Last month a self published author who now has a writing contract for two presses spoke at my writing workshop. After reading and reviewing her first novel, I was appalled at the fact that she wasn’t signed until after she sold her self-published copies. Yet, when I peruse the aisles of Books-A-Million and the public library, I see countless books by non African American women authors that are not as well-written as this author’s work. So I posed this question to a few author friends, and I would love to hear from you in the discussion room.
Why are so many African American women authors self -publishing?
Moody Holiday: I like self-publishing because it is very much a part of my personality which is not waiting for anyone to define the who, what, where and why of this business. Although marketing to major chains has its drawbacks, I love having creative control. I think many sisters out there are taking charge and defining their career paths in the manner they see fit. Don't get me wrong, our men are doing it too and I'm all for it. I just finished reading and reviewing Antoine "Inch" Thomas book, Flower's Bed. It's raw, edgy and pretty controversial. Like his female counterparts, it's flying off the shelves here in Newark and he found an audience so more power to him! I encourage more newbies to go the same route... Don't wait, take charge and do something. Moody @ www.moodyholiday.com
Lyzzye: We are self publishing because we believe in our work, if no one else believes in us, if doors shut we still have to believe in what we write. I write about abuse of women and children. If one woman reads my book and decides to get out of an abusive home I still win. I write about what I know because I lived it for twenty-two years. I have given books to women and by word of mouth others have purchased my book. The big agents are not beating paths to our doors but for the love of what we do; we keep on doing it.
Linda Dominique Grosvenor, best selling author: Most first books are semi-autobiographical at best, so I'm thinking that's why so many AA women writers are out there are writing the same stories. So they must self-publishing because the publishers are getting too many of the same kinds of stories.
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