Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lygia Guzman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Lygia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Writing has been my means of expression and escape since I was a child. For the first half of my life, I consider myself a self-taught writer. However, my writing was significantly refined during my time in college and graduate school, where my work was rigorously critiqued. This allowed me to delve even deeper into my passion for writing. Unlike many white cisgender authors, I did not pursue formal education specifically for creative writing as an Afro-Latina. Instead, I refined my craft by participating in master classes and attending writing conferences, often at my own expense. Nevertheless, my most valuable resource has been connecting with other BIPOC authors who write fantasy. Together, we have built a supportive community where we uplift and encourage one another.
Lygia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My debut novel, Rise of a Dark Throne, The Mosa Chronicles, was released in November. As an Afro-Latina author, I focus on writing diverse and inclusive fantasy novels that are filled with romance and magic. Recently, I launched magical book boxes inspired by my novel, and to my surprise, they sold out within two days.
Many people are unaware that Indie authors, such as me, typically handle their own marketing, branding, and launching, which can turn into a full-time job that was only intended to be part-time. Despite the challenges, I recently found success in launching magical book boxes based on my debut novel, Rise of a Dark Throne, The Mosa Chronicles, which sold out within two days.
In addition to the book boxes, I have also leveraged TikTok as a marketing tool, and a video featuring my novel’s artwork and a catchy song has amassed over 11 thousand views and followers. While writing this novel was a beautiful experience, it was also a challenging one. For authors struggling with marketing or selling their books, there are several online masterclasses available. However, if you still lack confidence, my advice is twofold: firstly, consider hiring someone to assist you if it is financially feasible, and secondly, believe in your novel because if you don’t, who will?
How’d you meet your business partner?
Well, it’s quite funny actually. I met my business partner when I married him. Yes, you read that right. My husband is not only my life partner, but he’s also my designer, book cover artist, and king of the Indie Author space. It’s a family affair, and we make it work. In fact, I couldn’t do it without him. And it’s not just us, we also partner with other brilliant BIPOC artists to showcase our work. For instance, I found a talented woman of color, Ruthie Bowels, to do the voice acting for my Audible set to come out this spring. Together, we’re taking the publishing world by storm, one page at a time.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
As an indie author who has gained significant success and readership from TikTok and Instagram, I can say that social media and a strong website are now king when it comes to growing your clientele. It’s essential to use social media platforms to build your brand, connect with your audience, and find new readers. The key is to create engaging content that showcases your writing style, personality, and interests while also providing value to your audience.
One thing that has been most effective for me is building an email list and having folks subscribe to my newsletter. It’s an excellent way to keep readers engaged and up-to-date on new releases, promotions, and events. Plus, it helps with generating a buzz around your novel and boosting sales.
Another piece of advice I would give is to collaborate with other authors and creatives in your niche. Networking and cross-promoting with like-minded individuals can help expand your reach, gain new followers, and grow your clientele. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Encourage your readers to leave reviews, share your work with their friends, and spread the word about your brand. To learn more about Ligia follow her on TikTok or visit her website www.lnguzman.com Ligia’s second Novel Magick Rising releases in June of 2023!
Image Credits
These are all my images taken by me.