This week I am joined by Dawn Michelle Hardy, “The Literary Lobbyist,” a creative publicity strategist and staunch advocate for self-published and traditionally published authors. Dawn and I talked about: the importance of audience building and several ways you can do that - whether you write fiction or non-fiction, even memoirs. We also talk about self publishing vs traditional and how to make that decision, the importance of editing - no matter how you are publishing - how to find an agent, and how to increase your chances of finding an agent, the landscape of the publishing industry for Black writers and creatives and so much more. Dawn also talked about a new initiative from the literary lobbyist - a speakers bureau that brings Black writers and writers of color to speak at Historically Black colleges and universities - so that creatives can learn more about the publishing industry and the opportunities within. This conversation is chock full of strategies and advice for writers who want to put their books out into the world - whether you want a traditional publishing contract, or you want to self-publish. If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson You can check out season 1 guests (including Javacia and Jacqueline) and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ Check out Love in a carry on bag by Sadeqa Johnson on https://www.amazon.com/Love-Carry-Bag-Sadeqa-Johnson-ebook/dp/B007HBKQK4/ref=sr_1_1 Check out "From the block to the boardroom" by Tracey Syphax on https://www.amazon.com/Block-Boardroom-Tracey-D-Syphax/dp/0985029501/ref=sr_1_3 If you want to know more about Dawn's program Publishing in your pajamas then head over to www.PublishingInYourPajamas.com Follow Dawn on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Theliterarylobbyist/ And remember - if you want to write a book, and want to work with me as a writing coach or editor, then head on over to my website https://www.safiyarobinson.com/ or follow me over on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/safiyarobinson77/ and follow https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/