We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Glend Martinez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Glend below.
Glend, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Be Good Do Good Publications is my book publishing company. Back in 2020, I wrote a blog about my experience as a young gay teen and my secret boyfriend who I named “X”. I was told by many to turn this blog into a book and when I finally convinced myself to write the book….. I started pitching to publishing companies and they all rejected me. I remember sitting in my living room after reading a rejection letter and saying to myself “If every publishing company is going to reject me… I might as well make my own….oh my god?! I SHOULD MAKE MY OWN!!” I started screaming and then I opened my book publishing company and published my own book.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I didn’t plan to open a book publishing company or to become an author. In fact, I hated writing but I used it as an outlet during COVID and I’ve been told I’m really good. As an artist, you never think your work is as good as people say it is. People praise my writing while I just find it normal. I love how I was writing my book while learning how to open and manage my publishing company. It was a different experience and I don’t think many people have done it before. The mistakes I made were so funny, like printing the book. I wish you guys could see how horrible the first versions of the book were. It took alot of trial and error but it looks perfect now. I’d say what i’m most proud of was selling out on Amazon last night. No one thought I could do it and here I am.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Working a 9 to 5 to fuel my dream. That’s how I did it. I was working at AT&T as a manager and I would set money aside to fund my business. No matter what business, there are so many necessary expensive things you have to pay for. Registering your LLC, paying for a good website, dedicating time to social media OR hiring someone who does it for you, supplies. I worked extremely hard and there were many times I prioritized my business over my personal issues.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
My book is available on all platforms, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Google Play, Apple Book Store, etc. I do have my own website where people can purchase my book but for me that’s double the work. You see, as a first time author, I have no reputation. Aside from family, friends and loved ones, I have to gain an audience through social media like Instagram and Tiktok. I have to basically have to gain my own audience so the platforms gives the customer a sense of trust. I sincerely prefer platforms. Yes they get a cut but no one can give you the exposure that they can.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @glendcoco
- Facebook: Glend Martinez
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BLSCCMB3/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0BLSCCMB3&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2