The biggest benefits of hiring an assistant for me was simply having help. There were so many things on my list I needed someone who understood how each task was helping set up my whole “brand” (still not used to saying that) as well as providing them a front-seat view of how the publication process worked. / If you’re hiring anyone to help you, be it for book-related stuff or not, deeply reflect on what would be of most help to you. Sometimes this becomes more apparent post-hire or earlier on in the interview process as you hear more about their background and expertise/interests. Make a list of what you’d like to take off your plate and what you’d like to compensate someone to aid with. We outsource a lot already, but if you can also make this a role that aids someone eager to get into, or interested in, the same industry this can be a win-win for both parties.
Read moreFave Reads of 2022 (#Bestof2022)
The year 2022 was wild! I didn’t get to finish a lot of books that I am eager to complete in 2023, so my complete list is sparser than I’d like. But what I did read to the end was satisfying and here’s a handful of recommendations in fiction, middle grade memoir, graphic novel, and memoir.
Read moreFave Reads of 2019 (#Bestof2019)
I read a bit more poetry this year but still would like to get it full on up to about one-quarter, at least, of the books I read for the year. Nicole Sealey’s August Poetry challenge almost helped with that but I had to bow out for more (you guessed it) work-related reading. Much of which was divine and you’ll find listed below. How much did you read for 2019? What are you stoked for in 2020? I’ve read one or two coming out next year so it’s going to be a stupendous time for books (and political anarchy which may also be in book form!).
Read moreFave Reads of 2018 (#Bestof2018)
It’s that time of (the new) year where I dust off the blog to mention my favorite books read over the course of the past year. In 2018 it contains much prose and an array of fiction and nonfiction, particularly essays bringing readers deeper into people’s psyche. Good times!
Read moreSpoken Black Girl Mag's #BlackVoices in Publishing Panel
Yesterday evening I had the pleasure to be part of the first Spoken Black Girl magazine Black Voices in Publishing Panel at Civic Hall. We had a great time and it was livestreamed on Facebook (see the Source link below)! I have come to learn that I use many many hand gestures when I speak. Never have to worry about that on my podcast, so we learned something.
Anywho, thanks to all involved especially Tamika for doing the AV, Rowana for organizing, Driadonna and Raquel for being brilliant and all who attended. Hope to see more of these to come to encourage PoCs in publishing!