Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erica Pullen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
In 2018 I wrote my first book, “Believing In Myself.” I was clueless who to contact about publishing my book. All I knew, is that I wanted to encourage and motivate my “little girls,” to believe in themselves, despite how social media and reality shows defined beautiful. My goal was to make a difference in the lives of our children and that’s exactly what I did.
I researched different publishing companies and also scheduled conference calls to discuss my options and pricing. After the third or fourth conference call over a month’s period of time, I became discouraged due to the astronomical prices that I knew I could not afford. However, giving up was not an option. I was determined to find a publishing company that would fit my price range, but no such luck.
Finally, I shared my concerns with my illustrator, who advise me to self-publish. I was excited and anxious, but more importantly, concerned about self-publishing. I had no idea self-publishing even existed.
After numerous failed attempts to upload my manuscript, resize the illustrations, and figure out what the other red flags were, my book was finally published. “So what now,” I asked myself. Nobody told me how to market my book or what to do next… I was clueless and ready to throw in the towel. The process was overwhelming!
Did I honestly write this book for it to sit in the cloud somewhere? Absolutely not. So I prayed about it and trusted in God to provide me with the wisdom I needed to promote and market my book. After a few months of marketing, promoting, and speaking in schools, other potential authors inquired how I went about my process with publishing.
Unfortunately, there story was the same, the publishing companies were entirely too expensive, plus they wanted royalties!!!! I felt bad because I knew how hard it was for me, and the lack of help my husband and I received to publish my book. We had to figure it out on our own, and I refused to allow another soul to go through the stress and drama I encountered. As a result, I begin to assist people with their books, using the tools I found to be helpful.
It was like a lightbulb went off in my head. “I can make a discounted publishing company for those that cannot afford the high-priced publishers.” But that’s not it, I honestly did my research and thought outside the box, because my publishing company would not only be affordable, but I would make my authors award-winning authors.
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?
This was actually explained in the previous question.
About W.E. Publishing Company:
W.E. Publishing Company has grown to become one of the world’s most affordable publishing companies for authors who either want to take advantage of our full services or want to be trained on how to self-publish. Regardless of the package or ala-carte option you select, W.E. believes in providing excellent service at a highly discounted rate. Our professional and talented editors, artists/illustrators, authors, and marketing teams are dedicated to helping all authors publish successfully.
From first-timers to veterans, W.E. Publishing Company wants to make your experience a memorable one. Our clients are our FIRST PRIORITY and become part our family as we partner with them on their journey to share their stories and become a published author!
About Erica Pullen M.P.A
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native Erica Pullen has made it her mission to encourage children to never give up on their dreams, despite obstacles in life with her debut books, Believing in Myself, I am America’s Most Wanted, & The Adventures of Pittsburgh. Inspiring and thought provoking, Erica’s books are read in classrooms nationwide as well as International. Prior to becoming an author, Erica was a former Chief of Staff for the Maryland Department of Social Services, as well as a highly sought after early-education consultant. She has a B.A. from Carlow University and a M.P.A. from the University of Phoenix.
Erica’s award-winning books have received wide media attention. She has been featured in the Pittsburgh Courier, Columbia, MD Patch, Red Posh Magazine, Vital Magazine, and VEU Magazine just to name a few. Ms. Pullen is in demand as a local and national conference keynote speaker and loves to speak with children of all ages in the public schools.
Events of her own childhood and her desire to encourage children to know that they are bigger than their circumstances inspired Erica’s books. “I write from a place of authenticity, love, joy, and commitment to producing impactful quality literature for children”.
As an author, Erica is committed to bringing a positive message for each of her readers in engaging and captivating ways. Since childhood, she has always written stories that evoke thought, because she believes through the power of books, that bridges can be built, conversations can be had, and positive thinking and change in the mind will occur.
Today, Erica lives in Maryland with her husband and children. When Erica is not writing or visiting schools, she can be found working on her Children’s Show, “Kudos for Kids,” sponsored by Hindsight Media Radio, 103.5 FM, on Vybe95 as a radio personality, or on her t-shirt line and other products along with helping other authors publish their books through her publishing company (W.E. Publishing Company, LLC). Erica also volunteers and mentors’ young women, who are trying to change the trajectory of their lives.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth and social media. I tried finding a marketing company within my price range, however several of the companies insisted on a contract, which meant I would have to pay the company monthly, but they could not guarantee me book sales or speaking engagements. This was unacceptable, but more importantly a waist of my time and hard earned money.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
To be transparent with you, my husband believed in me and my dream to start my own publishing company. I proposed an amount to him, and he invested in me. It honestly was that simple. My husband felt and seen my passion for helping other potential authors publish their books.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wepublishingcompany.com/
- Instagram: @ericalpullen
- Facebook: Erica Pullen