Guest Post 001 | Writer Beware

I entered the literary industry in 2006. I knew absolutely nothing. All I had was a brand new Dell laptop and an AOL account with the screen name, DotComDiva. I wanted to publish my first manuscript, NIGGA PLEASE but scrapped the project because of the title (Who knew that title would be acceptable in 2016). I always had been fascinated with relationships so I decided to write a story about how dysfunctional females could be. I did not know what to do next so I posted questions in various discussion groups. Shortly thereafter I published with Iuniverse and for $1800, I got 30 “free” books and four reviews on Amazon.

Unhappy with my debut novel’s experience, I then spent endless hours spent trying to figure out how to self-publish properly. I asked many that I thought were educated on the subject only to find out that they were just as clueless as I was. It was the blind leading the blind. I did not know any better so went on to publish several anthologies with LuLu.

It wasn’t until 2009 and took a step back and started to really research instead asking different people a bunch of different questions. I put forth an action and did the extensive leg work myself that ended with me getting the right answers to lastly self-publish the correct way.

Today, I observe many writers who were just like me on Facebook asking questions and being misguided. I see the same ones come back mad that they were taken advantage of and money wasted. These bumps in the road could have been prevented if many would get off their ass and do the work instead of relying on others…who do not know what to do either.

The internet is a gift and a curse so many can “pretend” online. Google is your friend. Checking references is a must and if it does not sound right nine times out of ten it is not right. Do not waste your time and or money being led by Ray Charles…

- Kisha Green

Kisha Green is an Author and Publisher who has a passion for writing and sharing her witty personality with many through social media. For more info about Kisha, visit her website and you can also follow her on Twitter, @KishaGreen.