I Published My Own Book and the Critics Noticed
Champ Clark self-published his book, "Shuffling to Ignominy," about the comic actor Stepin Fetchit.
The name Stepin Fetchit has long been used to signify the ultimate negative African-American stereotype -- but almost nothing had been written about him. He made his name as a comedian while becoming a polarizing figure, so I thought there might be some interest in a book on him. As a People magazine correspondent, I felt qualified to do the job.
Stepin Fetchit left no personal papers, so I tracked down his family, friends and co-stars, including three people more than 100 years old. I researched for more than a year and a half and was well into the writing when I heard that another writer had signed with a big publisher to do his own book on Stepin Fetchit. Everywhere my agent went, she got the same answer: The market can't hold two books.
Row 0 - Cell 0 | I'm 96 and Still Investing in Stocks |
Row 1 - Cell 0 | I Interviewed Successful People |
Row 2 - Cell 0 | I Preserve Rare Books |
Row 3 - Cell 0 | We Restore Really Old Houses |
I knew that the other book was coming out last October, and I wanted my book to be out at the same time. I decided to order a print-on-demand book by iUniverse. I bought the Select Package for $460 and e-mailed iUniverse my manuscript and the photos I wanted to use.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Within a few weeks it was for sale on Amazon and other Internet sites. If anyone goes to Amazon.com and types in "Stepin Fetchit," my book pops up along with the other one, and iUniverse prints and ships each order on demand. You wouldn't know my book was self-published.
I own the rights to my book, and I receive a 20% royalty on the $14.95 charged for each copy sold. (The other book costs $26.95.) I spent $400 on copies of the book that I sent to reviewers. The book was favorably reviewed along with the other Stepin Fetchit book in the New Yorker and the New York Times. My goal, besides having the book reviewed and read, is to make back my investment. So far, I've sold about 170 books.
I think the Internet is changing publishing. Someone will have a huge book that's self-published, and the rules will have to change a little more. People won't want to miss the next big thing.
--As told to his sister, Jane Bennett Clark
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Stock Market Today: Solid Signals Lift Stocks Despite Tariff Noise
Markets are whistling over the White House in an ongoing display of corporate America's enduring ability to survive and advance.
-
Amtrak Joins Prime Day With Deals on Fares — But You’ll Have to Act Fast
Prime members can score 20% off midweek fares — what travelers should know before booking.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
Feature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for Listings
Making Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Apple, Samsung and More
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is four days this year. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals to shop during the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.