The Blk Powerhouse Podcast
The Blk Powerhouse Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, where we explore the publishing industry through the lens of Black voices. Whether you’re a writer, author, publisher, bookseller, librarian, or book influencer, this podcast is for anyone navigating the world of books—from the page to the bookshelf and beyond. We’ll tackle everything from how to break into the industry, to building lasting careers, to making meaningful connections in an ever-evolving field—and, most importantly, how we, as Black people in this space, can work together to create the equitable changes we need to see.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores diverse themes within the publishing industry with a focus on Black voices, addressing topics such as how to break into publishing, building lasting careers, and fostering meaningful connections. For example, episodes cover the influence of HBCUs on publishing, navigating microaggressions, and the value of sales skills to succeed.
Welcome to The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, where we explore the publishing industry through the lens of Black voices. Whether you’re a writer, author, publisher, bookseller, librarian, or book influencer, this podcast is for anyone navigating the world of books—from the page to the bookshelf and beyond. We’ll tackle everything from how to break into the industry, to building lasting careers, to making meaningful connections in an ever-evolving field—and, most importantly, how we, as Black people in this space, can work together to create the equitable changes we need to see.
What does it really take to build a successful career as a ghostwriter?
In this episode of The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, Leah Hernandez sits down with ghostwriter, editor, and author Leah Lakins, whose clients include Steve Harvey, Pinky Cole, Roland Martin, and Van Lathan.
Leah pulls back the curtain on the ghostwriting industry and shares practical advice for writers, editors, freelancers, and publishing professionals.
In this episode, we discuss:
• How Leah got her start in publishing and ghostwriting
• Why she's stepping out from behind the scenes after years as a ghostwriter
• The biggest differences between ghostwriting 10 years ago and today
• What's typically included in ghostwriting contracts—and what to look out for
• Authentic networking strategies that have helped her build a thriving business
• The realities of freelancing and entrepreneurship in publishing
• Why building a publishing career outside of New York worked to her advantage
• What it was like working with Steve Harvey and how she captured his voice on the page
Whether you're a writer, editor, ghostwriter, freelancer, or someone looking to break into publishing, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building a sustainable career in books.
Disclaimer
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