Hustler of the Month: Author J.M. Benjamin of A New Quality Publishing

J.M. Rocking a Jacket Showcasing A New Quality Publishing Titles 

What achievements are you most proud of?

Some of my most memorable moments are when I appeared on Fox Good Morning Memphis, when I was featured in the New York Times, and one of the best is when I won at the African American Literary Award Show for the first time and presented the award to my moms.

With all those accomplishments, I know there have to be a large number of individuals who draw inspiration from you. Do you run into a lot of people who say that you’ve inspired them with your writings?

Absolutely! It contributes to my motivational fuel to keep going.

So naturally, this must mean you have a loyal fan base. Which of your novels are your supporters digging the most–what’s your best-seller?

The Ride or Die Chick series.

Why do you think people are the most interested in those titles? 

You tell me what woman doesn’t think they’re a ride or die chick! [Laughs.] I believe women are attracted to the title and what it represents.

Makes sense. Which of your novels is your personal favorite?

My Manz and ‘Em. It tells so many of our stories from so many different levels, both male and female perspectives.

You’re also a community leader and motivational speaker. As a motivational speaker, who’s your target audience and what are some of the themes and messages that you try to get across to people that you speak to?

I target at-risk youth mostly. I try to offer other options, legal hustles, something they’re familiar with.

 J.M. Speaking at a Community Event 

 What are some of the initiatives that you’ve worked on or created as a community activist?

Mostly bridging the gap between the streets and tax payers, at the same time encouraging youth and ex-offenders to make better choices and decisions.

 J.M. Speaking with a Few Future Stars

I’m an aspiring author myself. I’m actually planning to release my debut novel, Accepted, this year. What advice would you give to me, and anyone else who aspires to be a novelist?

Be consistent with putting out quality work and pushing your product. And don’t let anybody discourage you, there’s enough bookshelf space for all of us.

What about those who choose to publish independently?

I believe if you’re going to self-publish, before you do, you need to ask yourself, “What type of author do I want to be?” Self-publishing is a very tedious process and a lot of work. Be prepared to wear many different hats at the same and different times. I’m a full time author/indie publisher, so this is my job, career, business, profession.

What challenges have you faced as both a small business owner and a minority business owner, if any?

As an entrepreneur, [some of] the challenges I’ve faced and I’ve overcome are: [getting] the capital needed to compete and maintain with the larger companies and getting them to respect me and my brand.

How did you accomplish that? 

Really just through consistency and strong work ethics. But overall learning the business well enough to hold my own in an arena of professional business-minded individuals.

You mentioned earlier that self-publishing is tedious and a lot of work, so it has to be extremely difficult for you at times. What keeps you motivated?

My supporters and those who believe in me and my movement contribute to my motivation, but I am self-motivated. Not wanting to go back to prison is enough motivation for me.

What are your short-term and long-term goals for A New Quality Publishing, and as an author in general?

It is my goal to produce a spinoff of ANQP with films. I’d like to see all of my work, and authors under my umbrella, on screen.

 

 J.M. Signing a Book for One of His Supporters

What’s next for Mr. J.M. Benjamin and A New Quality Publishing?

A lot of quality products…stay tuned!

If you or someone you know are a Black business owner who’d like to get some shine on MissCM.com as Hustler of the Month, please contact us at contact_cm@misscm.com for more information on how to be featured.