Today we’d like to introduce you to Salina Jackson.
Hi Salina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
While writing and publishing my first book, I ran into many obstacles. Surprisingly, writing was the easy part; it was everything that came afterward that was hard work. To self-publish a book correctly you have to know about copyrights, ISBNs, the editing process, book cover design, publishing, and marketing. To publish traditionally, you need to know how to craft a captivating query letter, submit to agents, and be very, very, VERY patient. I’ve taken both routes. After submitting countless query letters and no doors opening for me, I decided to build my own door. I began publishing my own books as well as assisting others get their books in print and in the hands of readers. Throughout the years, I’ve unknowingly learned the many facets of publishing. After learning from mistakes, perfecting my craft, and building industry relationships, I decided to launch my own publishing company. Publishing a book on your own can be a confusing and tedious process. I compare it to a secret society. You hear people talking about it, but you don’t know where or how to find the right connections to get in. This leaves authors trying to pull resources out of thin air, with Google becoming their best friend.
The real problem is that there is no one-stop-shop for authors. Well, not until now. At RIA JAY Publishing, we think of authorship and publishing as seasonings. When you are making a delicious dish, would you go to one cabinet to grab salt, to the neighbor to get pepper, and then to the store to get garlic powder in the middle of cooking? Of course not! You would want it all in the same cabinet within arm’s reach. That’s why we provide everything authors need all in one place. We offer publishing services, premium marketing services (author websites, professional headshots, and promotional video services), branding, coaching, and courses. This allows authors to focus on their writing while we do the rest. As an experienced writer, I know firsthand the difficulties new authors face navigating the publishing industry and all that it entails. My goal is to help authors successfully prepare, publish, and promote their books… their way… for years to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely has not been a smooth road as an author or a business person. There has been costly mistakes and investments (e.g. bulk ordering books just to find that they all had a bunch of typos or paying an editor and you don’t like their editing style). But they have all made me more aware and educated on the publishing process. Now I can help others avoid those pitfalls.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Often times, new authors don’t know where to start. From writing the book to finding an editor, to publishing the book, then marketing; authors are desperately hunting for answers and resources turning authorship into investigative work! An author should be able to be focused on their craft, nothing more. But many find this impossible to do, due to the extensive legwork needed to get noticed. This is a major problem… but we have the solution. Researching in order to find the writer’s resources is a thing of the past. Every possible thing that an author may need is right at their fingertips with RIA | JAY Publishing. Gone are the days that authors are Googling how to find publishers, how to find the right editor, and how to market their book. No more asking Alexa, “How do I write faster,” or “How do I overcome writer’s block?” No longer will an author have to look for ways to promote their book through social media marketing or through a personalized author website. Authors won’t even have to search for photographers or videographers for headshots or to capture special events. We are literally an author’s one-stop-shop for writing, publishing, and promoting.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Believe and trust in yourself! Too many people second guess themselves or downplay their talents. We are all uniquely made, we should always be unapologetically confident in who we are. When we begin doubting ourselves and relying on others for validation, that’s when are dreams and aspirations fall by the wayside.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@riajay.com
- Website: www.riajay.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/riajaypublishing
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RIAJAYPublishing
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RIAJAYPublish
- Other: https://linktr.ee/RIAJAYPublishing
Image Credits
Elle Harris Studios
