Today we’d like to introduce you to Otiz “O.T.” Porter.
Otiz, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I decided to learn to self-publish and begin my own publishing outfit in response to my dissatisfaction with the overall methods of the publishing industry. I had two books go through traditional publishing houses and I simply was not happy with the end results.
My first experience, back in 2005 with a non-defunct international publisher, was terrible. After that experience, I had no desire to write in a creative manner for nearly a decade. However, in 2014, the process of writing my second book reawakened my desire to continue writing and publishing work.
The publisher I worked with back then was very hands-on and extremely giving when it came to information. He taught me the ins and outs of the publishing industry and taught me how to self-publish, begin my own imprint, and so much more. I owe “Dear Anonymous Friend…” completely to his tutelage,
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Goodness, no! There was nothing smooth about the road. My first book was basically stolen from me for a decade by a corrupt publisher, taking advantage of my naivety. That experience caused me to abhor creative writing and I enveloped myself in academia.
After I completed my education, the creative side of me could not be caged any longer. My second book was a wash – in a positive way.
Things went very smoothly there. However, once I decided to take on my own imprint so I could self-publish, I needed to learn everything about publishing. I was no longer just a demanding writer barking orders at editors and publishers – I was the writer, editor, and publisher. I had to learn how to functionally edit work I have been reading and re-reading for months. I needed to learn how to register as a publisher. I needed to learn how to format a book, how to purchase an ISBN and register the book with that ISBN – and so much more.
The process was daunting. I never really understood how much work went into completing a book. I sort of regret some of my diva-esque behaviors with my first two publishers. Something as simple as changing line spacing is a ton of work. I cringe when I think of how often I requested changes, unaware of how much work editors and publishers were forced into.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the OT Porter Press story. Tell us more about the business.
Honestly, my company specializes in publishing me at this point. I write and publish because I love it. While my current books are scattered throughout different genres, I believe “Dear Anonymous Friend…” an autobiographical memoir, is the direction I want to continue with my writing. I enjoy telling real-life stories.
I find them much more fascination than fiction. OT Porter Press is not completely about making money, while that is certainly a part of my effort. I would love to begin working with other authors in the very near future. However, I am still new and underprepared for such an undertaking at this moment in time.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Bad luck and good luck were definitely involved in my life and business. Bad luck would be setting myself up with my first publisher. However, I learned what to look for in a scam artist. Good luck was my second publisher. He was simply a great man. He worked with me, answered my questions, and taught me enough to give me the confidence to set out to publish “Dear Anonymous Friend…” on my own.
And, to both our credit, “Dear Anonymous Friend…” has outsold both of my previous books combined. Also, if you are interested in seeing how luck played out in my life, read “Dear Anonymous Friend…” Because nothing but luck could have the string of events I write about from that time in my life, except luck. That much i feel sure of.
Pricing:
- “Dear Anonymous Friend…” $19.99
- “Why Not If It Works: Your Communication Guide to Building and Maintaining Your Relationship” $11.99
Contact Info:
- Email: docporterot@gmail.com
- Instagram: @otporter_author
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/otporterauthor
- Twitter: @docporterot
Image Credit:
Steven Tilotta for Tilotta Images, Ryan Keene
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