As Sister Souljah’s 1999 best-selling novel, The Coldest Winter Ever, was feeding the streets with urban fiction not seen before that time, a legal secretary and a mother from Philadelphia was awaiting her chance to reign with captivating literature. Rejected by at least 20 different publishers over six years, the upcoming author did not become discouraged, but instead self-published. Teri Woods reflects and shares with Parlé how she made it from being rejected to becoming a multi-millionaire.

“I knew deep down somebody would get my story.” – Teri Woods

Early on, Woods was grounded with principles and in fact had to perform some dirty and odd jobs in the midst of things. She worked two jobs at one point: an 8am to 4pm shift in a law firm and janitorial services at night. “Your work is your work,” says Woods. “Some people are raised with parents that get up and go to work every day, doing the same thing.” And she is no exception. Woods prides herself on figuring out what she is capable of handling on a daily basis. From selling books out of the trunk of her car to running her own publishing company, she has defined her hustle. “I’m pleased I have the ability to be my own boss.”

Woods didn’t begin to make strides towards success until one of her girlfriends found her first novel, True to the Game, buried in a closet. After reading the book and complimenting the author, Woods took that motivation and pushed forward. With laughter, she reminisces, “I was hustling on the playground and putting in prison orders. I had them like, ‘I be on the toilet readin’ this shit. Yo, I’m feelin’ this.’” She persevered. And with the lack of support groups for independent publishers, a nonexistent market, and no necessary shelf space, she got herself out there regardless.

“You don’t want people to laugh at you; you just want people to feel you... If New York likes it, I’m alright.” – Teri Woods