Your full name

Dr Keitumetse “Tumi” Mashego. (LinkedIn.)

Your book title

Shut Out the Noise - An inspirational memoir for the underdog

If you had to pitch your book in a single sentence, what would you say?

Testament and evidence of what self-belief can do for anybody!! against all negativity!

What makes your book different?

It’s an authentic, relatable and practical inspirational story of self-belief, a living testament of hope and the power of self-belief and the mind.

Who is your ideal reader, and what do you hope they get from reading your book?

All age groups, because it is never too late to belief in yourself and achieve the things destined for you; your dreams. the young ones could learn the power of self-belief and manifest it; while the older can unlearn ineffective habits and learn how to shut out the noise to unlock things destined for them, against all odds.

What is your full-time profession?

I am a clinical and sports psychologist; keynote speaker; mindset and performance life coach and wellness expert… now 2x author.

YOUR WRITING PROCESS

What inspired you to begin writing this book?

I wanted to use my story as a practical illustration to inspire people and emphasize the power of self-belief and the contents of the mind. I wanted to narrate my living relatable testimony

How long did it take you to complete your book’s final draft?

I wrote it, the editor thankfully recommended I add more depth and emotion … i was exhausted when i got the feedback but after resting i was able to put in the depth. The team was then able to do final edit, arrange my cover and get it ready. the process was about 3 months.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in writing your book, and how did you overcome them?

When i approached the MyeBook team it needed editing and finalizing. so, the editor (Alexis) helped me make it print worthy! To add the human element and achieve its goal to touch lives!! She was great!! The designer for the cover (Gregg), was phenomenal…. he made it so real i was taken aback by the design. the support from Dave, i was assisted also to think about the why of the book, how to market and get sales. the paperback and eBook. and how to add value to my brand… and be focused on the bigger picture and purpose for the book.

How did you approach the editing and proofreading stages of your book?

I wrote the book, my story, which a small part of my life which i feel can inspire many…. and i did feel it needed assistance to come alive and be published… the support from the MYeBook publishing team did that. the editing Alexis; the technical, overall branding and publishing support from Dave was phenomenal and the design from Gregg sealed it … my vision has come alive and i am in awe! forever grateful .. it is beyond my expectations honestly. the team took my idea and not only brought it alive but made it phenomenal. i truly am speechless and emotional because the idea has been in my heart for years… and to see it happen is amazing. 4-year-old me within is in awe!!!

What surprised you most about the writing or publishing process for this book?

How a team who did not meet me or know me personally made an impact in my life i will forever cherish… because they are gifted in what they do. the three i interacted with helped me develop a different perspective about my brand, made me think deeper about my story to connect with the reader and created a book including the cover the way that resonates fully with my vision. their creativity went into my thoughts and created something tangible that i will forever cherish. that i absolutely love. my story even inspires me lol… i worked with such a creative and gifted team. Thank you. 🙂

YOUR SELF-PUBLISHING JOURNEY

What made you decide to opt for the self-publishing route for your book?

I have a book i wrote and i get to interact with the people i sell the book to which is so fulfilling. because i get to see the impact. so i want to have the same with this book. the aim is not about sales but about authentic impact. this book is part of my destined journey as i purse my purpose as a #FaceOfHopeAndHealing. Through the book i get to live out my dream using my story !!!! and inspire people to shut out the noise!!

Could you share a key learning experience from the self-publishing process?

Be open to the feedback. the 3 Magnificents gave me feedback about their specialities and i was open to it… i was not attached to anything i brought to the team my manuscript or cover design etc…, i allowed them to create a masterpiece because of their knowledge and experience. from the title, editing, subtitle, website, e-book, design, sales and cover i had ideas but i was open to their feedback and creativity. and i do not regret it!!! i am still to put some of their ideas in future.

What resources or tools did you find most valuable during your self-publishing journey?

Shooo. the expertise, knowledge, passion and experience from the specialists i dealt with . the passion. the authentic need to give me a great book published. the moments they took to hear me and also the ideas they had to make my ideas better… i trusted the process and i do not regret… i am aware of my strengths and publishing is not one of them , so i allowed the experts to do what they do. and also, the allowance without rushing me to update at the end of the year when i was burnout so i can still have my voice. so the support still allows independence and my voice and it is not smothering. so i loved that. and i loved how everyone was invested . so, the feedback and ideas showed people who are passionate in telling my story in an impactful manner. all of them where honest about timelines, passionate and wanted to get a great product indicative of their brand as a team additionally as individuals… so they want to deliver as a team and as individuals and to make sure i as client am happy.

For your next book, what would you do differently when it comes to the writing / publishing process?

Absolutely nothing different… I had a supportive and passionate team with knowledge, passion, expertise and an authentic need to deliver a product they and i would be proud of. i still had a voice, independence and i am glad i chose this process. i am glad i trusted the process and allowed changes while still having my voice. i am so humbled that i worked with creative authentic professionals who wanted me to have a great book and process during and after for the fwerere… it was holistic process and i loved it… … i was given the time also to rest so i can put energy in the edits … and there was always updates and communication, so much efficiency also from everyone. i am glad i got to work with everyone.

MARKETING AND BOOK PROMOTION

Have you written any other books?

Yes. (See here.)

How are you planning to connect with and find new readers?

Through my work (as a keynote speaker; clinical and sports psychologist; mindset and performance life coach) i definitely have the book as part of my brand and packaging. an offering for people wanting to master their mind… and heal and overcome… so they thrive against all odds.

What advice would you give to other self-published authors struggling to promote their book/s?

be open to the process and feedback from the experts and professionals… watch that you are not too attached to your ideas, manuscript, story, title, even the cover idea …. remember an objective creative sounding board like the team i had can truly bring your vision to life!! allow it!

LOOKING AHEAD

Where can our readers find out more about you and your book?

www.rebaonewellness.com (there will be updates on it soon.)