Mack & Sara Smith Lead Self-Publishers to Success

Publishing experts Mark E. Smith and Sara Freeman Smith have published five books and are working on two new projects. They provide valuable information to thousands of aspiring and published authors who want to self-publish a book.

Where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

Mack: I was born in Monroe, Louisiana. I attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and later attended the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan, where I earned an MBA degree.

Sara: I was born in Houston, Texas, and was raised in Los Angeles and Houston. I earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a MA degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interests that is not included in your bio?

Mack and Sara: We left our home in Houston and relocated to the Chicago area in 2007.

When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.?

Mack: When Sara asked me to help her write the first edition of “How to Self-Publish and Market Your Own Book.”

Sara: As a kid I would write make-believe stories with me as a character.

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

Sara: I wrote my first book in 1997. However, come to our seminar to hear the full story. It was a life-changing event.

Mack: Sara made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Come to the seminar to hear the rest.

Who is one author that you look up to and why?

Sara: Early on, the author that influenced me was Phillis Wheatley, the first African American published poet. My high school was named after her and my English teacher always reminded us of her success as a writer and slave. She overcame significant obstacles in her life and yet was able to use her gifts and talents as a writer. Reading her poetry and studying her life helped encourage me to believe in my abilities to write and help others. Another author I really admire is Jewell Parker Rhodes. She’s an awesome writer and energizing creative writing college professor at Arizona State University. She’s an award-winning writer of both fiction and non-fiction. She has such a great passion for the art of writing and storytelling that it’s contagious. She’s written several inspiring guides for African American Writers that I would highly recommend: “The African American Guide to Writing and Publishing Non-Fiction” and “Free Within Ourselves: Fiction Lessons for Black Authors.” Her novels draw you into her story and you can’t wait for the next chapter! Check out a few of her novels” “Douglass’ Women,” “Voodoo Magic,” and “Voodoo Season.”

How long have you been writing, publishing, etc.?

Mack: Since 1998.
Sara: Since 1997.

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

Mack: My experience in banking helped on the business end. On the technical end, I attended several seminars, read at least a dozen books on publishing, and self-published five books.

Sara: I did tons of research, sought professional advice, and followed it.

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

Mack: Vital.
Sara: Inspiring.

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what skill level, interests, experience should they have to benefit most from your session?

Aspiring writers who are clueless about how to take their first steps as well as seasoned authors who want to revitalize their publishing careers.At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?

Mack: BWRC – Atlanta and Dallas; Detroit Writers Guild; Houston Council of Writers; Black Writers on Tour; Los Angeles; and other events in New Orleans; San Antonio, TX; and Monroe, LA.

Sara: BWRC – Dallas; Detroit Writers Guild; Texas Writers League Conference – Houston; Houston Council of Writers Conference; Black Writers on Tour – Los Angeles; and other events in Raleigh, NC; Baltimore, MD; and Monroe, LA.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?Mack: Be prepared to experience an event you will never forget.

Sara: Take good notes and network.

What are some of the projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future?

Mack: I am working on a new non-fiction book for first-time homebuyers that should be released in early 2008.

Sara: I am working on another edition of “How to Self-Publish and Market Your Own Book.”

What is one piece of advice that you’d give all aspiring authors?

Mack: Be willing to learn from someone who has been where you are trying to go.

Sara: Pursue your dreams and never give up.

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/poet/etc.?

Mack: I wish I had my 10 common mistakes list before Sara wrote her first book.

Sara: I wish I’d known the real truth about the publishing game.

Thank you for your time. Your responses are greatly appreciated.

“Four P’s of Self-Publishing” – Want to write a book? OR do you have book that needs to be re-energized? Well, this workshop is designed just for you! If you want to be informed, inspired and even entertained, plan on attending this session on self-publishing. Sara and Mack will discuss the 4-P’s of Self Publishing. Bring your notepad and get ready to be encouraged to stop talking and start doing! You can write and self-publish your own book!

“How to Self-Publish & Market Your Own Book” – This workshop is designed to inform and inspire both aspiring writers and veteran authors. Plan to attend this workshop to discover how the four P’s of publishing will help you publish your book using multiple marketing resources. You’ll learn the advantages and challenges of traditional publishing and self-publishing.

Mack E. Smith and Sara Freeman Smith can be found on the Web at http://www.urgems.com.