Mainstream publishing isn't an option for everyone who wants to write a book. Thankfully, there are many ways for independent creatives to produce their own book-length work and distribute it to the masses.
The process isn't an easy one, and many find it difficult to navigate. Jouelzy, a lifestyle vlogger who released her own book, Send it On, in 2014, has generously provided her thoughts on what aspiring authors need to know to self-publish books.
She crams a lot of information about designing, editing, and selling self-published books into the short video, but it's well worth the watch.
Marley Dias started a book drive to collect stories that centered Black girls that look like her and became a national story. She stopped by The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore to talk a little bit more about the project.
Marley, clearly an astute reader, said she got the idea when she noticed that all the books about white boys she read, Where the Red Fern Grown, Shiloh, and Old Yeller, had disconcertingly similar plots.
She told Larry why it's so important to read stories about people you can relate to. "Like you host a tv show," she explained. "If you were to read a story about a Black man who hosts a tv show, then you'd remember whatever he learned, so you could use it on the show."
Her favorite book? Jacqueline Woodson's National Book Award-winning Brown Girl Dreaming .
Representation matters. When Ameka Ali, founder of Higher Mind Apps, noticed the lack of female heroines in children’s literature, she was moved to create Ameka Love, an interactive picture book app series for children ages 3-10.
Healthy Roots is a doll and book series that combats internalized racism and colorism by adding diversity to the world of children's books and and providing education to young girls of color.
The Ma’Ati is a novel and travel web-magazine hybrid inspired by the legend of a magical nation of nomads. Founding editor Shamira Muhammad created the Ma’Ati nation out of her desire to see the soul of exploration personified.
Thessalonika Arzu-Embry, 16, earned her master’s degree this year. The Chicago native's degree is in strategic foresight and organizational leadership through an online program offered by Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Ahyiana Angel is an up-and-coming author, gearing up for the release of her debut novel, “Preseason Love.” A former publicist for the NBA, Ahyiana decided to chart a new course for herself by pursuing her dream of becoming a writer. Not only did the achieve that dream, but she did it with no prior publishing experience. She was able to have best-selling author Zane’s publishing imprint, Strebor Books, back the novel. For Harriet writer Amber Wright caught up with Ahyiana to hear more about her inspiring story and get the scoop on her salacious new novel.
to encourage Black parents, in particular, to explore alternative methods to disciplining children.
The book traces the history of the White House garden and community garden's across the country. Listen to what Mrs. Obama had to say about the venture and pick up a copy of