Ella D. Curry has created many opportunities for writers and readers. I recently spoke with her about her about all things books.
Tell me about EDC Creations and Sankofa Literary Society.
Thank you so much for having us! EDC Creations is the parent company of the Sankofa Literary Society (SLS), the Black Authors Network Radio Show and Black Pearls Magazine. The Sankofa Literary Society empowers independent and/or self-published authors through mentoring programs. The popular Black Authors Network radio program offers new authors a chance to showcase their books to thousands of international readers weekly. Black Pearls Magazine, is an award-winning online literary destination for thousands of book clubs and social network fans around the globe. We offer promotional services to authors and publishing houses alike. Readers can find out more about those services at www.edc-creations.com
The Sankofa Literary Society consists of authors, librarians, 80 established bloggers, 42 nurses, 15 independent bookstores, 45 reviewing book clubs and has over 2,700 members online and offline in total, with 877 of those members coming from book clubs or established reading groups. Quarterly the SLS publishes the popular Top 100 Best Books lists. Each summer the SLS hosts the annual Chocolate Socials, which brings more than 400 readers and authors to Atlanta, Georgia, and New Orleans, Louisiana, for the private literary events.
Why did you decide to start the SLS?
I created the Sankofa Literary Society as a way to have a loyal group of readers to support my clients at EDC Creations. If you are promoting any product or service you need a target audience. I worked to serve a group that was hungry for literature written by people of color.
I have 25-plus years of marketing and public relations experience. The reading group is one more part of my social outreach. In 2000, I launched my first business as an event planning firm. Three years later, EDC Creations expanded into a literary promotion and marketing company, offering authors opportunities to introduce their books to thousands of eager readers. My company’s database of loyal book readers is at 165,000 and growing, giving EDC Creations a direct connection with the readers and publishers.
What influenced you to begin your EDC Creations Media? Were there any trials or struggles that led you to the place where you are now?
I started EDC Creations Media Group because I saw a need in the industry in which self-published authors needed to look more business savvy so that they could compete with traditionally published authors. I knew self-published authors needed to come across as polished and ready for the big leagues. In order to educate others that were surely misinformed as I was, I knew I had to help the authors appear just as worthy as their counterparts published by the major houses.
Oftentimes launching your own business is difficult, and the expense that comes with owning your business can be overwhelming. In an effort to increase my income and to acquire health insurance, I went to work at Karibu Bookstores in Maryland as a buyer’s assistant. I quickly went from being just an assistant to becoming the new submissions manager, sideline buyer, events buyer and consultant to the marketing department as well as to the human resources department.
Working at Karibu was the catalyst for starting EDC Creations. My work at the bookstore opened my eyes to a world I never knew! The black history that I “thought” I knew became a farce. Karibu exposed me to the classics—our classics—the bookstore enveloped me. Always an avid reader, I became obsessed with catching up with what our people were doing and all the achievements that had been denied me during a Southern education, in a predominately white high school and later college.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
It’s never too late for you re-invent yourself and to live out your dreams. My big leap of faith started at 40! Each year I host 10 workshops and private events to help women define their purpose and share it with the world in the best and most comfortable way.
Who is your favorite established author and why?
My favorite author is Pamela Samuels Young! I love her drive and determination. Her spirit to excel is unbelievable. She has been a great mentor for me as a woman and as a entrepreneur. She defines the word Sisterhood!
Who is your favorite new author and why?
Marian L. Thomas would be my favorite new author. Watching her work evolve has been epic. I love that she refuses to be placed in a box and that she will not let the competition determine her approach to writing and promoting her books. I love how she works to learn all aspects of the business and that she is not afraid to invest in herself!
What is the best business advice you’ve ever gotten?
Lee McDonald of Karibu introduced me to a book titled The Four Agreements. That book changed my life and helped me to revamp my company and start a new life!
What advice do you have for a woman who has been thinking about starting her own business?
Start a business that is filled with your passions and fits with your personal lifestyle. Consider what sacrifices you will have to make with your family, present job and the time it will take to make your dream a reality. Turn our hobbies into a profitable business.
There is no greater agony than carrying an unfinished story or wish inside you. If you are serious about pursuing your life purpose, study the industry, craft or movement you want to enter. Set out a written plan to achieve your short term goals and then your long term goals. Tackle each step of the plan and provide whatever it takes to make it happen! Define your weaknesses and work on strengthening them. Google can be your best friend in the planning stages.
For businesses with significant overhead, it is vital to start the business with adequate funding. If your business requires capital up front, figure out ways to save the money, create a means to use fundraising sites for the money or map out a way to acquire the needed funds without causing a hardship on your life. The road might be a little bumpy but know this: if you can dream it, you can do it! Just keep getting back up, no matter how hard the fall.
Keep in mind networking is not the same thing as sales! Create dynamic relationships with associates before you ask them for assistance! Start the process of networking while in the planning stages. Social media networking it is one of the most effective ways to market your business and create lucrative opportunities. Networking can be time consuming if you let it. Start out slow by actively cultivating relationships with people, businesses, change agents, and others who present possible leverage for your business.
How can people connect with you?
My parent website, EDC Creations, has a wealth of information for readers and authors alike. All things EDC can be found there: www.edc-creations.com. Authors seeking to have their books showcased to our network can find all of our packages under Author Services.
I love Facebook and I can be found there almost daily at: http://www.facebook.com/edccreations.
If readers are looking for updates on the latest book releases and what’s happening on BAN Radio Show, the place to find me is on Twitter at: @EDC1Creations or https://twitter.com/EDC1Creations
