PTW Office Hours: Recent Episodes
Permission to Write
Writer and Author Ashley M. Coleman invites guests from various areas of the journalism, publishing, and freelance industry to talk writing craft. From screenwriting to managing finances as a debut author, we cover it all in candid, insightful conversations around the craft and business of words.
In this week’s episode we’re chatting about what happens after an agent is interested in your manuscript. The questions you should ask, the protocol for communication with other agents and more. We’re also casting Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle and sharing relevant publishing news. Make sure you like, rate and subscribe to this podcast.
This Week in Publishing
HarperCollins Children’s Books has partnered with Girl Scouts of the USA for an eight-book publishing program, with the first title to launch this fall. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/95058-harpercollins-and-girl-scouts-launch-publishing-program.html
Support small presses that were affected by the March closure of Small Press Distribution. https://electricliterature.com/23-small-presses-to-support-after-the-close-of-small-press-distribution/
Author and Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro has passed away. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/Obituary/article/95046-alice-munro-short-story-master-and-nobel-laureate-dies-at-92.html
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In this week’s episode Ashley discusses suits against Amazon to include indie booksellers, whether lists still matter, cast ideas for GOOD MORNING, LOVE, and being in charge of your own writing career.
This week in Publishing:
In a recent poll by the Author’s Guild, 13% of writers admitted that they use AI for things like brainstorming, character development, and outlines. https://www.npr.org/2024/04/30/1246686825/authors-using-ai-artificial-intelligence-to-write
Joe Biden signed a bill on April 24th that could result in a nationwide ban of TikTok as early as 2025. https://www.themarysue.com/tiktok-ban-would-be-devastating-for-authors-booktok/
The American Booksellers Association has filed a motion with the Federal Trade Commission. https://publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/94929-aba-seeks-to-add-bookstores-to-ftc-lawsuit-against-amazon.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0h4pVDTCZ9-FC4zkgUKQjJCVGuSw8nRI5JspzMzw9YriJpVVGaf3BJPyQ_aem_AZxTmki_7CpJnaDrrBVTL2YcePDcXKu5Bp3WD3X-eVNmQ-Ob-bh_DfrE7zupVUEX3rXyTCLCmHl5kMMuFuDqoM6K
The New York Times listed their best books since 2000, and more importantly than discussing their list, I just want to know, do we care about lists in general?https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/top-books-list.html
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In this week's Read Like a Writer episode, we're chatting about POVs in fiction, particularly close third person with alternating perspectives with Black Candle Women as a reference text.
This week in publishing:
The Pen World Voices Festival has been canceled. https://lithub.com/the-pen-world-voices-festival-has-been-canceled/
PEN America has canceled its 2024 Literary Awards ceremony, which was previously scheduled to be held at the Town Hall in New York City on April 29th. .https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/94876-pen-america-cancels-2024-literary-awards-ceremony.html
Bookwire, the Frankfurt-based digital book distribution and production platform, has partnered with U.S.-based Aptara, a provider of publishing solutions and digital data analysis, to share expertise. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=4650
Viola Davis and husband Julian Tennon launch their own publishing company. https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/viola-davis-julius-tennon-publishing/
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In this episode, we're chatting about the small section of the bookstore that used to have the African American Literature, the importance of these books in the canon, and some of the authors that paved the way. When you say you support Black writing, is it Oochie Wally or One Mic? Listen and make sure you like, rate and subscribe if you support our podcast.
This week in publishing:
The LA Times Festival of Books - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-21/photos-los-angeles-times-festival-of-books
An interesting collaboration between Airwave Podcast and Ben Bella Books. Airwave podcast is getting their own imprint for their hosts and personalities in Airwave Books.
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=4641
More publishers sign on to the suit to stop Iowa from their Book Banning Law which affects LGBTQIA+ books. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/94824-five-publishers-join-lawsuit-to-stop-iowa-book-banning-bill.html
“We as publishers are uniting in our unwavering commitment to stand with educators, librarians, students, authors, and readers against the unconstitutional censorship measures being imposed by the state of Iowa," the publishers said in a joint statement. "Now, more than ever, we must stand firmly with our authors and readers to defend the fundamental right to read and the freedom of expression.”
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Edited by: @officialdilemma
This week, we’re introducing some new segments, “Given the Option” and bringing you more of our great conversation around writing, publishing, life and culture. For our Read Like a Writer episode, we’re diving into description with our reference texts Leaving Cecil Street, Diane McKinney-Whetstone and You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty, Akwaeke Emezi.
This week in Publishing
Simon & Schuster turns 100. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/94707-simon-schuster-turns-100.html
Kiley Reid says fiction isn’t activism. https://lithub.com/kiley-reid-on-why-fiction-isnt-activism/
North Caroline bookstore closes after receiving death threats. https://www.wonkette.com/p/bookselling-while-black-latest-danger
Read Like a Writer books: https://bookshop.org/lists/read-like-a-writer?
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To kick off Season Two, we caught up with award-winning author, filmmaker, and scholar, Sheena C. Howard, PhD. Take a listen as we discuss her new book Academic Branding: A step-by-step guide to increased visibility, authority, and income, developing a love of comic books, and the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset.
Purchase your copy of Academic Branding: https://bookshop.org/a/8081/9781637744406
In the final episode of Season 1, Ashley is joined by authors Ana Reyes and Diane Marie Brown to discuss the rise of celebrity book clubs and their impact on the success of debut books. Reyes and Brown share from personal experience as Reese’s Book Club and Jenna Reads picks, respectively.
Purchase books:
Black Candle Women
The House in the Pines
Articles:
https://www.npr.org/2019/09/03/755532368/for-many-authors-celebrity-book-clubs-are-a-ticket-to-success
In this episode, Ashley is recapping highlights from Season 1. From guests to important topics, what episodes did you enjoy the most?
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This week in publishing:
The Book World Still Isn’t Diverse. Dhonielle Clayton Is Trying to Change That.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/10/books/dhonielle-clayton-diversity.html
Best Nonfiction of 2023
https://electricliterature.com/electric-lits-best-nonfiction-of-2023/
Crown to relaunch Andy Cohen Books
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=4432
Jezebel to be resurrected by Paste Magazine
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/29/business/media/jezebel-resurrected-paste-magazine.html
In this week’s episode, Ashley is chatting about the gamification of books and highlighting some of her fave reads from 2023. Not at all an exhaustive list, but some of the bright spots for sure! Take a listen.
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This week in publishing:
Nylon returns to print.
https://www.nylon.com/life/nylon-print-return-april-2024
Paul Lynch wins the Booker Prize.
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/93817-paul-lynch-wins-2023-booker-prize-for-prophet-song.html
Is the campus novel dead?
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a45894579/campus-novel-dead/?utm_campaign=socialflowTWESQ&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social-media&src=socialflowTW
The Gamification of Books
https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/books/a44567428/the-gamification-of-reading-is-changing-how-we-approach-books/
In this week’s episode, Ashley discusses memoirs. It’s been a huge season for the genre and she is sharing some of her favorites that include:
- How We Fight For Our Lives, Saeed Jones
- Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden
- The Heartbreak Years, Minda Honey
- WILL, Will Smith
- Becoming, Michelle Obama
In addition, some forthcoming reads for the TBR pile.
- How to Say Babylon, Safiya St. Clair
- Nothing is Missing, Nicole Walters
All titles can be purchased through our Bookshop storefront where we receive a small commission. http://ptwbooks.com.
This week in publishing:
National Book Awards
https://lithub.com/zibby-owens-withdraws-sponsorship-for-the-national-book-awards-over-its-pro-palestinian-agenda/
Time shares must read books of 2023
https://time.com/collection/must-read-books-2023/
In this week’s episode, Ashley discusses the moment beyond 2020 for Black and POC writers. Will the moment last? And how will marginalized writers fare in a post BLM protest world?
Articles referenced:
https://thewalrus.ca/black-books/
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/11/opinion/culture/diversity-publishing-industry.html
"I don't know what I think, until I write about it." Joan Didion.
In this week's episode, Ashley discusses the current state of the world and the powerful role writing plays in understanding our own thoughts and complex issues.
In this week’s episode Ashley M. Coleman discusses who gets to tell stories in reference to the recent Reese Witherspoon pick, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang.
Join the discussion for the final Read Like a Writer summer series.
This week in publishing:
Shane McCrae in The New York Review
https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/07/22/unheard-melodies-shane-mccrae/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2023-07-28_McCrae-BE-3
The Gamification of Books - https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/books/a44567428/the-gamification-of-reading-is-changing-how-we-approach-books/
A.I.’s Inroads in Publishing - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/books/ais-inroads-in-publishing-touch-off-fear-and-creativity.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
In this week’s episode, we caught up with journalist and author Minda Honey to chat about her juicy memoir The Heartbreak Years. We discuss our favorite character from her dating life, trusting intuition, and letting go of the fairytale.
Grab your copy of The Heartbreak Years, out October 1st.
In this week's episode we catch up with award-winning journalist, author and PTW community member L'Oreal Thompson Payton to discuss her new book, STOP WAITING FOR PERFECT: STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND INTO YOUR POWER. They discuss imposter syndrome, perfectionism, jealousy and so much more!
Purchase your copy here.
Permission to Write receives a small commission from any books purchased from our Bookshop storefront to support our community.
To join Permission Granted, a membership community for writers, head over to our website.
In this episode, we catch up with author and creative coach GG Renee who is working to help writers get what's on the inside, out. She talks about her own writing practice, helping others get unstuck, and the four-week series she worked on for the craft, a weekly newsletter on writing as a part of the Permission Granted community.
Check out GG's work at http://allthemanylayers.com and follow her at http://instagram.com/ggreneewrites.
In this live episode, we discuss the fine line between business and art. The reality is, publishing is a business. Being a good partner will aid in your own success. Take a listen!
In this episode, we chat with producer, director, and podcast host, Esteban Serrano about his new book the Ten Dad Commandments: Fatherhood Through a Hip Hop Lens. We discuss his inspiration through hip hop, the decision to use the written word over visual and much more!
Purchase a copy of the Ten Dad Commandments: https://bookshop.org/a/8081/9798988324003
Follow @theestebanserrano on Instagram.
This week, we caught up with poet and author Archuleta Chisolm to discuss poetry, the importance of reading as a writer and more.
https://www.archuletachisolm.com/
Follow Archuleta on IG http://instagram.com/archuletawrites
The Canon
- Zeba Blay
- Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni
- Mahogany L. Browne
In this week’s episode, Ashley discusses the reality of being a debut author, remembering to keep your full career in your view, and the necessary tools to build awareness around you and your work as a debut author.
This week in publishing:
Dawn Davis returns to Simon & Schuster
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/25/dining/bon-appetit-editor-dawn-davis-resigns.html
TikTok May form Book Publisher
https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-bytedance-may-form-book-publisher-8th-note-press-trademark-2023-5?r=US&IR=T
Gen Z Reading Trends
https://bookriot.com/gen-z-reading-trends/
In this week’s episode, Ashley caught up with writer and founder of See Jane Write Javacia Harris Bowser to discuss the importance of community, its inherent value to writers and their process, avoiding competition and much more.
Keep up with Javacia at the links below:
See Jane Write
https://seejanewritebham.com/
See Jane Write Network Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/seejanewritebham
Javacia on Instagram @seejavaciawrite
https://www.instagram.com/seejavaciawrite
The Writeous Babe Podcast
https://writeousbabepodcast.podbean.com/
In this week’s episode of PTW Office Hours, we’re talking about poetry! As National Poetry Writing Month comes to a close, Ashley discusses her interesting relationship with poetry, a week in publishing news and more.
News In Publishing:
LA Times Book Prizes Winners
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2023-04-21/los-angeles-times-book-prizes-winners-announced
Now They Want Publishers Punished for Banned Books
https://action.everylibrary.org/jailpublishing
How to Help: https://www.tor.com/2022/03/16/book-bans-affect-everybody-heres-how-you-can-help/
Ending Words:
Nikki Giovanni, Resignation
Want access to our video archive, weekly newsletters on craft, writing resources, and more? Join our Permission Granted membership community. https://www.permissiontowrite.com/permission-granted
In this week's episode, we're discussing money. They try to make it taboo, but that's only a way to keep everyone in the dark. We'll highlight the pay structure of publishing, revenue streams that writers can consider and more.
News in Publishing:
Brittney Griner’s Memoir to Be Published
How Bookshop.org Survives—and Thrives—in Amazon’s World
Playlist: Leon Bridges, Breaking Point
In this week's episode we caught up with esteemed writer Fajr Muhammad, Jack Jones Literary Arts Retreat and Rhode Island Writer's Colony alum. We chatted about her work co-editing How We Stay Free, novel writing, social justice, managing multiple projects, and much more.
http://fajrmuhammad.com/
How We Stay Free: Notes on a Black Uprising: https://bookshop.org/a/8081/9781942173502
In this week's episode, we chat with NAACP Image award-winning author Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts about her book Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration,the craft of writing great essays, writing as resilience, ghostwriting, and so much more!
https://www.traceymlewis.com/
Black Joy: https://bookshop.org/a/8081/9781982176563
In this week's episode, Ashley is discussing an article from the New York Times on AI and we're not talking about Allen Iverson. We're talking Artificial Intelligence. What's the future of our profession? How can writers compete?
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/04/style/pen-america-awards.html
In the News
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2023/01/11267635/latina-authors-book-deals-inequity
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/industry-deals/article/91815-new-leaf-publishing-gets-new-owners.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/books/book-ban-2022.html?smid=tw-share
https://electricliterature.com/i-never-made-a-living-wage-when-i-worked-in-publishing/
We caught up with Mahogany L. Browne during the release of Chlorine Sky, a YA novel written in verse. Join us this week for an insightful conversation with poet, curator, writer, organizer and educator about her writing process and journey, Toni Morrison, and much more.
In this week's episode, we're inviting guests. Ashley M. Coleman is joined by Jana L. Henry and L'Oreal Thompson Payton to discuss the article written by author Laura Warrell, "Publishing While Black." The panel covers writing for a Black audience, identity and how it shows up in their work and much more.
Reference article: https://lithub.com/laura-warrell-on-publishing-while-black/
In this week's episode, we're discussing some hot topics in the literary world. On the heels of huge news around shuttering publications, naturally, there is always a buzz about starting, the next or the new thing, when all the while there are tons of smaller literary organizations doing the work already. Mentioned in this episode:
Well Read Black Girl
Hurston/Wright Foundation
Blue Stoop PHL
In this week's episode of the PTW Office Hours podcast, we chat with Lashanda Anakwah an associate editor at Simon & Schuster at the time of recording. She discusses how she got her start, the relationship between writer and editor and much more.
This week's episode is solo dolo. Ashley M. Coleman talks about some of the journey with GOOD MORNING, LOVE being categorized as a romance. Also, the typical beats and tropes with romance, writing choices, and much more. She also digs into some standout contemporary love stories that include:
HONEY & SPICE, Bolu Babalola
YOU MADE A FOOL OF DEATH WITH YOUR BEAUTY, Akwaeki Emezi
LOVE RADIO, Ebony LaDelle
In this episode, we caught up with journalist and author of the forthcoming STOP WAITING FOR PERFECT, L'Oreal Thompson Payton. Get into it as we discuss balancing writing and motherhood, pivots in publishing, getting back in the newsroom and much more.
We caught up with Writer, Director, and Producer Christina Faith. Love You Right, Who is Christmas Eve?, Grio's Masters of the Game are just a few of the titles but there is so much more that Faith has locked and loaded. We talk about networking, proof of concept, writing for feature films vs. television and so much more!
Oludara Adeeyo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and author of Self-Care For Black Women and the Affirmations for Black Women Journal. We caught up with her to chat about her debut book. We discussed being uncompromising as a Black creator, navigating burnout and career pivots, and being approached for book projects.
Tamika Burgess, author of Sincerely Sicily chats about her writing process, finding an agent, and much more.
Writer and Author Ashley M. Coleman invites guests from various areas of journalism, publishing, and freelance industries to talk writing craft. From writing practice to managing finances as an author, we cover it all in candid, insightful conversations around the craft and business of words.