The Blk Powerhouse Podcast

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.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend Kyle Colley, Co-Founder & CEO of Bookum — a social reading app and virtual book club platform connecting authors, readers, and book influencers all in one place.

We discuss how bestselling authors like S.A. Cosby, Cebo Campbell, and Wallo have used the platform to host live conversations and connect directly with readers. This episode dives into why book influencers, bookstores, book club hosts, authors, and publishing professionals should be paying attention to platforms like Bookum. 

In this episode you'll learn: 

• How book influencers and content creators monetize their audience on the app
• The opportunity for bookstores to use the platform and earn revenue 
• How to host virtual book clubs directly on the app, and build community without needing Zoom, email newsletters, and multiple sign-up platforms.
• Why readers enjoy discussing books on Bookum over other social media platforms 
• Strategies on how to build a business in the publishing industry 

If you work anywhere in the book ecosystem, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, filmmaker, author, and brand builder Cebo Campbell takes us behind the scenes of how stories move from the page to the screen. He shares how he used his background in hospitality and brand development to build his identity as an author and creative entrepreneur — leading to powerful partnerships, including a book-to-film deal with Laurence Fishburne. 

Listeners will gain insight into the creative and business sides of film adaptation — and what it really takes to position your story, your brand, and yourself for the big screen.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Cebo leveraged his experience as a hotel brand builder to shape his personal brand as an author and filmmaker.
• What it’s like to secure and package a book-to-film deal, including his collaboration with Laurence Fishburne.
• The key differences between the film business and the book industry — and how to navigate both.
• Why immersion and vision are critical for writers looking to adapt their work for screen.
• The story behind UnOthr , Cebo’s new brand and creative venture.
• His perspective on independent publishing 

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 systems, and what it reveals about the power of the Black book community.

🔗 Explore the BLK Bestsellers List: aalbc.com/blackbestsellers

I had the pleasure of interviewing Valerie Brandes, Founder & CEO of Jacaranda Books, a Black-owned independent publishing company based in London.

In our conversation, Valerie shares her journey of starting and growing her press, how she’s overcome challenges like distribution, publishing 20 books during a pandemic, and the ways indie publishers can connect with their audiences to grow sales.

✨ Check out Jacaranda’s incredible, award-winning books here: https://jacarandabooksartmusic.com/

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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theehottgirlbooks/?hl=en

Follow Wale on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theehottgirlbooks

Book a therapy session or learn more about her practice: https://www.waleokerayi.com/about/therapy-for-authors

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 writing in isolation rarely leads to completed work.

https://www.instagram.com/mamaskitchen.press

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 books to readers.

We get into the heart of grassroots book promotion—how to identify your audience, where to find them both online and offline, and how to include authors in the marketing process in meaningful ways. Helena also shares how she helps clients stretch small budgets for maximum impact.

For anyone considering leaving corporate publishing to start their own venture, Helena offers thoughtful advice about building and contributing to community first. This is a conversation about sustainability, creativity, and what it really means to market a book. 

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
• Understanding the importance of sales skills in the industry
• Building genuine relationships and maintaining connections
• Navigating cultural shock in corporate publishing environments
• The transition from corporate roles to independent publishing
• Exploring the dynamics of celebrity imprints in the industry
• The advantages that independent publishers hold over corporate ones
• Balancing multiple roles and the opportunities they present
• Addressing microaggressions and strategies for resilience