Back in my 20’s, I had everything figured out. I had a career path and the schooling to proceed with my future. But life has a funny way of changing even the best-made plan. So, at 28 after a medical emergency, I was left with the choice to do nothing and live off the system or learn what I could and still achieve on my own. I have never been a quitter. True, I may back off and re-think, but I will not give up. Holding on to this core value, I discovered my passion for writing and the excitement of seeing my words come to life. I’m right there at the tip where things are starting to get exciting.
What is Trient Press all about?
I work in the publishing industry. I just teamed up with another publishing house to bring the best of both worlds. As they are overseas and publishing packages work well there, we have the network to do that. However, here in the U.S, we lean to traditional publishing or digital. In this, Trient has you covered. Open now is our traditional publishing house with our own print shop opening soon. And here shortly, we will be able to offer Print on demand and other resources to those who like to self-publish.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
This is not my first business. I had founded Ruscsak Films and Publishing in 2019. But due to the structure of the business, it was covering too many things, and instead of thriving, it was struggling. After meeting a person that I am honored to have as a friend and mentor; we decided to take my small press publishing company and create a brand that could thrive.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
- Knowing how to do some marketing is key. SEO and social media marketing is a must know.
- The ability to look for solutions even if they are far fetched. Every problem has a solution sometime we just have to think outside the box and think to tank it.
- Find a mentor. Find someone in the industry or even someone who has started their own company. You will be surprised at how many problems go across all sectors not just the one you are in.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
Working with Trient Press, my goal is simple, help the company succeed. I would love to see more Indie authors come over to traditional publishing and see more authors get the support that they need. I wish it were universal knowledge in the author world that editing your work is more important than promoting your finished work. If we can help indie authors who self-publish realize this, I feel like we’ve really accomplished something. I want to help others understand why editing is so important and why seeking out services when you do decide to self -publish is just as important as promoting your works.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business and what did you learn from it?
Oh, I’ve made several mistakes. Ones that my C.O.O calls me out on very quickly, for which I am forever thankful. Some of those are talking when I should be listening, or over telling someone about my company. Working long hours and not sleeping. Don’t do this. It makes one’s temper short and takes time away from the family. And lastly being too trusting. I like to see the good in people but in this world, you can’t trust everyone with what is behind the curtain. You need to keep things close to the vest until it’s time for the world to see it.
How do you go about marketing your business and what has been the most successful form of marketing for you?
SEO is my friend. Along with hashtags, social media mockups and doing as many interviews as possible.
What must happen for you to consider your book(s) a success, and when do you predict it will happen?
I set out to help authors reach their goals. I’d be lying if I said the author in me didn’t want to be a best seller. Which author doesn’t? I have found though that it is more rewarding to help others reach their goals. I can still write and create my own works but getting that e-mail from one of my authors because they sold their first book or even reached best-seller status is still more rewarding than currently reaching my own author goals.
What are the top 3 online tools and resources you’re currently using to grow your company?
Social media is a must. Having my own podcast that airs on both youtube and IGTV. And lastly finding other internet radio shows and podcast to be on.
What are three books or courses you recommend for entrepreneurs?
For courses on THEATSjr. com, find courses from BRAD BLAZAR and find online zoom panels for entrepreneurs. Both Brad Blazar and Antonio T. Smith Jr have wonderful books to help motivate and inspire any entrepreneur.
If you had the chance to start your career over again what would you do differently?
I would do it again. However, other than reaching out to places like SCORE sooner, I wouldn’t change a thing.
If you only had $100 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
$100? I would invest it for 30-90 days then use that for a marketing budget.
How can we get in touch with you?
I make it so easy for people to find me.
- Website: trientpress.com
- LinkedIn Melisa-Ruscsak
- Instagram m_l_ruscsak/
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