Self-published Youngstown author Tei’Asha Simms helps others tell their own stories
Self-publishing began disrupting the market with the help of technological advancements like e-books in 2011. According to reports, Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited paid more than a quarter of a billion dollars to indie authors in 2019, and this trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Those with a story to tell have more opportunities to reach broader audiences through nontraditional means.
One local woman and self-published author, Tei’Asha Simms, is pioneering an innovative path for aspiring writers to do the same locally. She is the founder of Authorship Academy, an educational platform that provides residents with the resources and skills to embark on their self-publishing journeys.
Launched in February, her business is located at 241 W. Federal St., Youngstown, and will begin e-courses for virtual education in the upcoming months.
“The idea for my business was inspired after I self-published my first book in August 2021 and was approached by many people within my community, especially Black writers, Simms said.
“I researched the industry more and learned that Black authors only comprise about 7 percent of the sector. I created a company to fill the gap by providing accessible educational space for aspiring local authors.”
In addition to writing services, her company provides a full range of personal and professional development workshops, from life coaching to motivational speaking. Still, her recent launch of the Authorship Academy has quickly risen to the ranks as a fan favorite.
“This service is me giving clients step-by-step instructions on becoming self-published authors. I think customers like this service because I am teaching them how to fish.”
Simms’ curriculum combines actionable feedback and resources with personal anecdotes that resonate with her customers. Understanding the pitfalls and challenges of her clients makes her workshops distinctive yet relatable.
“A unique business strategy I have employed is storytelling through content. I like to take my supporters on the journey with me. I show them my authentic self and use transparency to relate to my audience. This has created a community that stands behind all of my business endeavors, including my nonprofit, because people buy people before they buy products.”
Simms says publishing her first two books brought its fair share of learning from trial and error. Growing up without mentors to support her interests, she relied on her curiosity and passion for propelling her career. Similarly, she says many of her clients lack access to that same mentorship, which her business fulfills.
“My biggest challenge has been working backward. The myths and misinformation on publishing books is always the wall I must break down because so many are misinformed or not informed at all.”
As social media ushers in a new wave of personal branding, consulting services and business opportunities, Simms says publishing a book can assist business owners in building and establishing authority within their respective fields.
“I want readers to know that no matter what industry you work in or what position you play, anyone can be an expert in their field when they monetize their knowledge and write the right book. And I mean anyone, down to the stay-at-home mom who can teach other women how to balance all the duties of caring for the house while simultaneously executing the job of a mom — that’s a book.”
To learn more about the Authorship Academy, visit Simms’ website.
This story was originally published August 11, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
