Through my years in publishing, I have worked with some really great authors. All of these authors approach self publishing with their own agenda and expertise. Since the whole point of my blog and book is to look at the reality of self-publishing, I thought it would be nice to do a series of author interviews. Welcome to ‘Word on the Street’.
My author interviews will consist of 6 questions about them, their book and their experience. You will get the good, the bad and the ugly. Not all real self publishing stories are full of rainbows and butterflies – it can suck sometimes too.
Tell us about it, Greatest Poet Alive (G.A.P.):
Real Answer Real Authors: Why did you decide to publish?
G.P.A.: I had written enough poems for other people that I felt it was time to put them all together.
RARA: What titles have you published to date?
G.P.A.: The Confessional Heart of a Man, The Book of 24 Orgasms, The Mind of a Poetic Unsub, and Revenge of the Orgasm. Plus, I have appeared in many anthologies.
RARA: How are you currently marketing your book and what has given you the best results?
G.P.A.: I am a guerrilla marketer. Whatever methods will help spotlight my books, I use them. Similarly, it is great to perform Poetry where it is. But the outstanding thing is to perform Poetry where it might not be. And that is same with my books.
RARA: Are there any books or websites that you have found the most useful?
G.P.A.: Facebook is a wonderful tool if used correctly. Otherwise, I just surf for opportunities.
RARA: What has been your greatest challenge in self publishing?
G.P.A.: The greatest challenge in self publishing has been doing it as an author of Poetry. I say this because some regard Poetry as a “dead art”. Also, with the advent and movement of spoken word, the written art is looked over, unless you provide some sizzle to it. This may come with the personality of the individual Poet, title and/or cover of the book, or material that invites attention.
RARA: What is the best advice or tip you can give a new and aspiring author?
G.P.A.: Write the way you want to and do what makes you feel good. If it touches many people and makes money, it is even better.
AUTHOR INFO
G.P.A hails from the south side of Chicago, IL. He has written four books of Poetry, participated in several anthologies, released one cd G.P.A. Experience, and has another on the way, GPApocalypse Forever. G.P.A. has recently added acting to his repertoire of talents with stints in independent films “Persian Version” and “Animals” and tv shows “Chicago Fire” and “Crisis”. Also, he won the Moth Storytelling Championship on two occasions, won all medals in the Poetry Pentathlon, and was a semifinalist in the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards.
real answers real authors 