The publishing industry has long been regarded as a gatekeeper of narratives, shaping cultural perspectives and influencing the stories we read. However, a closer examination of industry statistics reveals a concerning lack of diversity within its ranks. From the representation of authors to editors, agents, and executives, marginalized communities continue to face barriers that hinder their presence and contributions. Let us delve into the data and shed light on this issue. Representation of Authors One glaring aspect of the diversity gap lies in the representation of authors. According to a recent study by the Cooperative Children's Book Center, only a...
[BLOG] eBooks Are the Future
I once had the extreme pleasure of meeting Dawnn Lewis about seven or eight years ago. You may remember her as "Jaleesa" from "A Different World", Robin from "Hangin' Wit' Mr. Cooper", or even Cheryl from "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka", but if you're a super nerd like me, you also know her as the voice of "LaBarbara" on "Futurama", which had me extra "fan stupid" when it came time to meet her. [caption id="attachment_5371" align="alignright" width="165"] Chatting with Dawnn Lewis after her speech.[/caption] Yes, I LOVE when Black women do voice-over acting. They hold a very special place in...
[BLOG] Is Your Manuscript Ready for Submission? 10 Rules to Know About Standard Manuscript Formatting
There are many common mistakes that authors make which result in their manuscripts getting rejected. Yes, you will read everywhere about the staggering odds you must overcome to be accepted by a traditional publisher; but oftentimes it's the author sabotaging themselves before they have a chance to even face those odds.I - along with many other publishers, editors, and agents - have read hundreds, if not thousands of manuscripts. So far, the most frequent error I see regarding manuscripts isn't regarding whether it's good or not - it's that the work they submit is not in standard manuscript format. I'm...
[BLOG] Before Seeking A Publisher, Should You Copyright Your Work?
This question arises constantly and with the rise of the "digital age", more and more authors worry about the risks of their work being stolen. Knowing your rights and how to navigate using them is what sets the pros apart from the newbies. While others may disagree, I am a strong believer that you should get your work copyrighted as soon as you've completed it. I debate this constantly with people online, and stand by my affirmation: protect your work. We live in the Internet age now. While there are many reputable people out there, an equal amount of not-so-trustworthy...
[BLOG] Tips To Keep Your Writing Sharp
Join writing groups. Even online ones. It's important to stay active and engage with other writers. Writing can be a lonely profession, and it's good to have the support of like-minded people around you. Remember to find your tribe, engage with them, and love what they contribute to your writing. It always feels great to have people in your corner who understand your woes as a writer. Take writing classes. There are many free classes out there online but here's a bit of advice: if you're an experienced writer, use them only to challenge yourself. Why? Because you get what...
[BLOG] 5 Reasons To Publish Your First Book As An eBook
Considering the explosive rise of eBook popularity, it's unfortunate that so many authors fail to utilize this lucrative path of publishing. It's truly the best way for an author to build a platform at little-to-no cost. Unaware of the benefits that eBook publishing carries, many authors have wasted thousands on a print run, only to wail in agony as they find themselves overwhelmed by boxes of books that aren't selling fast enough… have errors… or are damaged. Thankfully, the eBook method of publishing has helped many authors avoid this anguish. An eBook offers just as much publishing credibility as a...
[BLOG] Common Publishing Scams To Avoid
Unfortunately, sharks and vultures exist in every aspect of the business world, and the publishing world is no different. They circle new, unsuspecting authors dangerously, plotting how they can use your naiveté to unfairly squeeze thousands of dollars out of you. While there are a lot of honest, ethical people in the publishing business, there are just as many crooked ones, and the best way to protect yourself from them is through two ways: 1) arm yourself with more knowledge about the publishing world (especially self-publishing), and 2) know how to identify the scams. The Internet is littered with companies...
[BLOG] Top 5 Things To NEVER Say To A Publisher
As you continue on this exciting path of publishing, you'll find that if you network properly, you're going to have the pleasure of finding yourself meeting and being surrounded by slews of authors, professional experts, and inspirational people who have overcome amazing odds. When I was actively publishing other authors, much of my networking was done in person, and the moment people found out they were in the presence of a publisher, I would hear the same thing: THEM: What do you do for a living? ME: I run my own publishing house, Taevo Publishing. THEM: You're a publisher? Wow!...