:
You feel stuck. You feel stuck in your personal or professional life, unable to move forward.
Lack of clarity. You’re unsure about your goals or next steps in life.
Recurring negative patterns. You notice repeating negative patterns in your behavior or relationships.
Balance issues. You’re struggling to balance work, life, and personal commitments.
Decision paralysis. Making decisions feels overwhelming or impossible.
Low confidence. You often doubt yourself and your abilities.
Communication challenges. You find it difficult to communicate effectively in personal or professional settings.
Leadership struggles. You’re in a leadership role but feel out of your depth.
Chronic stress. Managing stress has become increasingly challenging.
Transitioning phases. You’re going through a significant life or career transition.
Seeking growth. You’re eager for personal or professional growth but don’t know where to start.
Lack of accountability. You find it hard to hold yourself accountable.
Here’s what a coach can do:
✨ Provide clarity in your chaos. ✨ Offer unbiased feedback. ✨ Help you identify and break negative patterns. ✨ Guide you through life’s transitions. ✨ Boost your decision-making skills. ✨ Elevate your leadership abilities.
Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your goals is you.
