Charissa Ong's tale of success in publishing begins with a scenario that would be relatable to many. While working at an advertising agency, the mindless drag of routine work was getting her down. "It didn't bring me joy to create social media content every day, and although I did enjoy dabbling in front-end coding, I realised that I had a lot of words left in me that needed an outlet," she recalls.
In her free time, Ong staved off the boredom by penning poems to share on Instagram. "I posted once every two days or so, just to feel like I had ownership over something and a chance to craft authentic works."
After two years, Ong's followers began to request that she be published a thought that had never crossed the poet's mind. Upon investigation, the outlook seemed grim. "Eight years ago, it was practically unheard of for fictional books to get published [in Malaysia]. The market focused primarily on educational books, and the covers were all so ugly!" Ong laments, unwilling to make peace with the thought of relinquishing complete creative control to publishers with no imagination. The solution seemed obvious at this point-to self-publish.
"I didn't expect I would have to convince my family with a presentation deck on Google Slides. I had worked out a road map and told them I would use my own money to do this," Ong says. Having no experience in publishing, Ong's family advised her to consult with someone experienced, which led her to an educational book publisher. They advised her that she would be better off launching her own publishing house if she planned to publish more than one title.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2024-Ausgabe von Tatler Malaysia.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2024-Ausgabe von Tatler Malaysia.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
The 9-karat Charm
Nine-karat jewellery is officially in - here's why you should hop on the bandwagon, according to 'Kin
Spreading Joy
Through fashion, newly minted Rolex Awards for Enterprise Laureate Denica Riadini-Flesch simultaneously empowers rural women and tackles environmental issues in Indonesia
Designs That Reward Observation
Ming Thein, creative director and co-founder of Ming, an independent Kuala Lumpur-based timepiece brand, talks design and inspiration
Daring Designs
From architectural marvels to playfully expressive wonders, Louis Vuitton continues to push the boundaries of High Watchmaking
Threading Wonders
Delve into the sculptural creations of the avant-garde Indian designer known for reviving bridal couture in his hometown
Defying Gravity
Kim Jones puts a spin on the Dior Oblique motif with Dior Gravity leather, redefining iconic bags, shoes and other menswear must-haves
Designer of Futures
Datuk Jimmy Choo trains the younger generation at the JCA, London Fashion Academy
Hello, Dolly!
Wesley Hilton is the founder of Borneo Doll, proudly showcasing Malaysian indigenous tribes through miniature recreations of ancient traditional costumes
Digital Sanctuary
Digital artist Chong Yan Chuah explores concepts such as techno-paganism to imagine worlds that are embedded in alternative cosmologies
One Man's Trash, Another Woman's Art
Nor Tijan's art is a vision of sustainability