Dee Evans, MBA, CPLC

I attribute my success to my passion for publishing and my commitment to empowering minority voices by helping authors share their stories and challenge long-standing stereotypes in the industry, particularly around Black representation. What drives me most is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through each publication, preserving authors’ legacies so their work can live on for generations beyond their lifetime.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never give up, embrace the growing pains that come with the journey, and be unafraid to pivot when necessary. Growth often requires discomfort, adaptation, and resilience, and every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, evolve, and become stronger. I’ve learned that success is not solely about staying on one path; it’s about having the courage to adjust, reinvent yourself, and continue moving forward with purpose.

My advice to women entering the publishing and literary industry is to never underestimate the power of your voice, story, or perspective. I encourage young women to take action and pursue their goals without hesitation. Do your research to clearly understand your audience and the purpose behind your work, whether that involves writing a book or starting a publishing venture. Once your purpose is clear, move forward with confidence and don’t let fear hold you back. Time is valuable, so trust yourself, start where you are, and take the first step without waiting for the “perfect” moment. Too often, women, especially Black and minority women, wait for permission, validation, or the “perfect moment” before stepping into roles as authors, leaders, or entrepreneurs. Your lived experiences, creativity, and authenticity are your greatest strengths. 

Invest in learning the business side of publishing as much as the creative side. Build your personal brand, understand marketing, protect your ownership rights, and cultivate meaningful relationships within the industry. While your talent may open doors, it is consistency, strategy, and confidence that will sustain your growth.

I would also encourage women to build with purpose and not comparison. The publishing industry can feel competitive and oversaturated, but there is room for your unique voice and mission. Focus on creating impact, serving your audience, and remaining true to the message you have been called to share. Surround yourself with mentors, communities, and collaborators who genuinely support your growth, and never be afraid to create your own opportunities when doors are not opening. Some of the most influential women in publishing today became successful by building platforms and spaces that reflected the representation, empowerment, and change they wanted to see in the industry.

A key challenge in the publishing industry is the underrepresentation of Black and Brown authors and limited access to publishing knowledge for many minority writers (about 6–8% in the U.S. and 1.8% globally). One of the biggest challenges facing Black and minority authors in publishing today is visibility and access. Although self-publishing has opened more doors, many underrepresented writers still struggle with discoverability, marketing support, industry gatekeeping, and limited representation in mainstream publishing spaces. Many talented authors have powerful stories to tell, but without the right branding, marketing strategy, or publishing guidance, their books often fail to reach the audiences they deserve. In addition, the rise of AI-generated content and market oversaturation make authentic storytelling and cultural voice even more important and more difficult to stand out.

Simultaneously, this moment offers a significant opportunity for Black and minority authors. Readers are actively seeking diverse voices, culturally authentic stories, faith-based perspectives, memoirs, and empowering narratives that reflect real experiences. Independent publishing has also paved new pathways for authors to retain ownership, develop personal brands, and generate income streams beyond book sales through coaching, speaking engagements, podcasts, courses, and digital products. Rise2Write Publishing helps bridge the gap by providing minority authors with the tools, education, and support they need to enhance visibility, maintain creative control, and transform their stories into enduring impact and legacy. Nevertheless, this situation also presents a compelling opportunity to establish minority-led publishing houses, raise awareness, and broaden representation in literature, thereby ensuring that more diverse voices are published and amplified.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are empowering underrepresented voices, maintaining clear and honest communication, building strong and meaningful relationships, and creating lasting legacies through published work that continues to impact future generations.