The Art of Self-Publishing with Braxton Langston Chapman
By. Michael Palmer

Self-publishing is a method that many writers are considering in order to share their work with the world. While this is not a new concept, it is one gaining popularity among modern writers in the digital age. In 2018, there was around one million self-published books that were produced and sold (Publisher’s Weekly). Self-publishing allows writers to think about production, material, and creating an audience that’s willing to read what they have to offer. It gives writers the freedom to be unique and create their fan base. If a writer were to take the traditional route and sell their book through a publisher, the company would likely take care of most publishing aspects, and fit the book to their markets. The writer would of course still have to make public appearances but a majority of the work would lie in the hands of the company. Easy right? That is what I thought, but it seems the extensive amount of control and work is what is most attractive about an author publishing their own work. 
To better understand the process, I interviewed self-published North Carolina A&T State University student and author, Braxton Langston Chapman. 

 

When and why did you choose to self-publish?

Chapman: “I chose to self-publish my freshman year of college. I published a writing portfolio using Amazon-Kindle. I managed to sell about five hundred copies. After only making roughly a hundred dollars—I just knew there was an easier way for me to see a profit off of my labor. While it is not about the money at all, I was down and out- a true broke college student. I re-invented myself and got a friend of mine to create an encryption to allow people to purchase my work straight from my website.”

Poetry or Fiction? Both are incredibly detailed, but one is more developed than the other. Which one do you most enjoy writing?

 

Chapman: “I love fiction. It is by far my favorite thing to write and read. I [typically] start writing poetry when I have writer’s block. It just so happens I have writer’s block a lot. Modern poetry is the way literature is going. I knew I wanted to build a fan base. Poetry is not my first choice of writing. I like building worlds. My favorite author’s fiction was so absurd I almost believed those things were happening. I was convinced I was someone new when I read the material.”

With self-publishing, production can be a hassle, how are you producing and selling your work?

Chapman: “I hired a visual director and as of February 2019, I am housing three more authors. I really hope my methods and production plans catch on. Content aside my process is different from anything done before. Authors can get lost and forget they write for the world sometimes. In 2019, not everyone has hours and hours to read. The way I want people to consume my work is a bit different. So right now all my work is exclusive through my website.”

You currently have a poetry book published, The Mute Pretender. It’s pretty unique in the way it’s written. Tell me more about it.

Chapman: “The Mute Pretender is like my baby. The content is for beginners and poetry lovers. While the structure is very modern, the layout and content has an immense amount of deeper meanings. Every time someone reads it they will see and begin to understand more. While the content is abstract there are surfaces catching themes for everyone. Also there are only ninety poems. Which makes the read time only forty-five minutes. It is broken up into two sections. One titled “Sleep,” which has very dark and ignorant content. Then “Being Woke,” which comes from a much more structured place with themes of race and womanism.”

Okay, last question I want to know if you are working on a new project. Is there anything we can expect from you anytime soon?

Chapman: “Currently I am working on a lot of content. I plan to almost flood the market. I have something for everyone. A poetry collection titled Alexus, which is inspired by someone near and dear to me. The collection is set for a March release on all electronic platforms. Also, a short story titled Hanover which I started for an English class, has now became a favorite amongst fans on my private blogs. So with a few edits, alterations, and a couple name edits, the short story will show the world that poetry is not my only form of expression. Lastly, my big work. Hopefully my next debut will help me to be taken seriously as not only a poet but also a [fiction] writer.  I am currently collaborating with an artist on a poetry collection titled Eggs for Breakfast which will combine contemporary poetry concepts with modern ideas. Almost a thousand poems right now, we are cutting, creating, and modifying right now. I am hoping for a spring 2020 release.”
---
Michael J. Palmer

For More Information about Braxton Langston Chapman, visit his website here.