Welcome to my Blog! I’m Sharlrita DeLoach, a blogger, author, and self-publishing expert. In today’s blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through my path from aspiring author to where I am today. If you’re interested in self-publishing tips and personal stories, be sure to  subscribe to this blog and each time I upload a new blog you will receive a email. 

My First Steps into Publishing

My publishing journey began with my first book, “The Apple of His Eye,” in 2017. This book was part of an anthology, an exciting opportunity that allowed me to dip my toes into the world of writing. But, I had actually published my own book in 2016, “From Felon to Favor,” which I shared my personal story as a convicted felon in North Carolina. While it was just a short story, it marked my first solo project.

Venturing into Entrepreneurship

As a convicted felon, I faced limited job opportunities, pushing me to explore entrepreneurship. The online space, particularly during the rise of Facebook in 2016 and 2017, presented itself as an ideal platform. This led me to discover the world of anthologies and book writing, eventually inspiring me to establish my own book publishing company, BWE Publishing and Consulting.

The Struggles I Faced

Like many new authors, I encountered several challenges on my journey. One major hurdle was book marketing. In the content-driven era we’re in, I realized that effective book marketing was vital for success. Another challenge was defining my target audience. Participating in multiple anthologies, I neglected to thoroughly plan my book’s impact in my brand and business. Finally, I struggled with writing books with the intention to market them effectively. While I’ve since learned the ropes, I wish I had known this from the start.

The Power of Self-Publishing

So, why did I choose self-publishing? It all boils down to one word: CONTROL. Self-publishing allowed me to maintain control over every aspect of my publishing journey. I determined the book’s content, cover design, pricing, and marketing strategies. In contrast, traditional publishing often requires authors to adhere to the publisher’s timeline and decisions.

My Biggest Lesson

Throughout my journey, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of publishing more books. In today’s fast-paced world, shorter books can capture readers’ attention, and consistently putting yourself out there as an expert in your field is key to success.

 In 2023, my journey has led me to a place where I’m excited to focus on self-publishing my own books, including upcoming series like “My Power Publishing Secret.” My journey from aspiring author to self-publishing success has been a rollercoaster, filled with lessons and challenges. If you’re considering entering the world of publishing and writing, remember the importance of planning, taking control of your destiny, and taking action. Your potential is limitless, and self-publishing can offer you the freedom to chart your own course in the literary world. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own publishing adventure.