Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Rucker
Hi Sabrina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I founded StoryForge during college, after the nineteenth time my book got rejected by publishers. It wasn’t the rejections that bothered me so much as never knowing WHY. What didn’t work? What could I improve upon? A little digging revealed that traditional publishers are way too overwhelmed to publish all the good books coming their way, much less provide critique. The old system wasn’t working, so I designed a new one so that getting published won’t be a matter of if but when. And along the way, writers can build community and get inspired in a way that they can’t in a traditional publisher.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think any small business has had a smooth road, and StoryForge is no exception. One of the times that really sticks out was about a year ago. We received some highly personal and scathing criticism from a writer directly within StoryForge’s target demographic. Reeling from the sudden onslaught, we separated the feedback from the hate and invited her to tell us more, offering to pay her for her time. She declined. It was one of our first experiences with a potential user and remains the harshest. We learned that although our mission is to promote greater diversity in publishing, we as white founders should emphasize helping all authors rather than focusing our messaging towards writers of color.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
StoryForge is a cozy website where writers can craft stories, get feedback, and achieve publication. We make the hardest parts of writing, like getting criticism and finding an audience, easier for people who have never done them before. It’s exceptionally difficult to break into publishing without connections or fame. We want to make publishing more accessible, and celebrate the stories that were never given a chance to be told.
But don’t expect something stuffy and serious! Writing is creative and fun, and our site reflects that with secrets and lore for sharp-eyed users to find. As writing skills are improved, the homepage can be customized into the ultimate cozy book-nook. The homepage is also home to our mascot, the library cat Draft. Completing daily challenges unlocks new library pets, from dragons to narwhals.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that course-correcting isn’t the same as giving up. There’s this huge stigma around stopping what you’ve started, and I don’t think there should be. Sometimes it’s wiser and better to pivot than to beat your head against a wall when something isn’t working.
Pricing:
- StoryForge is free to use
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.storyforge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_storyforge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyforge1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@_storyforge
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_storyforge?lang=en
