Happy October!!! This year has certainly gone by quick. We're at the last quarter of the year and I hope you've set some big goals to enable you to close this year with a bang.

Goal setting is tremendously important, not only so that you personally have a clear vision of what it is you want to accomplish, but actually writing your goals down is a proven way to increase your chances of them being fulfilled. 

On the topic of writing, yesterday I encouraged you to write your testimonies. Whether it be in the form of a book or a manuscript is irrelevant, but write it. I know there are those who've already written works, and may be stuck on what the next step is.

The traditional way of getting published has changed a lot over the past 10 years with self-publications being a major part of that growth. According to Publisher's Weekly, self-publishers are finding great success by e-publishing their works. If you have dreams and ambitions of eventually publishing your work in print and not just in electronic form, starting off with electronic publishing is actually a way for you to get noticed by publishing houses. Did you know that "50 Shades of Grey" was first published as an e-book? The viral buzz it got had publishers fighting for the rights to publish it in print. 

You might argue that the subject matter of the book is what contributed to its popularity and success, and though I can't personally attest and say no, it's simply because it was well written, I'd like to think that is the case considering it's not the first book of its kind in that genre. One thing that may have contributed to the authors success though is publishing a series, a trilogy. Publisher's Weekly say that series outsell standalone books, however only series book over 50,000 words.

Click on the images below for source and detailed information on the featured editorial directors, publisher, and agent. 

If you're curious how to target your African American audience, here's what some editors and agents had to say on finding authors speaking to that audience. In summary, from what I gather, everything, every genre, is fair game. It all depends on who you go with and what that particular publisher, agent or editor is looking for. You have options.

So there you have it, some tips on getting started and finding success as an author. I hope you take the plunge and start writing sooner rather than later. Comment below what you love writing the most. Poems, short stories, in your diary, or even a grocery list, lol. Whatever it is, I'd love to hear.