Paving the way to publishing success: hard-won wisdom from authors who established their careers on the self-publishing platform

Black Issues Book Review, July-August, 2004 by Victoria Christopher Murray

It has often been said that if you want to be successful, do what successful people do. Many authors who began their careers by self-publishing are going on to produce national best-sellers for mainstream publishers. All would agree that they acquired hard-won wisdom in self-publishing that could benefit the many other authors who want to go mainstream or just to be successful as independent publishers. So take notes--this kind of information from this group of authors is worth a lot of money!

Kimberla Lawson Roby

Self-Pub debut: Behind Closed Doors, January 1997 Latest book: Too Much of a Good Thing, William Morrow, January 2004 $23.95, ISBN 0-060-56849-6:

Research the publishing industry and read The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter (Para Publishing, 12th edition, March 2000) before you-self publish. Make sure you are eager to promote your work daily.

Omar Tyree, a.k.a. The Urban Griot

Self-Pub debut: Colored, On White Campus, October 1992 Latest book: Cold Blooded, Simon & Schuster, August 2004, $12.00 ISBN 0-743-26190-9:

When I self-published ten years ago, I had zero marketing dollars. So I made sure my cover art was popping. I wanted folks on buses and subways to ask the name of the book they saw someone reading. It worked.

Parry "Ebony Satin" Brown

Self-Pub debut: The Shirt Off His Back, December 1998 Latest book: Fannin' the Flames One World/Ballantine, June 2004 $21.95, ISBN 0-345-46907-0:

Be consumed with commitment. Sell books like your contract depends on it, because it does. A mainstream book den in no way means you can relax.

Travis Hunter

Self-Pub debut: The Hearts of Men January 2000; Latest book: A One Woman Man, One World/Ballantine June 2004, $22.95, ISBN 0-375-50896-1:

Write what is true to your heart. Don't jump on trends or what is hot right now. Get an editor before you submit your work.

Brenda L. Thomas

Self-Pub debut: Threesome, Where Seduction, Power and Basketball Collide, November 2001

Latest book: Fourplay ... The Dance of Sensuality, Pocket Books, April 2004 $12.00, ISBN 0-743-47727-8:

Don't rush the process. Do your research, as this is not a get-rich-quick scheme! You will not be able to quit your job, buy a luxury car and sit back on the riches of your self-published book. It's hard work!

Marissa Monteilh

Self-Pub debut: May December Souls, December 2000 Latest book: Hot Boyz, Avon, May 2004 $13.95, ISBN 0-060-59094-7:

Be prepared to work just as hard at promoting even after you land that mainstream deal.

Nicole Bailey-Williams

Self-Pub debut: A Little Piece of Sky July 2000; Latest book: Floating Harlem Moon/Broadway, April 2004 $10.95, ISBN 0-767-91564-X:

Save the addresses of every bookstore that allows you to come in and sign, then send thank-yous.

Victoria Christopher Murray is a BIBR contributing editor and author of Truth Be Told: A Novel (Touchstone Books, July 2004).