We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ian Weller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
I admit, my worst investment was in a hybrid publishing company. They published my book Poetry Anthology: Peace and Redemption & Strength for Autism. The whole thing was a publishing offer. They offered to do the bulk of the work and make it widely available.
I ultimately paid over $7000 for a place on Amazon and being registered in the Library of Congress. It wasn’t available to be ordered in any other platform. They made a considerable amount of money before I cut ties with them completely. They gave me less than $100 in royalties throughout the 5 year span I worked with them.
I thought with the contract they sent me, I would be getting 90% of the purchases price as royalties after their initial investment of a certain amount was met. Turns out it was 10% of the price was royalties and my first royalties check was a year later after publication date. The amount was just over $70.
I was scammed and didn’t realize it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a self published writer/poet. I am strive to be a positive role model for kids on the Autism spectrum. My writing is life poetry, taking parts of life’s tense emotions or feelings and converting it into words that are simple words.
I am building my presence to be known, but all I want to do is provide hope. Hope that kids on the spectrum can be more than what a bunch of old studies say. Experts in the 90’s said I wouldn’t amount to anything. They told my parents I wouldn’t make it through middle school. I would bet if I met one of those “experts” now, they would be shocked beyond belief.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I seek to provide hope for people like me. Make it possible for those on the spectrum to have a chance to succeed, when most of the world thinks they will fail. I want them to know they are not alone.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
It hasn’t become that yet. I can see how it can become it, but I need to find a way to make what seems like a dream turn into reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://writerweller.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552608691703&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Ian Weller