We recently connected with Charliese Lewis and have shared our conversation below.

Charliese, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I remember when I got the idea to compile and edit an anthology, I really had no real plan after that. I had reached out to a few women I knew to talk about their faith journey. As I was going through the process, I started to learn the craft of editing and formatting manuscripts. I have an English degree and Journalism degree so I have taught as an adjunct professor for many years. I instructed students on how to write and often corrected their work. But editing is a different craft. I gathered all of the women’s stories and began to weave them together. I wanted them to still maintain their authentic voices, but to sound like one voice. After I released my anthology, one of my friends asked me to help her with her book. I had to sit down and think about my own process and how I could make it work for someone else. I did not have an official business or a business plan. Her asking me to assist forced me into creating a business plan with actual pay rates for my services, a service delivery model, branding, everything. I had not considered by editing and self-publishing services as a business. I just thought I would do my own thing, help her, and move on. The demand was crazy after that. Keep in mind, this became my part-time gig. I already had a full-time career in education. But my friend, Youlonda Mason, who I also had a podcast with saw something in me that I had not envisioned for myself in this season. Some of the dreams I had as a teenager and young adult have now become my reality. She was my first paying client.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My elevator pitch:
I am an author, editor, podcast host, educator, self-publishing and writing coach, and producer who provides platforms for others to use their authentic voices to be genuine, empowered, and courageous.
I am also the President of Robert and Charliese Lewis Ministries, Inc. which provides ministerial services, publications, and outreach. The company was co-founded by me and my husband in 2018. We initially started as The ‘After Church’ Experience in 2013 with a blog and a Facebook group. We had no idea what it would become. As our gifts and talents began to expand, particularly with the publishing of our first book, From the Test to the Testimony: An Anthology of Women’s Faith Stories, we founded the business. Once I had my next paying client, I developed a division called For Purpose Editing and Public Relations. I tell people all the time that I help people birth their “book babies”. I am also a contributing columnist for The Lextropolis Magazine where I do feature stories and Opinion pieces.
We’ve produced a radio show and two podcasts since 2020. I also served as the Executive Director of Louisville Literary Arts, Inc. for three years. The ED role afforded me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and craft as a writer, editor, and non-profit leader, but to also engage more fully with the literary arts community and promote local authors. It was a perfect combination of who I was becoming in the field. My current podcast is on YouTube, Charliese B. Lewis – Next Level Purpose. My husband is a media producer, so every wild idea I have, he makes it happen. We also make it work for our clients. I am able to walk a client through the process from the beginning to the end of a book project (from cover to cover) including branding and marketing. Additionally, it includes me oftentimes serving as a publicist and booking them on podcasts, feature stories, and book signings. Because to be truly successful in the field, you have to think beyond the book. The Book is just a part of the larger business.
I recently worked on a book project with Devine Carama, an Emmy-award winning hip hop artist. It was the most challenging project I have worked on to date. I am grateful he trusted me with his first “book baby”. Our company has also been the creative media and video production team for the Lexington African American Sports Hall of Fame (LAASHOF) for the last three years.
Our client base spans across numerous states now.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think integrity has helped me build a good reputation in the market. I am always transparent with clients. I tell them that it might take me a little longer to complete projects, but if they are not right, then I cannot in good conscience allow the project to go public. You cannot put out mediocre products and expect people to respect your work or to respect you in your field. It doesn’t work like that. People have watched me do the work over the years. My clients trust me to do right by them. My clients also know that I will look out for them far beyond the individual projects. I try to maintain good relationships with others in the field and in the communities I serve in general. This is how I can be a better resource and even an advocate for clients. Whatever platform I have, I’ll use it for good.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Word of mouth has always been the most effective strategy for growing my clientele. I asked one of my former clients about how someone knew that I helped with self-publishing. Her response was, “You have receipts all over.” I appreciated and respected that response. I hadn’t really considered that. Someone stopped me a few weeks ago and said, “I really love the work you did with my friend’s book. I will be seeking your services soon.” Then he went on to say that he loved my husband’s video production work. I had the biggest smile on my face because it lets me know that both of our names are in rooms where we are not. Don’t take it for granted when people speak highly of you. I also promote my work and my clients’ work on my social media pages. They get the benefit of my audience as well. I don’t have 10,000 followers, but I have faithful followers who share my information. That is what expands your reach.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charlieseblewis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieseblewis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieseblewis
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliese-b-lewis-61032355/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/charlieselewis
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charlieseblewis
• Other: https://linktr.ee/charlieseblewis

Image Credits

All images by Robert J. Lewis except one by Abdul Sharif. They should be labeled accordingly.