Starting here, starting now: the basics of getting your book into print

Black Issues Book Review, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Wayne Dawkins

WRITER LEARNED FROM CRITICS

Fire and Brimstone by Laurinda D. Brown Creative Enterprises, Inc., March 2001 $14.95, ISBN 0-971-00190-1 Republished this year by Strebor Books

Laurinda D. Brown is a full-time grant and policy writer who lives with her two daughters in Hampton Roads, Virginia. She is a Memphis, Tennessee, native and graduate of Howard University's English Department. Brown turned her back on corporate America to complete a four-year labor of love that she entitled UnderCover. The publishing rights to Brown's books Fire and Brimstone (March 2004) and UnderCover (October 2004) have since been acquired by Strebor Books.

"I self-published because [ had grown tired of the rejection letters from agents and publishing houses. I knew there was a market for the type of fiction I was writing.

"A surprise to me in publishing was the number of people that actually took the time to notice my errors. People are very critical of a writer wire hasn't taken the time to do a spell check or to proofread. I was slightly offended at first, but I got over it quickly and took the constructive criticism to the next level.

"The biggest challenge for me is never having enough money to promote myself adequately. There are so many creative things I'd like to do with my signings, but the money just isn't there. Running right along with that is the number of bookstores that have a total disregard for paying self-published writers. Being able to be a resource for people who are interested in writing books has been the greatest joy.

"My best friend, Charlotte, is my right hand woman. She is the one who picked up the self-publishing book and read it after I put it down. I got tired of reading it, because I felt that I'd never finish and that it seemed to be just another obstacle for me in getting my book out. Her patience and her dedication to seeing those books in print have truly paid off. She did the proofing and editing. Charlotte also contacted typesetters, found reasonable printers, and even orchestrated the cover designs. I found that you don't need five or six people running things to take a book from start to finish. She's found talents she didn't know she had, and I have found that my specialty is simply writing."

BOOKS ON CREATING BOOKS

The African American Writer's Handbook: How to Get in Print and Stay in Print

by Robert Fleming, One World/Banantine April 2000, $12., ISBN 0-345-42327-5

This is "a how-to primer with a hint of soul," writes Fleming, and his claim is credible. There are solid how-to instructions like other books, and his includes sections on the legacy of African American literature and author profiles of legendary authors. There is a section on self-publishing.

The African-American Writer's Guide to Successful Self-Publishing: Marketing, Distribution, Publicity, the Internet ... Crafting and Selling Your Book

by Takesha Powell, Amber Books, June 2004, $14.95, ISBN 0-972-75197-1

Powell, a former Jive/Intimacy magazine editor and self-published author, wrote,"If writing is your passion, I've detailed everything you need to know about the process of starting, finishing and selling your book." Powell offers a 10-step plan for successful writing and publishing. This book also lists African American bookstores, book publishers, distributors/wholesalers, black newspapers and editorial resources.