How one Black author published her own work, encourages others to do the same

CHICAGO (WLS) -- They want their words to be read in the way they wrote them, and they want their stories to be told in the way they intended.

As we honor Black History Month, ABC7 spoke with local authors who have taken control of the titles they wrote, from putting pen to paper to getting them published.

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In a unique book club, these authors published themselves.

It started with Ariel Sylvester, who has a doctorate in early childhood education and loves to write. She did not want to take the chance of a publisher altering her voice, so she self-published.

"I wanted to do something different, like, Black murder mystery with a Black female character in the leading role with a lot of diversity," said Ariel Sylvester with Pretty Nerd Publishing. "I believe self-publishing gave me my voice, and I get to say what I want to say instead if someone change it."

Sylvester published 12 books in seven genres under Pretty Nerd Publishing, including books about Black superheroes. She says readers identify with her authentic voice, free from stereotypes.

"I want the dad to be a lawyer. I want the mom to be a professor and the kids to be super talented and smart, and they are just a great superhero family," Sylvester said.

Of the U.S. population, 12.1% identify as African American. But only 6.1% of American authors identify as African American. And according to the African American Literature Club, only 6.6% of publishers are Black-owned businesses.

SEE ALSO | ABC7 presents 'Our Chicago: Manning Up' for Black History Month

At book fairs and author events, Sylvester met others with stories they wanted to share, and she began coaching them on how to self-publish.

Now, several Chicagoans have their stories in print, thanks to Sylvester's guidance. Their voices are unaltered and authentic, direct to readers.

"From death to a five-organ transplant," said author Phillip Hanks.

"If I can change, anyone can change," said author Gregory Robinson.

"I wrote the book to encourage individuals to take an in-depth look into their lives, because that's exactly what I did," said author Mildred Givens.

"I'm writing a book about how Chicago is a powerful place, inspiring important voices," said aspiring author Octavia Simmons.

"I want fathers to hear this story, as well as others," said author Sylvia Miles.

"I'm 18 years old, and these are my stories of a girl subjected to silence," said author Ciniyah Janae.

"If I've learned anything about being Black, you don't allow your voice to be silenced. You fight for your rights. You fight for a seat at the table. And if you can't have a seat at the table, you make your own table," Sylvester said.

The authors shared another advantage to self-publishing: They keep the profits from any books sold.