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Owner, Autumn Expression Publishing Group

After 10 years in the banking industry, Tayon Thomas decided to make a career change. With her finished manuscript intact, she began to pursue her dream of being a published author. But instead of sending her manuscript to major publishers, she decided to create the Autumn Expression Publishing Group to release her first novel, Tough Skin. "My business partner, LaDontai Harris, and I were fed up with corporate America," Thomas says. "We both loved to write, so we decided to create a business from something that we loved to do."

Along with Thomas' debut novel, Autumn Expression Publishing Group will also release Harris' novel and allow other aspiring writers to launch their careers. "We want to promote our authors by throwing release parties and getting their books in stores, public libraries, Barnes & Noble and Amazon," she says. "And if their books become popular, we would love to be instrumental in getting them signed to a larger publication. Our authors will be satisfied with the entire process." Thomas hopes that the Autumn Expression Publishing Group will inspire more black writers to become entrepreneurs in the literary world.

"We wanted to show the community that we can publish our own books with success," she says. "It's hard work, but you can do it if you remain focused on it. But it can't be all about the money. It has to be about telling a good story and showcasing the work of the author." - amir shaw

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