From health to wealth: when mainstream publishers turned away these non-fiction writers, they decided to do-it-themselves - self publishing - Brief Article

Black Issues Book Review, Jan-Feb, 2002 by Victoria Christopher Murray

Self-published titles--from urban romance novels to science fiction--fill the shelves of independent African-American bookstores and major book retailers. And while fiction titles currently dominate, nonfiction works are making their way to the top of book-buyers lists. Self-published books that focus on health issues--both physical and mental--are a growing segment of the self-publishing market. Many of these nonfiction writers turned away from mainstream publishers after the houses expressed little interest in health-related books aimed at the African-American community. As a result, a number of health specialists decided to bring these important medical issues directly to African-American readers by publishing their own works.

Dr. J. Tyrone Alfred is something of a pioneer, having first published his book Medical Handbook for the Layman in 1969, when self-publishing was a rarity. "There were so many issues I wanted to take to African Americans, primarily the need for preventive medicine," says Dr. Alfred, who received his medical degree from Howard University. "Obviously, I knew that if we could put the emphasis on preventive medicine, we could reduce the incidence of certain diseases."

The idea seemed like a marketable one to the doctor, but he couldn't find anyone in publishing that agreed with him. After months of trying to pitch the book to publishers, Dr. Alfred's wife suggested that they publish it themselves. "We were the only believers," she adds. So they published Medical Handbook for the Layman on their own, and designed it as a guide with basic information about diseases, their causes and preventive care in a format that was easy to read and understand. Over the years, the book has sold more than 20,000 copies through word-of-mouth. In 1999, the couple signed with Milligan Books to gain wider distribution, though the self-publishing route hasn't been that easy.

Like the Alfreds, Dr. Edwin T. Johnson, a retired general surgeon and author of Breast Cancer/Black Women had a similar experience. "I was determined to get this information regarding breast cancer to black women because the incidence of breast cancer among African Americans is much greater than the general population."

Initially, Dr. Johnson tried to sell his book idea to mainstream publishers. But while there was some interest in his proposal, by the time the publishers had finished with their suggestions, he didn't recognize his own work. Dr. Johnson did the only thing he could do--he published the book himself.

"The incidence of breast cancer in African American women before age 40 is so high, and no one else is talking about it," says Dr. Johnson. "This is crucial research that I had to share." Providing that information was the first step, he says. Once women were aware, they're able to take appropriate steps in maintaining good health.

Breast Cancer/Black Women is designed to provide specific medical information, but in a thoughtful, clear way. Written in language that is entertaining and informative, the book includes chapters entitled "A Case for Sherlock Holmes," which covers how to detect breast cancer, and the "Fickle Finger of Fate" about who is more likely to get breast cancer. With kudos from LaSalle Leffall, past president of the American Cancer Society, San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and others, Dr. Johnson has sold thousands of books, and is now writing the second edition.

After three years of research, getting the best information and incorporating it into her own life, Dr. Denise Davis decided to publish her book Health, Wellness and Restoration: The Complete Guide For Restoring Your Health the Natural Way.

"This was my story, and I wanted to share it," says the practicing obstetrician/ gynecologist. She published the book without even considering the mainstream publishing route. "I wanted to keep the book in-house so that I could maintain the integrity," says Dr. Davis. "I wanted to deliver the information in a specific manner. So I self-published."

The results have been impressive. Health, Wellness and Restoration has sold over 10,000 copies--all through word-of-mouth. Dr. Davis focuses on three components in the book: nutrition, exercise, and skin care, blending the traditional and holistic methods that she promotes in her book, while providing unusual facts and information that readers may not be aware of. The book includes information on vitamins and minerals, how to reduce pain, including arthritis, and a wealth of medical advice.

"At 45, I look younger than I did at 26," says Dr. Davis, and she has the pictures on her Web site to prove it. The book is designed for virtually all ages--9 through 99--and is available in a hardbound edition and in large-type print. (For more information, contact Dr. Davis at www.healthwellrest.com.)

For information on Medical Handbook for the Layman by Dr. Alfred, contact Milligan Books at www.MilliganBooks.com. Dr. Johnson can be contacted at www.breastcancerblackwomen.org for information about Breast Cancer/Black Women.