We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dee Evans a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
If I could go back in time, I would follow the same exact steps. I needed to experience everything I had before starting my business. My prior experiences helped mold and shape me into a capable, resilient business owner. With my faith in Christ, I am assured that I am walking in alignment with His purpose for my life and my business.
Before starting Rise2Write Publishing, I worked part-time as a Life Coach for a practice I founded called “On the Go Life Coaching LLC,” and I worked in Corporate Sales for over 15 years. I gained experience in various industries, including Fortune 500 companies in Wireless (Verizon Wireless), Consumer goods (Coca-Cola Beverages), Non-profit (DonorPerfect), and FinTech (Fintainium, WorldPay). While I appreciated the unlimited earning potential in corporate sales, I felt stagnant in my career as a young Black woman with several degrees and certifications. My passion for my work had diminished.
During the pandemic, a Coaching Client approached me about publishing a book he had written. Although I initially declined, I eventually agreed after much prayer and research. This experience inspired me to start writing for myself, and I have since published over 16 titles, including urban fiction, poetry, self-help books, prayer books, devotionals, and journals/planners. While I continued to write, I also worked in the FinTech industry and Coached clients.
One day, I was laid off from my role in the FinTech industry. I felt this was a sign from the Most High God to launch my own publishing company. Thus, Rise2Write Publishing was born from my love for publishing and my desire to help others share their stories with the world, especially those who may not know how to begin. I am deeply committed to empowering individuals from minority backgrounds of all ages to share their talents and stories through publishing.
Therefore, I wouldn’t have started my business any sooner or later; I believe beginning it at the time I did was perfect.
Dee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am the Founder and CEO of Rise2Write Publishing LLC. I am married and a devoted follower of the Most High God, raising a son and a bonus daughter. Additionally, I am a Certified Professional Life Coach and the host of two podcasts: “Black Girls in Faith Podcast” and “Dee Poetry & Inspiration Podcast.”
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, a Master of Arts degree in Counseling, and an MBA. I have published over 16 books, two of which have become bestsellers on Amazon. As a passionate writer, poet, and storyteller, I firmly believe in the importance of generational wealth. This belief inspired me to self-publish my son, Author Mykah, when he was just five years old. Since then, he has published five books and one storytelling series, encouraging other young authors to follow in his footsteps.
I am dedicated to empowering individuals from minority backgrounds of all ages to share their talents and stories with the world. Before founding Rise2Write Publishing, I successfully coached aspiring minority authors to become best-selling published authors, which ignited my passion for publishing. After being laid off from Corporate America, I established Rise2Write Publishing to inspire the next generation of minority aspiring authors and entrepreneurs to build their legacies through publishing.
Our mission at Rise2Write Publishing is to empower and elevate minority voices through the publication of exceptional books that celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and promote underrepresented communities. Our vision is to be the premier book publishing company dedicated to amplifying minority voices, promoting diversity, and building legacies through literature.
At Rise2Write Publishing LLC, we are committed to “Publishing with Purpose!” We provide personalized, high-quality service to every author we collaborate with. As a full-service independent book publishing company, we strive to empower individuals from minority backgrounds of all ages to become published authors.
We do not take any royalties; instead, we offer comprehensive services from start to finish for a flat upfront fee, with the option of flexible monthly payment plans. Our goal is to relieve the stress and anxiety that often accompany the publishing process, allowing you to focus on what you do best: WRITING!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Early in my journey with Rise2Write Publishing, I encountered a significant challenge that forced me to pivot my business approach. Initially, I strived to publish aspiring children authors aged 5 to 12, but my efforts did not yield the results I had hoped for. After several months of exploring unproductive opportunities, I realized it was time to reevaluate my strategy and redefine the direction of my business. I found that parents were less interested in investing in their children’s future through publishing than I had expected. After much contemplation, I understood that my audience wasn’t the children but their parents.
Surprisingly, many parents aspire to become authors and seek guidance and support for their publishing dreams. To better meet the needs of adult aspiring writers, I adjusted my services, ensuring that my business aligns with their passions and goals. This shift in my target audience and services has led to significant growth, and I couldn’t be happier with this empowering decision.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
I offer publishing services, author coaching, and run a digital store called Rise2Write Digital Shop. This digital shop features a variety of ready-made, done-for-you products, including a free outline template, self-help publishing guide, social media bundle guides, journals, planners, coloring books, children’s workbooks, licensed PLR/MRR resalable ebooks, several masterclasses, and so much more.
Many of these products are designed to support entrepreneurs or aspiring authors who may be unable to afford my services. My goal is to set aspiring authors up for success and encourage them to create multiple income streams while pursuing their publishing dreams.
As part of my publishing services package, I also create a personalized digital shop for each author and provide them with a digital product that is 100% resalable, from which I do not take any profit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rise2write.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rise2write_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rise2write
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rise2write/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rise2WritePublishing
- Other: Ready to share your story with the world? Schedule a Consultation:
https://calendly.com/rise2writeTo learn more about my masterclasses, done-for-you products, self-publishing guide, and more, visit the Rise2Write Digital Shop: www.rise2write.vip
Image Credits
Rise2Write Publishing LLC