We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janeé Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janeé below.
Janeé, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
My LLC, Books By Janeè, is not the typical business that most people think of (retail, restaurant, service, etc). I am an author, but I consider my authorship a brand and business. The idea of developing/launching this business started when I made up my mind that I would self-publish my novels to share with the world. However, I didn’t just want to be a storyteller. I wanted to share my values as a person and a business. I wanted the world to know my why for writing, what I stood for, who I stood for, why I stood for them, and how those things are reflected not only in my writing, but in my brand and in my interactions with people.
Once I had that kind of baseline, I started my business journey on Instagram. Before my author goals, I was an avid reader. I loved reading and reviewing novels, particularly independent novels. I started my Instagram page, Books By Janeè, in 2019 as a reading page and supported other writers before launching my own author endeavors. By that time, I had already had a supportive community of other writers, but I hadn’t yet connected with those who would make my dream of being an independent author a reality.
I used the page I had already established for a year and started “shopping” around for the the pieces I needed to build a team. I needed an editor. I needed an illustrator. I needed a formatter. So honestly, I used hashtags on Instagram to find my way. I also looked at what and who other indie authors were doing and going to for services and began to vet the independent folks I was interested in working with. Ultimately, I selected my teams, and the process of self-publishing all happened from there. Of course, I had to also do some extensive research about other technical things like upfront costs, website design, printing, ISBNs, copyright, marketing, and other logistical items that would contribute to my success. I designed and developed my website all on my own — that took about three months — and now I sell my novels directly from my website.
It took about a year for the process, and by April of 2020, I had my first novel published. I am now self-published with 3 books with a 4th on the way.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello! My name is Janee Thompson, and I write realistic Young Adult and Adult novels that capture the unique experiences of young Black men and women taking it day by day through their own personal struggles. While many popular novels for Black teens and new adults focus on racial tension and navigating racial oppression through a youthful perspective, my focus is on intentionally creating masterpieces that de-sensationalizes racial trauma and focuses solely on characters’ individuality amid their Blackness. This is what makes me a unique writer within these genres — experiences of anti-Black oppression rears its ugly head every day. We shouldn’t be subjected to read about it for entertainment. We are more than our oppression.
My why and passion for writing lies in building empathy and seeing my imaginative characters go through transformation and personal growth. Although my.current writing is strictly for entertainment for ages 15+, I tackle serious issues such as friendship, bullying, sex and sexuality, mental health, homophobia, falling in love, and family dynamics within the Black culture in hopes that the reader will grow with the characters, too. I started writing when I was twelve years old about these very topics and haven’t looked back.
Beyond writing, I grew up in Southeastern Wisconsin. I am a K-8 educator with Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in English, and a certificate in Creative Writing. I also has a Master’s degree in K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. I have won several career and community awards such as the Early Career Educator Award, City-County Humanitarian Award, International Literacy Association 30 under 30 recipient, and am a proud PEOPLE Program Scholar.
In my personal life, I have a handsome husband, and I love shopping, singing, playing basketball, and of course, writing. I am a staunch advocate for children’s success, racial equity, and any and everything Black.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes! I write unapologetic fiction spotlighting Black teen and adult life that de-centers anti-black racism.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Yes! I authentically built my social media following by creating posts that other people may find useful, by supporting and reviewing other fellow authors, or sharing my own self-publishing journey. I have been so surprised by the amount of people who have interested in writing and publishing their novels/stories, but are too scared and/or don’t know where to start, and how they’ve shared how my journey has either inspired them or jump started their own journey. I’ve shared posts of the entire process of the self-publishing journey as I went through it. I’ve shared reading recommendations, reviews of my peers work, and other writing tips. I also have shared my own updates and evolution of my author life, and that has grown my following to about 1,6oo supporters over 6 years, organically. I have never participated in follow trains or any other way of gaining followers other than what I’ve listed above. It has been so rewarding. I’ve also built my following by authentically engaging in my community through vending and other local/creative events.
So, if you are looking to grow your following? Get out there and network in person! Think of ways your content can support and help others online when you’re not out in the streets. People will invest in you as long as you invest in them. Try to be as consistent as you can with your online presence, even though that can be really difficult. Establish a routine and stick to it. Before long, you’ll be growing your following like you never thought you would!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.booksbyjanee.com
- Instagram: @booksbyjanee
- Facebook: @booksbyjanee
- Youtube: @booksbyjanee
Image Credits
Vernon Brown