Teri Woods, author of the street lit classic, True to the Game and owner of Teri Woods Publishing, which has published several novels including B-More Careful, recently signed a seven-figure, multi-book deal with Karen Thomas at Warner Books/Hachette Book Group. Warner will re-release True to the Game, as well as two sequels and two original books beginning in the fall of 2007.

Seven-figure deal. That's huge, not only because that type of money is rare in the publishing industry (unless you're famous), but also because Woods began her career as a self-published author.




Writers always ask me what's the best way to get their foot into the publishing industry door. I've learned that it's about education and networking. Educating yourself about the industry and networking with people who are doing what you want to do. Then a lot of hard work and perseverance.

On March 25, 2007, Teri Woods, along with several other publishing folks, including Myself, Donna Hill (author with more than fifty published titles to her credit), Troy Johnson (founder of AALBC.com), and many others, will be on hand to offer publishing guidance and advice at the Self-Publishing Symposium (visit this link for registration information).

Presented by Aspicomm Media, Inc., the day-long seminar takes place at The Schomburg Center in New York City. The keynote speaker is Tony Rose, publisher of Amber Communications and co-founder of the African American Pavilion at Book Expo America. The emcee is Maryann Reid, author of Sex and the Single Sister, Use Me or Lose Me, Marry Your Baby Daddy and Mrs. Big. The symposium will include panel discussions, networking opportunities, and open forums to help self-published authors, small/independent presses, and aspiring writers. Sponsors include Black Enterprise magazine and iUniverse.

Okay, you won't land a seven-figure book deal just by attending. But chances are, you'll learn something helpful towards your publishing path. Teri Woods had to start somewhere.