Today we’re excited to introduce you to Tiffany Obeng. Tiffany is a Publisher & Principal Author and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Tiffany below.
Tiffany , it’s been too long since we last connected. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with our community again. Some readers might have missed our prior conversations, so maybe you can kick things off for us with a quick intro?
I am the owner and principal author of Sugar Cookie Books, publishing imprint. I create children’s books to educate and inspire children, especially children of color, to aspire to be anything they want to be. Strongly believing that if they can see it, they can be it, I create career books featuring diverse professionals and small black history lessons. My children’s books also feature Black children, particularly Black boys, in universal situations. In this way, all children are humanized. As an independent publisher, I identify gaps in children’s literature (particularly in the picture book space), fill those gaps and fill them quickly. With a diverse collection of children’s books, there is always something for everyone. Additionally, as a literacy advocate, I create and offer companion activity kits for many of the books. Recently, Sugar Cookie Books expanded to include inspirational puzzles, clothing, stickers, notebooks, and more.
What is the problem with the industry that you seek to resolve with your business/product?
Still today, in 2023, Black characters account for less than 13 percent of children’s literature, far behind children’s literature that feature animals! On top of that, the children’s literature that feature Black characters are overwhelmingly biographies of prominent historical figures or another historical context or written by non-Black authors. To combat this, I publish children’s picture books that feature Black children and families in high places and in every day spaces. The topics explored are universal to all regardless of color, and can be enjoyed by all as well.
To whom much is given, much is expected. How are you helping others reach their publishing goals?
For 2023, I am intentional about helping aspiring and current authors reach their publishing goals. As a Dedicated Publishing Coach (DPC), I walk hand in hand with authors as they navigate the intricacies of publishing. From copyrights to ISBNs to LCCNs to publishing and more, I am available at their finger tips. I am also creating free literature for aspiring and current authors on the topics of book description versus book summary versus book blurb, story boards, and publishing cost saving tips. On Instagram, I offer on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to answer any questions about publishing for free. These are just some of the ways I am helping others reach their publishing goals.
Why did you start your business with a career exploration book series, and how far do you intend for it go?
I started a career exploration book series to expose children to different careers that they may not otherwise come to know. The school to prison pipeline that affects our community most continues to rise. The career books are a way to combat that. The books not only educate children about different careers and professions, such as lawyer, engineer, teacher, but also inspires them to aspire to be anything. The books feature a Black boy and family, and Black people in spaces where they have historically been absent and are still underrepresented, such as in the legal field. Career exploration books are important for sparking children’s interest in their future possibilities. Once their interests are piqued, studies show they will be more invested in school, tend to be more excited about school and therefore, do better in school and stay in school. For example, I knew from a young age that I wanted to become a lawyer. I did not know much about becoming a lawyer other than I needed to do well in grade school, attend college and then law school. So I did well in school because I was invested in my future of becoming a lawyer. I am hoping to do the same for our children.
How far will I go? Well, I aspire to be the “Britannica” of kids career books. I currently have 5 books and 1 career exploration interactive journal, so I have at least 25 books to go. I release about 2 career books per year. If I keep this pace, I would have released about 30 kids careers books by 2038. That’s a lot of careers explored!
Thank you so much again for sharing all of this with us. Before we go, can you share with our readers how they can connect with you, learn more or show support?
Website: www.SugarCookieBooks.com
Instagram @sugarcookiebooks
Facebook @sugarcookiebooks
Pinterest @sugarcookiebooks
Teachers Pay Teachers: www.teacherspayteachers.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sugarcookiebooks.com
- Facebook: @sugarcookiebooks
- Other: Pinterest: @sugarcookiebooks Teachers Pay Teachers: www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/sugar-cookie-books
Image Credits
Mock ups generated by PlaceIt.com
