Author Spotlight: Selina Brown

On the third instalment of our Demystifying  Self-Publishing series, I wanted to speak to an experienced writer. Selina Brown felt like an ideal choice for this. She is a prolific children’s author, recognised widely for her contributions to the community and the foundation of the Black British Book Festival. 

My aim was to get a glimpse into the Self-Publishing experience, not on its own, but as one of the many paths and branches that make up the ecosystem of a writer’s professional life. As a successful writer of colour, Selina’s input on the diversification of the literary world through the rise of self-publishing will no doubt offer any emerging writers that are considering the self-publishing route (or a hybrid path) a deeper understanding of both the challenges and the advantages of this route.
 

SBWN: Why did you choose self-publishing as one of your publishing paths for your work? 

Selina: I chose self-publishing because it gave me full control over my work —my voice, my message, and how my stories reached readers. At the time, I could see clear gaps in the industry, particularly around representation and access, and I didn’t want to wait for permission to tell the stories that mattered to me. Self-publishing allowed me to move with intention, stay true to my voice, and connect directly with my community in a way that felt both authentic and necessary.

SBWN: Can you describe your experience with self-publishing in three words? 

Selina: Empowering, challenging, liberating.

SBWN: You created the Black British Book Festival (BBBF), in response to “the lack of platforms dedicated to elevating black voices in literature” (Brown, 2025). Do you see self-publishing as a viable alternative, allowing writers of colour to build the spaces and visibility that traditional systems have often withheld? 

Selina: Self-publishing is not only a viable alternative — for many writers of colour, it has been a necessary and empowering starting point. My own journey began with self-publishing, at a time when I was navigating an industry that often didn’t see the value in stories centred on Black experiences.

What self-publishing offers is autonomy. It allows writers to tell their stories on their own terms, without dilution, without waiting for validation, and without having to reshape their narratives to fit traditional expectations. That freedom is incredibly powerful.

However, it’s important to be honest about the challenges too. Self-publishing requires authors to take on multiple roles — from marketing to distribution — and the structural barriers don’t disappear entirely. Visibility, access to major retailers, and sustained promotion can still be difficult to secure. These are systemic issues within the wider industry, where underrepresented voices continue to face barriers in recognition and reach.

That said, what we are seeing — and what excites me — is how self-publishing, alongside platforms like social media, is enabling writers of colour to build their own ecosystems. Communities are forming, audiences are growing, and writers are proving that there is both demand and value in these stories, even when traditional systems have been slow to respond.

Ultimately, self-publishing shouldn’t have to be the alternative — it should be one of many equally respected routes. The goal is not to replace traditional publishing, but to ensure that all pathways are accessible, equitable, and capable of supporting diverse voices at scale.

SWBN: Many self-published authors struggle with visibility, more than the writing itself. What do you think are the biggest barriers to discoverability? What would you recommend to self publishing writers to get in front of new audiences?

Selina: One of the biggest barriers to discoverability is visibility — there is so much content being produced that it can be difficult for any one voice to cut through, especially without the backing of traditional publishing structures. Access to networks, marketing resources, and industry platforms also plays a significant role, and not everyone has equal entry to those spaces.

My advice would be to focus on building genuine connection rather than chasing visibility alone. Be intentional about your audience, show up consistently, and let your work speak with clarity and purpose.

Community is powerful — nurture it, collaborate where you can, and don’t underestimate the impact of word of mouth. It’s also important to think beyond traditional routes. Use the tools available to you, be open to experimenting, and trust that discoverability is often built over time through consistency, authenticity, and belief in your work.

SBWN: Self-publishing offers creative control and ownership. Traditional publishers have a larger access to resources. How do you think emerging writers could balance this trade-off, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds? 

Selina: Absolutely. Self-publishing has become a powerful and viable pathway, particularly for writers of colour who have historically been excluded or overlooked by traditional systems. It allows authors to build their own platforms, connect directly with their audiences, and retain ownership of their narratives. That said, it’s not an easy route—it requires strategy, consistency, and a strong understanding of your audience. But it does create opportunities where there was once limitation.

SBWN: How can emerging writers balance creative control vs resources?

Selina: It’s about understanding your priorities at each stage of your journey. Self-publishing offers full creative control and ownership, while traditional publishing can provide wider distribution and resources. 

For emerging writers, I would encourage a hybrid mindset—be open to exploring both paths. Invest in your craft and presentation, regardless of the route you choose, and make decisions that align with your long-term vision rather than short-term validation.

SBWN: You have built an impactful career across both independent and traditional spaces. How do you personally define success, and has self-publishing shaped that definition for you? 

Selina: For me, success is about impact. It’s about creating meaningful work that resonates with people and contributes to something bigger than myself. Self-publishing has definitely shaped that definition—it taught me to value ownership, independence, and direct connection with my audience. It shifted my focus from external validation to purpose-driven work.

SBWN: In the past, many perceived self-publishing as “lower quality,” but it has evolved, with many dedicated authors investing time and money in extensive editorial support, captivating visuals, and strategic marketing campaigns to build a devoted fan base. How has the industry’s perception of self and indie publishing changed?

Selina: The perception has evolved significantly. What was once seen as a last resort is now recognised as a legitimate and respected publishing pathway. We’re seeing more authors investing in quality—editing, design, marketing—and producing work that stands alongside traditionally published titles. 

Readers are also more open, and success stories within self-publishing have helped shift that narrative. It’s no longer about “self vs traditional”—it’s about what works best for the author and the story.