Everyone in publishing talks about bestsellers—but few people actually know how those lists are made. In this episode, I’m joined by Troy Johnson, Founder of the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), and Linda Duggins, longtime publishing executive, to unpack what really goes into making a book a “bestseller.” Together, they created The BLK Bestsellers List—a list spotlighting the top-selling Black authors across all genres. We talk about why it matters, how it challenges traditional...
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Everyone in publishing talks about bestsellers—but few people actually know how those lists are made. In this episode, I’m joined by Troy Johnson, Founder of the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), and Linda Duggins, longtime publishing executive, to unpack what really goes into making a book a “bestseller.” Together, they created The BLK Bestsellers List—a list spotlighting the top-selling Black authors across all genres. We talk about why it matters, how it challenges traditional...
Everyone in publishing talks about bestsellers—but few people actually know how those lists are made. In this episode, I’m joined by Troy Johnson, Founder of the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), and Linda Duggins, longtime publishing executive, to unpack what really goes into making a book a “bestseller.” Together, they created The BLK Bestsellers List—a list spotlighting the top-selling Black authors across all genres. We talk about why it matters, how it challenges traditional...
In this episode of The Blk Powerhouse podcast, I’m joined by Wale Okerayi — licensed therapist, book influencer, and speaker at The Blk Powerhouse Summit. We talk about her journey blending literature with mental health through bibliotherapy, the realities of influencer compensation, and how she stays grounded and authentic online. We also explore what life might look like without social media and the importance of setting digital boundaries to protect your mental health. Follow Wale on Insta...
Camari Carter Hawkins — author, and founder of Audacious Writers Circle & Mama’s Kitchen Press — joins us to talk about why so many writers struggle to finish their books and how community can be the key to getting through the draft. We dig into her path into publishing—starting at a small press—what it takes to finish a book when “life gets to lifing,” and how the chaos is part of the process. Camari shares her unique take on “decolonizing your tongue,” building community, and why writ...
This week on The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, Leah dives into the world of event and conference planning, sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of creating The Blk Powerhouse Summit—a gathering that united the entire Black book ecosystem.
In today's episode, I sat down with Helena Brantley, a seasoned communications professional who left corporate publishing to launch her own boutique publicity firm, Red Pencil Publicity + Marketing. Helena walks us through her career journey, starting with her time managing campaigns at HarperCollins and Nolo Press, and what ultimately led her to build a business on her own terms—collaborating with publishers, university presses, and authors on custom marketing strategies that truly connect b...
This episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of Black voices in the publishing industry, featuring insights from Malaika about her journey from an HBCU student to a seasoned publishing professional. Our conversation touches on navigating micro aggressions, the importance of sales skills, and the value of building genuine relationships in a predominantly white industry.• Examining the impact of HBCUs on Black publishing• Discussing early aspirations and career paths in publishing• Under...
Everyone in publishing talks about bestsellers—but few people actually know how those lists are made. In this episode, I’m joined by Troy Johnson, Founder of the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), and Linda Duggins, longtime publishing executive, to unpack what really goes into making a book a “bestseller.” Together, they created The BLK Bestsellers List—a list spotlighting the top-selling Black authors across all genres. We talk about why it matters, how it challenges traditional...
