Next Generation Literary Group on the Move!

I'm sure that everyone who is a published author had many questions when it involved the production of their first book. The questions probably ranged from topics such as, printing options, formatting, book covers, website design, flyer's, cards; advertisement and so many more topics that authors need to cover. Publishing a book is no easy task especially if you decide to go down the long road of self-publishing. Self-publishing means just what it says. You are in control, you have no deadlines, bosses or demanding agents or editors awaiting the arrival of your hard work, spat out on demand. Plus...you control and own the rights to your work. No worry of having your book cover changed with what they think, or your worked changed around in the editing process to, let's say, make the story feel more alive!

Well through my struggle in finding out information on publishing I ended up choosing Author House to produce my first book. My choice? Wrong one! I only say wrong because had I taken more time, researched more references and been patient, I could have used my hard earned money to purchase a block of ISBN numbers, bar codes, and other items needed to self-publish. Then, had I decided after my first book I would have been worry free about the purchase of ISBN number and etc. There is no need to rush when you are considering avenues to publish your book. take your time and shop all up and down every avenue that presents itself. Personally, I feel that self-publishing is the best route to go.

When talking to authors Dedan Tolbert and Kisha Green their views were pretty much the same.

"I was just tired of getting the run around or no responses when I reached out to other authors. I felt as if I were trying to belong to a click or group that had their minds on other things beside writing and publishing." Dedan says as he reflects his experience while trying to publish his first novel, "The Love we Had", which sold a thousand copies the first month out.

"You think you just gone hit up some famous author on Myspace and get good free advice then keep on looking around, because that day will never happen. This is suppose to be a literary association, but I feel that there are more clicks out there than need be. Whatever happened to giving back to the people that helped raise your career?" Author and small press owner of Diva Books, Kisha Green announces with a hint of rage.

"I think back to when I published my first book. All the questions, emails and phone calls that I made were record breaking probably." Kisha laughs as she strolls down memory lane.

" People were actually very closed mouthed about the publishing industry. I was like dang, what the hell is going on? Should I really be writing books or should I just not look up to the people I once looked up to and be like forget them?"

Throughout all of these authors frustration and unhappiness with the way that some authors respond to questions from their fans or yet alone another colleague, they decided to start the Next Generation Literary Group, or for short---NGLG.

"I would say the most important step in publishing a book is finding out what type of author you are. If you just want to write a book, just to say you have and give it out to friends and family, then maybe a print on demand company would be great for you. However, if you are looking to publish more than one book, eat, live, and poop out writing then hey, self-publishing is the route. then there is the toss up. Maybe you are that type of writer that has the finances to go to a print on demand company; simply because you have no care to be involved first hand with the production of your book. I truly feel the saying "To each its own" when publishing matters arise." Mr. Tolbert interjects before busting out laughing.

I can however understand some veteran authors feelings on the matter of responding to questions that they are bombarded with. It's okay to ask the questions, but what gets to them (by my asking of course) is the fact they have not even tried to do jack on their own. I mean to ask one question is one thing, but to ask questions day after day, month after month and so-forth...NERVE WRECKING!

Please make sure that you perform your homework or at least have some knowledge in the specialty that which you are partaking in. HELLO? Have you ever seen a surgeon that asked where the brain was? Hell, no! If so, please email me, so I can never cross his or her path! The point I am trying to make is to be the driver and know where you are gong at all times. Have a back-up plan in case of a road block. This literary business is very competitive and very much thriving. Sure, there is room for us all at the top, but be real...not everyone can be the trophy writer.

Take a look at the mission statement of NGLG. I feel that you will be quite impressed and maybe moved to go see what they are all up to:

The Next Generation Literary Group (NGLG) was founded in January 2007 by Dedan Tolbert, Kisha Green and Yulonda Brown.

Being self-published authors, we have experienced firsthand how hard it can be for a new author to get their foot in the door of one of the most competitive industries there is.

We are here to show new and aspiring authors that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that your dreams can come true.

We plan on traveling nationwide and conducting self-publishing seminars with the hopes of making the idea of self-publishing a little less overwhelming.