10 Questions for Sally Kenneth Dadzie, Okadabooks Bestselling Author

Okada Books bestselling author, Sally Kenneth Dadzie, who is also an editor, holds a BSc in Sociology and recently signed a publishing deal with CSS Bookshops Limited. Joy Ehonwa had 10 questions for her.   CN: When did you decide you were going to become a writer? Probably eight years ago. But I’d started writing a long time before then. CN: What was the first book you ever published, and how many have you published so far? I first published Fish Brain Madhouse which is the last of the Fish Brain series. Since then I have published ten other books. CN: It’s one thing to write a book and another to sell the copies. How do you manage the marketing and business side of writing? Well, it’s part of my writing process to market my work. Writers mostly concentrate on the creative aspect, and become lost when it comes to marketing. I had to learn to sell myself as a brand first. I knew that if people bought into your brand, they would buy anything you sell to them. I also marketed my books rigorously on social media and blogs. Okada Books has been a huge help in the marketing aspect as well. CN: You’ve recorded amazing success with Okada Books. How did you become a bestselling author? I wish I could say it just happened. But it didn’t. Hard work, marketing and years of amassing fans on my blogs contributed to that.

CN: What would you say is the formula for a bestselling book? Great content and marketing. CN: Which of the characters you’ve created is your favourite? I don’t have a favorite. Creating characters is a rigorous process for me, so in the end, I find myself liking everything about each of them, including the villains. I’m their creator. I can’t be partial with my love. CN: How do you find inspiration for your writing? Life inspires me. Real people, real stories. CN: Which writers do you enjoy reading? A whole lot. I don’t have a specific one. I read a lot, and different genres too, so it’s hard to pick a particular author. CN: What do you do when you’re not writing books? Mostly online, looking for trouble. Or reading books and watching series. CN: How would you advise a writer who is considering publishing their first book on Okada Books? Before anything, ensure that your book is edited. Pay an editor to work on it. Also ensure that your content is relevant. I can’t stress this enough. I have seen amazing writing from writers, but with content nobody wants to read. Also ensure that you are emotionally ready to accept the reality of putting your stuff out there for the public to consume. It’s not an easy road. And lastly, set aside a little cash to market your work.