At a time when books are being banned, classrooms are facing restrictions on how race and history can be discussed, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are under attack, the role of Black writers has never been more important. Throughout American history, Black authors have used literature, journalism, poetry, and scholarship to preserve truth, challenge injustice, and give voice to communities too often ignored or silenced. From the Civil Rights Movement to t

When we stroll through a bookstore or scroll on BookTok and see book recommendations, it can feel like readers collectively decide what stories rise and fall. But the reality is more complicated: both publishers and readers play a role, and the balance of influence has real consequences — especially for Black authors. The Gatekeepers: Publishers and the Book Market In traditional book publishing, a relatively small group of insiders — agents, editors, and publishing houses —

Throughout history, Black voices have shaped culture, challenged injustice, and redefined freedom. From the fight against slavery to the modern movements for equality, these voices reflect both the pain and promise of their eras. The following five figures exemplify how one person’s truth can echo through generations and change the course of history. 1. Frederick Douglass: The Power of the Spoken Word Born into slavery in 1818, Frederick Douglass became one of the most comman

Full Disclosure: Some of the data in this post was provided by ChatGPT. However, where the data was sourced from is sited at the end. By...

The world of poetry has always been a space for diverse voices to weave narratives, challenge norms, and offer unique perspectives on the...

Every author dreams of glowing reviews and widespread acclaim for their literary works. However, in the world of literature, bad book...

Are you a budding author eager to see your literary creation reach the hands of readers everywhere? Self-publishing can be a rewarding...

The world of literature is rich and diverse, with voices from various backgrounds contributing their unique perspectives to the literary...

Podcast recap from this month’s #PenPOSSE Roundtable on the topic Non-Fiction Writers — Healing, Inspiring & Educating the Black...

By Author & Writing Coach Dondi Dancy, dondi@celysewrite.com, Owner of C. Elyse Writing Coach (view her company's profile in the HIRE A...

Do you want to become a published author? Most people will tell you that the first step after writing your manuscript is getting a book...

Self-publishing has skyrocketed in the last five years, with the number of self-publishing books increasing by 264 percent. This is an...

by J Seph | Twitter: @jsephwrites For nearly every writer I’ve ever spoken to on the topic of self-publishing their work, usually there...

By Chontaé Cuellar @boldenough2say When I penned my first book, I did it alone. No mentorship, no tutorial, no guidance, no support. A...

by J Seph | Twitter: @jsephwrites Marketing your self-published book on social media is a requirement in 2022 and beyond. Social media...

By J Seph | Twitter: @jsephwrites Excited about self-publishing your first book? This is in no way meant to deflate that excitement, but...

The odds of traditionally publishing a book are 3 in 10,000. They’re so low that you’re more likely to be audited by the IRS or born with...