About Javier Sarmiento Jr.:
Javier Sarmiento Jr is an Afro-Latino writer from Harlem in New York City. He is a graduate of Buena Vista University with a degree in Digital media. He is a graduate of Guttman Community College with a degree in Liberal Arts. Sarmiento Jr won first place in the collegiate sports writing category of the Robert L. Vann Media Awards for his article “The Impact and Influence of LeBron James.” Last summer, he was selected to be a part of the NABJ’s Student Multimedia Project. He produced two articles pertaining to race in the teaching and book industries.
His poem, a voice from Harlem, was recently awarded an Honorable mention in the rhyming poetry category in the 90th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. He has a passion for Basketball and Social justice.
Through writing, Javier can use his voice to create change for his community.
What inspires you to write?
I get inspired to write by my environment. Seeing police brutality, poverty, crime, and homelessness on a daily basis, particularly as a minority, I feel that writing is the best way to get my thoughts into paper.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Javier Zamora
Dre Baldwin
Eric Thomas
Tell us about your writing process.
I am an outliner, so I use Microsoft word to outline my work. I think about what sounds good and what doesn't. Then, I compile everything together into one thing.
What advice would you give other writers?
Writing a book is hard but after publication and seeing your own book in your hands, is a surreal feeling.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I got my book independently published because I wanted assistance on the publishing part and I didn't want to mess it up. In addition, If I published with a publisher, I would be in a contract where I won't earn the rights to the book that I wrote. For new authors, the decision is up to you if want to self-publish or go with a publisher, but make sure you have all the rights and intellectual property to your book.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
It could be improved to ease the process for the author's side of things. However, everything works out in the end for everyone.
What genres do you write?: Poetry/Memoir
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
