Scarred Petals: A Bloom Stunted by Storms (WordsbyDaijha)

How has digital publishing changed the industry? Digital publishing has opened the door for voices that might have previously been overlooked. Authors no longer have to rely solely on traditional gatekeepers to share their stories. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing allow writers to reach global audiences directly, which creates more diversity in storytelling and more control for authors over their work. For me as a self-publisher, it has meant being able to bring my memoir to life and connect with readers without waiting for permission from a traditional publishing house.

What do you look for when considering new manuscripts or content? As a self-publisher, my focus has been on telling an authentic and meaningful story rather than selecting multiple manuscripts. The main thing I prioritize is honesty in storytelling. My memoir, Scarred Petals: A Bloom Stunted By Storms, is rooted in lived experience, and I believe the most powerful content comes from voices that are genuine, reflective, and willing to share difficult truths.

How do you balance creative vision with market demand? I believe creative vision should lead the process, especially in memoir writing. While market trends can help guide how a book is presented or promoted, the story itself has to remain authentic. My priority is telling the story the way it deserves to be told while still being mindful of how readers discover and engage with books in today’s digital marketplace.

What are the biggest challenges facing publishers today? One of the biggest challenges is visibility. With digital platforms making publishing more accessible, there are now millions of books competing for readers’ attention. For independent authors, marketing and discoverability can be just as demanding as writing the book itself. Building trust with readers and creating meaningful engagement is key and AI.

What’s your approach to discovering new talent? Because my focus right now is on my own writing journey, discovering new talent often happens through community and connection rather than formal submissions. I’m inspired by authors who share personal stories, advocate for healing, and use writing as a form of empowerment.

How are you integrating multimedia or digital formats? Digital formats have allowed me to expand beyond the printed page. My book is available digitally and I also use social media, video, and online events to connect with readers and discuss the themes in my work. These platforms create opportunities for conversations that go deeper than the book itself.

What excites you most about the future of publishing? What excites me most is the growing power of independent voices. Authors from different backgrounds can now publish their stories and reach readers around the world without needing a traditional publishing deal. That shift means more authentic stories, more representation, and more opportunities for writers to build communities around their work.