Today we’d like to introduce you to C. Darayl Howard.
Hi C. Darayl, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
While most kids were outside playing, I had my head stuck in a book. For me, it was a natural transition to become an author. I thought it would be cool to write books that readers could relate to, the same way I could relate to the characters in the books written by authors like Terry McMillan, Toni Morrison, and Eric Jerome Dickey.
Once I started publishing my own work, I eventually decided that I wanted to help other indie authors to get their work out to the masses. That’s how my company, LBH Publishing Services came into existence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have to be honest; my biggest obstacle/challenge has been myself. I love writing more than anything I’ve ever done. However, I don’t always have the wherewithal to sit down and write a book. It takes more than drive to complete a novel. It takes focus and determination to see a book through to its completion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While I’m most known for my artistic work, I am also expanding my brand as a businesswoman. I love that my followers on social media have shown an interest in my books, but now I have plans to take the publishing world by storm and create a way for indie authors like myself to produce high-quality books that can compete with those published by big publishing houses, without having to actually learn the publishing business.
When I first started out, there was so much for me to learn and I had to comb through so much information— it made getting my first book into readers hands a lengthy process. With the help of my company, LBH Publishing services, indie authors will be able to accomplish their writing goals and sell books they can be proud of without breaking the bank.
No matter what, I’ll never stop writing books. It’s something I love doing. Currently, I have five titles out, The End of August being my most recent release, and I plan to release two more works in 2023. I will be a very busy lady in the next years to come.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Thankfully, I belong to a community that has been very helpful in sharing useful information. I’ve joined several groups on Facebook, and I also belong to a writer’s collective that meets once a month to talk about the writing business and current trends.
If I were an aspiring author, I would search for groups on social media and also look for meet-ups in my community. We live in a time when everything is accessible online and that is especially true for self-publishing. I’m always excited to offer advice whenever I can to those wanting to learn more about the publishing business. I frequently get questions in my inbox, so don’t be afraid to contact your favorite author to pick their brains. More than likely they will be forthcoming as long as you are respectful of their time.
Contact Info:
- Website: cdarayl.online
- Instagram: cdaraylhoward
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cdarayl
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/c_darayl
- Other: https://www.fiverr.com/charitypearson/help-you-publish-your-book-and-promote-it?gig_id=165729647&use_personalized_metadata=true&utm_campaign=base_gig_create_share&utm_content=&utm_medium=shared&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=&view=gig
Image Credits
All photos belong to C. Darayl Howard
