Today, we spotlight indie author Emelle Henry, who self-published her debut novel, The Half Sister.
Congratulations on your debut novel, The Half Sister. Your book was a finalist for American Book Fest Award; that’s exciting. Please share how this came about.
After I self-published my book, my best friend sent me a link to American Book Fest to compete in the 2019 Best Book Awards. I entered The Half Sister in two categories—Women’s Fiction and African American Fiction. I wasn’t the winner of the Best Book Award, but my book placed as a finalist in the African American Fiction category.
The Half Sister is self-published. What made you choose to self-publish instead of going with a traditional publisher? Did you try and land a publishing deal? If so, please share this journey.
I researched traditional and self-publishing via books, YouTube, as well as asking other authors their take on the subject. After consulting a successful author, I chose to self-publish. She told me “Why give a company your money when you basically have to self-promote your book anyway?”
What challenges did you face self-publishing and how did you overcome them?
Editing and launching the book were the bulk of my problems. I hired an awesome editor. Once my book was published a few of my readers received the book before I did. When I received my copy there were no page numbers, the format was off, and there was a conversation between me and my editor in the book. I was horrified. I went back and forth about it for days. I made the corrections, which shaved off one hundred pages, and now I feel so much better.
Will you self-publish your second novel, The Best Brother?
I am definitely self-publishing it. I’m not perfect, but it feels good to produce authentic work unscathed by other people’s opinions. However, If I get a publishing deal that makes me the victor, I may go the traditional route.
Share with us your writing process for penning a novel.
My process starts with an idea for a story. I map it out with an outline and character development for the main characters. Everything else kind of falls into place from there. I don’t watch television or read unless I have a severe case of writer’s block. I set writing goals. When achieved, I binge-watch something on Netflix or go to the movies.
Do you only write books, or do you do other writing as well (e.g., blog, articles, etc.)?
At the moment I only write books. I plan on starting a podcast in the near future!
How do you use social media for book marketing?
I currently use Twitter, Instagram, Bookbub, Wattpad, Goodreads, and Facebook to post and promote sales. I like Instagram the most. I use Twitter and Bookbub the least. I recently promoted a post by paying for an ad. It went well. I now have more people reading the Kindle version of my book because of the ad.
Being a woman of color in the book industry, do you find support or a lack thereof?
I am not sure if I can answer the question fairly as I am just getting started. I will say that by the looks of it, other nonethnic writers have extremely large support systems when it comes to the industry. They have more resources, events, festivals, followers, and readers that are engaged with their projects. Living in Colorado, I’ve seen so many writing events, but none catered specifically to writers or readers of color. I reached out to a particular writing group for women of color but there hasn’t been a response. But I’ve gotten responses from East Coast groups.
How do you plan to stay empowered in 2020?
I am not going to give up on myself or my projects. Becoming an author has been a longtime dream. I love the space and work mode that I’m in. It affords me the will to be more productive and creative with my writing. This year I plan to attend more writers’ retreats. Connecting with more bookstore owners is on my agenda as well. I recently met with Atlanta’s Medu Bookstore owner, Sister Nia. Her words of encouragement empowered me to do the best for myself and my brand.
What book is currently on your nightstand?
I am currently reading Dear Haiti, Love Alaine, by Maika and Maritza Moulite.
Who is your favorite author?
I love me a good ole Beverly Jenkins tale.
Being a writer can often get lonely. How do you network with other writers (on and offline)?
I follow several writers on all my social media platforms. I will post a comment on a writer’s post in a heartbeat. I also send direct messages or emails, if necessary. I’ve asked a few writers to join me in book marketing campaigns and conferences. I enjoy seeing other writers achieve their goals just as much as I do for myself.
What goals do you hope to accomplish within the next three to six months?
The Audible version of my book is in production. I also reached out to a producer to make music for my podcast. I intend on starting the podcast at the beginning of the year. I also would like to self-publish my next book, The Best Brother, at the same time.
How did you spend your New Year’s?
I celebrated my accomplishments. I’ve worked really hard these past few months with little to no self-rewarding breaks. I am preparing for a trip to Bahrain at the end of January. I can’t wait to turn up!
** 5 Minute Q&A with a Curvy Virgo **
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Lift my hand to the sky and say, “Thank you Father; I stretch my hand to thee, no other help I know.”
What would you tell your twenty-one-year-old self?
Hey Beautiful! Keep on moving, the best is yet to come!
If you could invite any woman to dinner who would it be?
Hannah Jones Smalls, the wife of American businessman and politician Robert Smalls.
Best advice you have received . . .
Treat others as you want to be treated. Karma is real. I used to train people to answer calls on a domestic violence hotline. I would tell them, “Act as if it’s you on the other end of the line and save yourself.” Give yourself all the resources you need to make the best decisions.
Life motto you live by . . .
The energy you give is the energy you will get. Protect your energy. There are broken people out there waiting to drain your light bulb down to its very last compound!
Kudos to Emelle for turning her passion into profit.
Happy Reading!
Related articles: