Meet Naomi V. Dunsen-White | Author, Editor, BIPOC Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Naomi V. Dunsen-White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Naomi V., is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

I believe the most important factor behind my success is the deep passion and commitment I have for what I do. I am a writer, an editor and an author. So all I do focuses

on writing, but my passion and calling is to use my words to speak into the lives of children, Black and Brown children in particular. That is a great blessing and opportunity, but it is also a great responsibility that I do not take lightly.

SHOUTOUT COLORDADO

March 1, 2022

LOCAL STORIES

www.naomibooks.com

@naomibooksllc

I believe at the root of my success is the fact that my supporters, my followers, and the children and families who read my books truly believe me. By what I share on my social media platforms, by what I say during interviews, by how I support and encourage others who are trying to make an impact in the children’s book industry… they see my sincerity and my heart to do what is good, right and needed. They believe I truly want to make a difference in this world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a children’s book author! Although I have published two children’s books, I wrote my most recent book to parents, to assist them in helping their young readers achieve excellence. What excites me most is that I am blessed to speak into children’s lives! I write stories that invite them to imagine, consider and believe they can be anything, go anywhere and achieve whatever their heart and mind desires. That’s an exciting opportunity because if I can truly inspire them, it could not only change how they view themselves and the world around them, but ultimately, they could change the world.

What sets me apart is that I am also an editor. Not only do I love supporting other authors, but in my professional role, I can help them be the very best they can be, as authors. One thing I am most proud of is my commitment to the standard of excellence. My clients know they can rely on me to give my all in working with their manuscripts, so they can have pride and confidence in presenting their books to the world. I am also committed to that same standard of excellence with my own books. I write for children, so I must model excellence in everything I say and do, so they strive for excellence as well. Not perfection, but excellence.

It was not easy reaching this point of being an established author and editor. I’ve always loved to write and I’ve always loved working with children. One of my challenges as an author was committing to the advocacy for the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) community. I took that stand right from the start because I strongly believe in diversity and equity in children’s literature. There has been some progress made, but the diversity gap is still far too wide. My voice is needed to represent BIPOC children so they have books with characters that not only look like them, but represent them with dignity, respect and relatability. It is a challenge because without the support of the traditional children’s publishing industry, I must make my own way, fight for my voice to be heard and make a way for those who come behind me, who also seek to make a

difference. As a self-published author, I overcome the challenges because the children are worth every sacrifice and every effort. I do it for them. I overcome by reminding myself that what I am doing today will make a difference tomorrow, and it will matter long after I am gone.

An important lesson I’ve learned along the way is that I don’t have to be perfect to walk in excellence. Learning from my mistakes has proven just as crucial as learning new instructions about a topic. I’ve learned to seek help from others who have already had success. I invest in their services, implement what works and keep rising higher. When you know more, you can do more. Another lesson I’ve learned is to always be willing to help others, celebrate their successes, and cheer them on in their efforts. That feels incredible! I’ve also learned that integrity in your business is everything. Be not only true to yourself, but be true to your customers, clients and followers. They should know that whatever they invested in you was not a waste, but has value because you have value.

What I want the world to know about me and Naomi Books, LLC is that my passion comes before my products. I am committed to making not only an impact in the children’s book industry, but a difference on behalf of BIPOC children, families and communities. One culture, one preference, or one perspective should not dominate children’s books. That’s unfair and unrealistic! BIPOC children need to “see” themselves in their books, as it assures them they can do anything, go anywhere, and have all the life experiences imaginable, just like the characters in their books. Every aspect of my brand and my business points to that end.

I would not have attention, recognition or success without the exceptional people within what we call the “book community,” in particular, self-published authors. I would like to recognize and thank all of my supporters, book customers, editing clients and my fellow self-published authors.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

In particular, two coaches have truly made a great impact on my business, my brand and the success I’ve enjoyed. Writing Coach, LaNette Kincaide, who teaches me all I need to know about establishing a successful business around my books, and Dr. Fred Jones, who, teaches me how to bring out the best within myself in order to be the best coach and mentor for emerging authors who are making their way toward success. I have learned a great deal and I do my best to implement the things they’ve taught me, and also be generous in sharing what I’ve learned from them with others.