We recently connected with Ruth Fleury and have shared our conversation below.
Ruth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
Starting Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing, LLC was a journey fueled by passion, purpose, and persistence. It all began in 2021, during a time when I found myself reflecting deeply on the need for representation and the power of storytelling, especially for Black and Brown children in our communities.
The idea was sparked by my love for literacy and my belief that every story matters. I saw so many aspiring authors with incredible stories to tell but no guidance on how to bring those stories to life. I wanted to bridge that gap, to provide not just a service but a space where their voices could be nurtured and amplified.
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?
Hello! My Story and Mission
My name is Ruth Fleury, and I’m passionate about storytelling, literacy, and empowering others to share their voices. I’ve been in the education field for 16 years, working closely with children and adults to foster a love for learning. In 2021, I ventured into the publishing world and launched Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing, LLC, a company dedicated to supporting aspiring and current authors.
The journey started with a love for books and a deep understanding of how powerful stories can be, especially for Black and Brown children. Representation matters, and I wanted to create a space where authors from all walks of life could bring their stories to life and contribute to a more inclusive literary world.
What We Offer
At Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing, we guide authors through every step of the writing and publishing process:
Writing and Editing:
Helping authors develop their ideas, improve their manuscripts, and craft engaging stories.
Publishing:
From formatting to cover design, we handle the technical aspects of book production.
Marketing Support:
Teaching authors how to promote their books and connect with their audience.
Weekly Consultations:
Providing consistent guidance and accountability.
We work with both new and experienced authors, tailoring our approach to meet their unique needs.
The Problems We Solve
Many aspiring authors have incredible stories but don’t know where to start. Others struggle with time management, the complexities of the publishing process, or building confidence in their voice. We address these challenges by providing a supportive, step-by-step framework and a listening ear.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing unique is our focus on representation, community, and empowerment. As a Black woman, I understand the importance of seeing yourself reflected in literature and the barriers that can prevent people from sharing their stories. Our mission is deeply personal, and we treat every client’s story as if it were our own.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of helping my nine-year-old daughter, Runesa, and my five-year-old daughter, Rulianna, become published authors with their books, Fun Times with Mom and Excited for School. Seeing them hold their books in their hands and knowing I’ve inspired them to dream big was a defining moment for me.
I’m also proud of the community we’ve built. Each success story, each published book, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of sharing your voice with the world.
What I Want Potential Clients to Know
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an author but felt overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I’m here to help. Whether you’re crafting your first story or refining a completed manuscript, Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing is a place where your dreams are nurtured, your voice is celebrated, and your story can shine.
Let’s create something meaningful together.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In life, there are moments when the path you’re on shifts unexpectedly, pushing you toward something greater. My pivot came during the Pandemic. I had been in education for over 16 years, helping children learn and thrive. But as the world changed, I found myself reflecting on what more I could do to make a lasting impact.
The pandemic revealed the power of storytelling, how words could bring comfort, connection, and hope during uncertain times. That’s when I realized that I could combine my love for literacy and education with my passion for empowering voices. I decided to take a leap of faith and launch Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing, LLC.
Transitioning from a stable career in education to starting a business was daunting. I had to learn the ins and outs of publishing, marketing, and running a business while balancing my role as a mother and mentor. There were moments of doubt and fear, but I reminded myself why I was doing this, to create representation, amplify stories, and inspire the next generation of authors.
One of the first major projects I worked on was helping my daughters, Runesa and Rulianna, publish their books. Seeing them hold their books in their hands was the confirmation I needed that I was on the right path. It was proof that this pivot was a calling. It taught me the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and staying true to your purpose. It also showed me that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. By embracing change, I’ve been able to build a community where authors can share their voices and stories with the world.
Looking back, I’m grateful for that pivotal moment. It allowed me to create a business that not only uplifts others but also fulfills my mission of spreading literacy and love through storytelling.
My first book has been transformed into a captivating short film titled Hyper Kid. This adaptation beautifully captures the heart of the story, bringing its dynamic characters and compelling themes to life on screen. Now available on YouTube, the film is a powerful testament to my creativity, vision, and commitment to sharing meaningful narratives. This project marks a significant milestone in my journey as both a storyteller and filmmaker.
The dedication and hardworking has been celebrated. Hyper Kid, So They Say earned the prestigious Golden Wizard Book Prize, while Soup Joumou Freedom Celebration received an international book award, showcasing the impact of Ruth Fleury’s storytelling. Additionally, Ruth’s dedication to her work and community has been recognized with a Global Leadership award, highlighting her influence and achievements on a worldwide scale.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I started Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing, I knew social media would be a powerful tool to connect with aspiring authors, educators, and readers. But I also knew it would take time and intentionality to build a community that resonated with my mission.
At first, I focused on sharing my story and my passion for literacy. I posted about my journey as an educator, my daughters’ books, and the importance of representation in literature. Authenticity was key, I wanted people to feel connected to the “why” behind my business.
I also used my platform to celebrate the success of my clients, showcasing their books and the stories they worked so hard to bring to life. This not only highlighted their achievements but also inspired others to believe in their own potential as authors. Building an audience wasn’t just about posting—it was about engaging. I spent time responding to comments, answering questions, and participating in conversations around literacy and storytelling. I also collaborated with other authors, educators, and entrepreneurs, amplifying each other’s voices and reaching new audiences.
Hosting live events, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the publishing process, and offering free tips and resources helped establish my presence as a trusted guide for aspiring authors.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of consistency. Social media growth doesn’t happen overnight. I created a schedule that worked for me, focusing on quality over quantity and showing up authentically in every post.
Advice for Beginners
For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, here are some tips:
Be Authentic: Share your story, your values, and your “why.” People connect with authenticity.
Engage Regularly: Respond to comments, answer questions, and show genuine interest in your audience.
Provide Value: Share content that educates, inspires, or entertains. Offer tips, resources, or insights that resonate with your target audience.
Collaborate: Partner with others in your field to cross-promote and expand your reach.
Stay Consistent: Show up regularly, even if it’s just a few times a week. Consistency builds trust and familiarity.
Be Patient: Growth takes time. Focus on building meaningful connections rather than chasing numbers.
Today, my social media audience is a community. It’s a space where stories are celebrated, and where the joy of literacy is shared.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scholarsoftomorrowpublishing.com
- Instagram: sotpublishing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-fleury-m-s-ed-356042265
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fleurysstorytime5526
Image Credits
Rufredo Fleury