Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Newberry.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Several years ago, I released a self-published novel. I wouldn’t call it a smash hit, but it received a bigger response than I expected. However, the response that surprised me the most were the people who reached out and asked me how I did it, about publishing traditionally, independently, as well as for details on self-publishing. Many times over, I’d share detailed outlines and the writers asking were often so overwhelmed that they were ready to give up then and there. It is a lot of work, writing, editing and marketing yourself as an author is a little like running a small business of your own. Regardless of my insisting they could do it if they tried, only a few of them actually followed through, some with my guidance and some on their own.
I began to think of ways I could encourage them or help them dip their toes in the water, so-to-speak. It was then that I came up with the idea for releasing an anthology of short stories, which would eventually be ‘Shadows in Salem’, the first collection by FunDead Publications.
When I built the simplistic website and listed off the guidelines, I expected a few stories from friends and family and a few acquaintances but I never could’ve imagined that, I’d see hundreds of submissions from all over the world. After going through the process of compiling the stories and going from editing to printing, I knew it was something I wanted to continue doing, to help new and emerging writers get their first publishing credit, while also working with veterans of the publishing community to get more of their work in the hands of the public.
In our first year, FunDead published 5 books in its first official year in business and we’re looking forward to many more. In our second year, we have also started offering seminars on self-publishing and marketing for authors along with our friends and colleagues at Cabot Street Books & Cards, part of Hugo Books. We continue striving to help those struggling to have printed credits get their name listed among a quality lineup of authors. We have been very pleased to see writers involved in our anthologies go on to land publishing agents, contracts and even sell screenplays.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like all things in business and art, the road is always full of potholes and bumps. I quickly learned from my first experience with reading and editing a slush pile, that it’s not a one-person job. As a matter-of-fact, my team of editors and proofreaders knew I needed help long before I admitted that I did. Call me pig-headed, but it wasn’t until ‘Shadows in Salem’ was in the final editing stages that I finally relented and accepted the help of my friend and co-editor, Laurie Moran. Shortly thereafter, and only about 6 months after our first release, Bret Valdez and Erin Crocker joined the team as proofreaders. All three had offered me “any help” I might need over the early course of the projects, but I’m a bit pig-headed and it took me a while to realize that there was no shame in working as a team instead of going solo.
Of course, as with many things in the arts, it was not easy building the initial funding I needed, most of the money coming from my own pocket at that time. Luckily, I had a strong background in sales and marketing and by the end of that first year, FunDead was already starting to hold its own and I look forward to seeing larger payments for contributors in the nearer future.
We also found that in the beginning, local shops were skeptical about the potential for customer interest in our work. Rest assured after one October in Salem, our books proved themselves and by our second October, we had increased our presence on the shelves of local stores by over 300%. We love it when someone picks up our books and say, “Oh, I keep seeing this book!”
FunDead Publications – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
There’s nothing traditional about FunDead Publications. We’re tattooed, we have wild hair and wear leather jackets and we take pride in being the fringe. I like to joke that we’re the ‘headbangers’ of publishing. We strive to publish a diverse group of authors and are proud to be woman-owned and managed, while also being supportive of groups who should be better represented both as writers and in fictional characters on the page. As a matter of fact, our current submissions call (which closes on April 5th, 2018) is for traditional gothic short stories featuring non-traditional main characters or storylines. We are heavily encouraging stories revolving around diverse people, those in the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.
We also pride ourselves in helping authors reach greater potential. We specialize in finding that potential where other publishers might turn a blind eye. We are willing to put in the work to help those with rough edges become more polished writers, while keeping that edge when it helps them stand out.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I’m so lucky to say this, but we see success in so many different ways as a company. Each time I sell a copy of a book I produced, I consider it a success, but I’m not basing that on the number of dollars that it adds up to. It’s more about the fact that our writers will reach a new audience when that reader opens that copy of “One Night in Salem”. Each time I am able to take a story from editing to print and see a marked difference without altering the author’s voice, I consider it a success.
When I’ve helped someone be heard, especially when they’ve been stifled or muffled by those around them, I have helped them find their success… and that, to me, is the best kind of success.
Pricing:
- FunDead Publications Paperbacks- $14.99
- FunDead Publications eBooks- $4.99
Contact Info:
- Website: FunDeadShop.com
- Email: DearFunDead@gmail.com
- Instagram: @FunDeadPublications
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FunDeadPublications/
- Twitter: @DearFunDead
- Other: FunDeadPublications.com
Image Credit:
John Andrews, Creative Northshore, Amber Newberry, Laurie Moran
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