We recently connected with Kaylynn Hunt and have shared our conversation below.
Kaylynn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me in business was when Joan Vassar, along with the Audio in Black team, including Alexandria House, funded the production of my audiobook *Satisfaction Guaranteed*. Joan and the team are deeply passionate about increasing representation in the audiobook space and dedicated to showcasing the talents of people of color. Not only did they fund the entire project with no expectation of return, but they also guided me through the process, introduced me to the production team, and supported me every step of the way. I was overwhelmed with appreciation and gratitude because their kindness made me feel seen and truly believed in. At a time when I was questioning whether to continue, their support reenergized my passion and reminded me of the importance of my work. Their belief in me was an incredible gift, and I am forever thankful for their generosity and encouragement.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi, I’m Kaylynn Hunt, a multi-genre author and storyteller who’s deeply passionate about crafting compelling narratives that entertain, inspire, and connect. I’ve been fortunate to navigate the indie author space, where I’ve built my brand as a writer, publisher, and creative collaborator under the umbrella of Skylar Publications, which I founded to bring fresh and diverse voices to readers.
I got into writing because I’ve always been drawn to the power of stories—how they can transport, heal, and ignite conversation. Like many writers, my journey began with a love for reading, but my leap into publishing was driven by a need to create space for the kind of stories I wasn’t seeing enough of: authentic, diverse, and nuanced tales, particularly those centering Black experiences.
As a writer, I specialize in creating layered, character-driven stories that span genres like romance, suspense, and drama. My works include novels, anthologies, and recently, audiobooks. I also curate and publish anthologies, providing opportunities for other talented authors to showcase their work. Beyond storytelling, my goal is to create a sense of community among readers and writers, bridging gaps and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
What sets me apart is my dedication to authenticity and collaboration. I aim to write stories that reflect real people and real struggles, while still providing an escape and a sense of hope. My work often focuses on characters finding strength in vulnerability, navigating love, redemption, and personal growth. I strive to make every story an immersive and emotionally resonant experience.
I’m incredibly proud of my audiobook *Satisfaction Guaranteed*, which was brought to life thanks to the generosity of Joan Vassar and the Audio in Black team. This project marked a significant milestone for me, as I ventured into a new medium and witnessed the magic of collaboration in action. Another proud moment was being nominated for the Get Caught Up Author Podcast’s Best of 2024 Awards in two categories: Best Erotic Romance and Audiobook of the Year. These achievements remind me that perseverance pays off and that my stories are reaching and resonating with people.
For potential fans, clients, or collaborators, I want them to know that my brand is built on passion, authenticity, and community. Whether through my books, publishing efforts, or events like the EyeCU Reading and Social Network book club gathering, The EyeCU Literary Experience Powered by BRAE, my mission is to create meaningful connections and celebrate storytelling in all its forms.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that stories have the power to change lives. I hope to continue telling tales that uplift, entertain, and spark conversations for years to come.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been participating in the Black Readers Appreciation Event (BRAE). This event brings authors together as a community to share their works with readers for free, creating an incredible opportunity to connect directly with an audience that might not have discovered me otherwise.
Through BRAE, I was able to showcase my stories on a much larger platform, gaining exposure to readers who appreciated my work and wanted to learn more about me as an author. It also allowed me to grow my subscriber list for my newsletter, giving me a direct line of communication to readers who are now part of my journey. The boost in awareness I received from participating in BRAE not only expanded my readership but also strengthened my presence in the literary community.
For me, the beauty of BRAE lies in the spirit of giving back and building relationships, both with readers and fellow authors. It’s a reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of creating spaces where authors and readers can connect meaningfully.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I keep in touch with my clients and foster brand loyalty through a combination of strategies that focus on connection, engagement, and accessibility.
First, I maintain an active social media presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where I interact with readers in real-time. I share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my writing process, updates about upcoming projects, and personal reflections. I also host live Q&A sessions and respond to comments to create a sense of connection and make my followers feel like part of my journey.
Second, my newsletter is a cornerstone of how I stay connected with my audience. It’s where I share exclusive content such as sneak peeks of upcoming books, updates on events, and special offers for my subscribers. It feels like a more personal way to engage, and I love creating that intimate community with my readers.
Additionally, I’ve made it a priority to participate in more book events across different cities. These events allow me to meet readers face-to-face, connect with other authors, and introduce my work to new audiences. Whether it’s panel discussions, signings, or book fairs, these experiences are invaluable for building relationships and expanding my reach.
By consistently showing up on social media, through newsletters, and in person at events, I’m able to create meaningful connections with my readers. My goal is always to provide value, share my passion, and make my audience feel seen and appreciated. That’s how I’ve been able to build trust and loyalty with my growing community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kaylynnhunt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylynnhunt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaylynnHunt/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kaylynn-Hunt/author/B007540V1C?qid=1348614623&sr=8-1&ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
https://linktr.ee/KaylynnHunt