We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valencya Thompson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Valencya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have been writing creatively since my elementary school teacher introduced me to the art. I imagine the seed was first planted, as my mother read so many books to me, some years above my grade level that peeked my interest. I loved books! And, I loved reading! I soon after learned that I loved writing. I even took on the project of creating an anthology of poems about all the boys I had crushes on around 5th grade or so. I still remember the staple-bound notebook paper I called “my books” resting on my personal bookshelf. It wouldn’t be too long before my family discovered my gift of writing. Coming from a family of educators and ministers, there were many opportunities for writing all around me. Because I was volun-told to do a lot of “free-lancing” for my family, once I became an adult, the thought occurred to me that I should form a business to offer writing services. This honest and pure-hearted start is what catapulted me into jumping headfirst as an entrepreneur, alongside pursuing graduate studies in my field of school psychology. Though, there wasn’t much know-how within me regarding the logistics or day-in and out operations of running a business. I saw my business idea within a very specific niche, the Christian marketplace. A space where I could pursue ghostwriting projects, or independent task-writing for churches, pastors, its congregants and others. I desired to write in this specific-genre, which published works in alignment with biblical truths.
Valencya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Historically, I have served clients via ghostwriting books, mostly in the Christian faith genre. I have also co-produced a stage show, served as Assistant Director on an independent film, and currently serving as stage manager on a new project via my business. I have recently pivoted the focus of Write The Vision Creative Works – as we no longer offer ghostwriting services, but solely on the release of our own publications, products and events. We do, however, continue to serve in other capacities, such as in working with others in production of their stage, film, and television shows. Additionally, I have released my own body of works to include books, and stage productions – with original songs. I also operate The Fertility Hope Ministry which supports families through the grief of infertility. This ministry has held a brunch, a conference, and I have spoken at conferences, on podcasts, television broadcasts, and other outlets hosted by others via this ministry.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
As a writer and book publisher, I learned how to create books from scratch. What this means in the age of Amazon Prime, Lulu and all the other giants of the self-publishing industry is I had to learn how to paint a picture for my clients about Write The Vision Creative Works and the unique skill-sets our publishing company houses, comparable to larger historical publishers. For example, we create our own book covers, we write our own content, we edit our own manuscripts, we perform our own interior formatting, we print our own books via a local printing press that we have a long-term relationship housed not only in the U.S., but in close proximity where we may actually walk on the press floor. We pick up our books and review them with our own eyes and fingertips. We file Copyrights with the U.S. Library of Congress. We apply for LCCNs. We secure ISBNs and barcodes, and more. We offer consultation on how to sell your own books directly and additionally, for clients who are interested in such services, offer setup with Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lulu, etc. We literally learned how to do every step in the process with our own hands, and as the seasons demand, we know how to properly vet potential contractors because we understand the science behind every step in the process.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I am pivoting right now. There was a time when I would take on ghostwriting projects from most any one with a story and a desire to pay. I have learned through my experiences that everyone should not be your client and it is important to pay attention to how people start out with you – particularly in business relationships. Meaning – if they have a sob story about paying a deposit – it is likely they will continue to struggle with making timely payments, when given the courtesy of a payment arrangement. I have also discovered that while I am mature enough to enter into a business arrangement with individuals whom I have a prior relationship with, everyone else may not be. Therefore, I am hesitant to enter into a direct business arrangement with individuals I know. An answer that allows them to still benefit from my wisdom and experience, is my pivot to offering consultation services. My priority offering for consulting is course development. Courses will be offered soon in the form of prior-recorded videos to offer self-pacing for students. Courses will be offered on creative writing, how to start writing books, book publishing, ghostwriting, how to secure a relationship with a local printing press, featuring books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lulu, etc., securing ISBNs and barcodes, securing creatives to create book covers, perform interior formatting, and more!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.writethevisioncreativeworks.com; www.brokenleaderbook.com; www.fertilityhope.co
- Instagram: @valencyathevisionary, @wtvcw @fertilityhope
- Facebook: Valencya Thompson
- Youtube: ValencyaTheVisionary, GodPleaseCleanMyRoom
Image Credits
Jerrell Thompson Valencya Thompson