We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dara Beevas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
There is so much I love about the book publishing industry. Editors, writers, and book creators can detect the story in nearly anything. Our job is to identify the potential in a chaotic collection of ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and experiences and steer it toward the transforming jewel we feel it can be. It’s an incredible thing. I was hooked the first time I assisted someone in telling their story. I realized I’d reached a new domain of purpose. I’d discovered my calling. Like most young professionals wanting to break into the publishing industry, in my early 20s I expected to work for a traditional publisher. I envisioned a New York Times Bestsellers-lined wall in an East Coast office. Moving forward, For me, this industry is not and has never really been about books. I’m a publisher, but I’m more interested in the person behind the tale. Wise Ink is an extension of a person’s mission, calling, purpose, and change, and if a book containing their purpose is the direction they best feel can hold their story, I’m in. I’m invested in the cause, texture, and spirit of the storyteller rather than the product they’re creating.
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?
I am the Founder of Wise Ink. I have always been passionate about the written word and helping authors bring their stories to life. This passion led me to establish Wise Ink, a company dedicated to assisting writers in navigating the publishing industry and achieving their publishing goals.
At Wise Ink, we provide a range of products and services tailored to authors and aspiring writers. Our offerings include professional editing and proofreading services, book formatting and design, cover design, book marketing and promotion, and guidance throughout the publishing process. We also offer workshops and educational resources to help writers enhance their craft and gain the necessary knowledge to succeed in the industry.
One of the main problems we solve for our clients is the complexity of the publishing landscape. We understand that navigating the publishing industry can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially for first-time authors. Our team at Wise Ink offers personalized guidance and support, helping authors demystify the process and make informed decisions to achieve their publishing goals.
What sets Wise Ink apart from others in the industry is our commitment to personalized attention and our holistic approach to author support. We believe that every writer and every book is unique, and we strive to tailor our services to meet the individual needs of each client. We take the time to understand their vision, their goals, and their target audience, ensuring that our services align with their specific requirements.
I am incredibly proud of the success stories we have fostered at Wise Ink. Over the years, we have helped numerous authors bring their books to life and achieve their dreams of publication. Witnessing their growth and seeing their words touch the hearts of readers brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
We are not just a service provider but a partner on your publishing journey. We are dedicated to empowering authors, providing them with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to succeed. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned writer, we are here to guide you every step of the way. We also are committed to working alongside voices who’ve traditionally experienced barriers to have their authentic stories published in book form, including young writers and people of color.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Yes, my side hustle eventually turned into my full-time business and career. It all started after working in the publishing industry for nearly ten years. During that time, I had the privilege of working closely with Amy, my dear friend and colleague. Our roles involved managing book projects and collaborating with authors, which allowed us to gain valuable insights into the publishing process.
After a few years of working together and helping authors navigate the world of publishing, we felt inspired to share our knowledge and experiences on a broader scale. That’s when we decided to launch a blog called Wise Ink. We were thrilled to embark on this new endeavor, and we poured our passion into it. Several times a week, we wrote articles covering a wide range of topics, from writing tips to book marketing trends.
As our blog grew in popularity, we realized we had tapped into something special. Writers and aspiring authors were finding value in the resources we provided. We cultivated a dedicated following within the independent publishing community. At this time, tragedy struck when the founder of our company, who had been a mentor to us, passed away. Although the company continued to thrive under capable hands, Amy and I started envisioning the future of Wise Ink.
Driven by our intimate understanding of authors’ needs and desires, we felt compelled to turn Wise Ink into a publishing company. After two successful years as a blog, we made the bold decision to take the leap. We knew we had a unique approach to working with authors, and we were determined to create a publishing company that truly served their interests.
The transition from blog to publishing company was a significant milestone for us. We had built a reputation as a trusted resource, and authors were eager to work with us. We leveraged our industry experience, network, and the relationships we had fostered with authors to establish Wise Ink as a reputable and supportive publishing partner.
Since then, our journey has been marked by several key milestones. We published our first book “Social Media Secrets for Authors,” which was a thrilling achievement. It was a testament to the knowledge we’d gained working alongside our trusted authors. We quickly expanded our team to include talented professionals who shared our vision and dedication to authors’ success. With their support, we further refined our services and processes to ensure that authors received the highest level of support and guidance throughout the publishing journey.
Today, Wise Ink continues to grow and make a meaningful impact on the publishing industry. We have published hundreds of books across various genres, empowering authors to share their stories with the world. Our focus remains on personalized attention, fostering author development, and creating a supportive community.
The transformation of Wise Ink from a side hustle blog to a thriving publishing company has been an incredible journey. It’s a testament to our passion for helping authors and our commitment to excellence in the publishing industry. We are immensely grateful for the support we have received and for the opportunity to fulfill our mission of empowering writers.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn in my career was the deeply ingrained belief in the traditional publishing industry’s definition of who gets to be published. Over my nearly twenty years in the industry, I witnessed the conventions and barriers that were designed to restrict access to publishing, favoring only a select few.
When I first ventured into the world of independent publishing, I realized that it shattered the conventional norms of the industry. Choosing to root my career in hybrid publishing, where authors financially support their own book’s publication, was considered a risk. At the time, self-publishing was not only frowned upon but also deemed disastrous for those aspiring to be seen as “serious” writers.
However, as I delved deeper into the world of independent publishing, I began to unlearn the idea of who gets to be published. I discovered that the publishing industry had a predetermined list of qualifications for someone to be deemed worthy of publication. Factors such as education level, popularity, and privilege often played a significant role in determining an author’s prospects for publication.
Yet, what I observed throughout my journey was that some of the most impactful books, those that resonated deeply with readers and transformed lives, were often written by individuals who the industry would have considered “unmarketable” or too unknown. These authors defied the industry’s expectations and went on to sell thousands of books, connecting with readers in profound ways.
This realization forced me to confront the limitations imposed by the traditional publishing model and challenge the notion of who should have a voice in the literary world. It became clear to me that the power to decide who gets published should not be solely in the hands of a select few gatekeepers, but rather should be a more inclusive and democratic process.
By embracing independent publishing and advocating for authors who didn’t fit the industry’s preconceived molds, I witnessed the transformative power of allowing diverse voices to be heard. These authors brought unique perspectives, untold stories, and fresh ideas to the forefront, enriching the literary landscape.
Unlearning the industry’s biases and recognizing the inherent worth of every author’s voice became a pivotal lesson in my career. It led me to champion authors who had been overlooked or dismissed by traditional publishing, and to foster an environment that celebrates the strength and diversity of the written word.
Today, as a part of Wise Ink, we continue to challenge the conventional norms of publishing. We believe that every story deserves to be told and that the true worth of a book lies in its ability to resonate with readers, regardless of an author’s background or perceived marketability.
The journey of unlearning and challenging industry norms has been both enlightening and rewarding. It has reaffirmed my commitment to supporting authors who are often overlooked and has allowed me to witness the immense impact their stories can have on readers’ lives. It’s a lesson I carry with unapologetic confidence as I strive to reshape the publishing landscape.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wiseink.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darairene
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darabeevas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/darairene
Image Credits
Biz Journal