I was in Florida in August to present at
the Black Writers’ Reunion and Conference and to do my own professional development.
It was the first opportunity I’d been afforded to sit and talk with, and do
pitches to US agents, including the dynamic Dawn Michelle Hardy. Aside for our
love of books we shared the value of being ‘grateful’ for the lives we lead.
And so today I am thrilled that
Michelle has offered up her list of gratefuls in terms of her life in the
publishing industry.
Michelle says: As a book publicist who took on the
challenge of adding literary agent to my resume in 2011 in the midst of the
changing publishing climate I can truly say “I LOVE HAVING DUAL CAREERS!” I am
truly grateful for that. Many people wake up begrudgingly 5-days a week and
commute to jobs where they are unsatisfied.
I’ve been a full-time entrepreneur for the past 8-years and although the
ride has been nerve wracking at times, the challenges and accomplishments, keep
my blood pumping and my brain sharp. The
entire experience is something I would not change for the world. I am building
relationships and projects with the media as well as publishers who put books
on shelves. There is something about making these influential connections that
just intoxicates me.
Here are 5 reasons I am grateful to be an
entrepreneur in the publishing industry:
1. As both agent and publicist I have 100% control over who I get to
represent. I am working on projects that I genuinely find interesting. Nothing
is assigned to me and therefore I give 110% every time because there is a true
connection. My authors are so diverse: a
professor, a screenwriter, a single mom, fitness trainer, music journalist,
construction contractor, meditation coach and coming soon professional athletes.
2. Why shoot for the sky, when man has walked on the moon. I am grateful that there are endless
opportunities awaiting me. The number of
awards, deals, writers I rep, books I sell… there is no limit.
3. Books, Books and Magazine. I
get an insane amount of complimentary books including journals, bibles, and
memoirs to novels, coffee table and self-help books. I also get complimentary
subscriptions to national and international publications. I love it!!! There truly is so much great
stuff to read.
4. I am grateful that working in publishing allows me to step outside
of my comfort zone. As an agent I took on a project on race and identity and
another on paranormal activities. I am
excited about both of these projects, but I had to expand beyond my personal points
of interest to find these great gems.
5. Jet setting. I am traveling the country attending writing
conferences and workshops. I am meeting some really amazing authors. I am
grateful to have the opportunity to help shape and mold the writing paths of so
many while seeing the great USA.
This summer I attended Black Writers Reunion Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and had a chance to meet the
wonderful Anita Heiss. Thanks Anita for the guest blog opportunity. [Anita says: THANK YOU Michelle - fabulous to have you here!]
@dawnmichellepr on Twitter
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