Listen:
I first connected with Krishan Trotman when we both were keynote speakers at the recent ASJA Virtual Conference. She opened the conference, and with my fireside chat with legend Abigail Thomas, I closed the conference. Read about that here. I feel that we both have a similar philosophy of life — you have to develop goals and then go for the gusto and reach for those opportunities. A healthy dose of intuition (or as I call it, “spidey sense”)helps, too The point is, you have to try.
I loved learning even more about this publishing powerhouse, and I know you will, too.
In This Episode
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The importance of partnership in publishing and how to make it work [2:41]
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How to navigate your book’s cover design conundrums [3:50]
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The benefits of acting proactively [9:45]
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Legacy Lit’s mission and the true meaning of diversity in publishing [13:22]
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How Krishan sources writers for Legacy Lit and what to do to get on her radar [15:55]
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How publishers support their authors and uplift voices that might not be heard [16:01]
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How Krishan uses her spidey sense to make deals [17:58]
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An big announcement about Legacy Lit the types of books they are acquiring [19:53]
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How Audiobooks can make a difference [26:30]
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What will make you a writer that will get a publishing contract? [35:08]
Watch on YouTube
About Krishan
Krishan Trotman is the co-author of the Queens of the Resistance series and Vice President, Publisher of Legacy Lit, an imprint at Hachette Book Group in New York. She was recently profiled in the New York Times and Essence magazine as one of the few African American publishing executives. She has committed over fifteen years to publishing books by and about multicultural voices and social justice. Throughout her career, she has proudly worked with leaders and trailblazers on this frontier such as John Lewis, Stephanie Land, Malcolm Nance, Zerlina Maxwell, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Al Roker, Ed Gordon, Lindy West, and other dynamic celebrity and bestselling authors. She is the self-described Beyoncé of Books, and mom to her son Bleu.
Connect with Krishan Trotman and Legacy Lit
Legacy Lit
Mentioned in the Episode
Estelle’s episode #119 analyzing the publishing landscape
Estelle’s Edge on Steering Through the Publishing Gauntlet
Estelle’s substack post on getting her audio book deal
If You Are Thinking About Doing an Audiobook
Other Episodes with Publishers
#91 Book Publisher Lisa Sharkey on Hot Topics and Her of Harper (Collins) Influence
#72 The Benefits of Publishing with a Small Publisher like Motina Books
Connect with Estelle Erasmus
Apply to be on Freelance Writing Direct in a coaching episode: email [email protected] and state three of the issues you are dealing with that you would like Estelle’s help with.
Don’t miss episode #119, Solo Episode: Estelle’s Edge on Navigating the Publishing Gauntlet.where I give a forecast on publishing with the good (and there is good) and the bad (unfortunately, a product of our times), and how to navigate it all.
Get Writing That Gets Noticed, named a Best Book for Writers by Poets & Writers Magazine.
Sign up for my Substack(for craft advice and writing opportunities). Paid subscribers receive opportunities for pitch reviews, plus bonus clips from Freelance Writing Direct guests. Check out my post on the Editor of The Cut.
And my latest post takes all the stuff you’ve heard (you need to write a page a day) and tells the truth about these tropes. That post is called Debunking the Myths of Writing.
Sign up for my Personal Essay Class for Writer’s Digest
NOTE: My private small Zoom classes are sold out for January and March 2025. Email me at [email protected] to get on the list for the next time I do them, which might be end of summer, or Fall.
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BlueSky: Yes, I’m here now, too.
Happy New Year everyone! I’ve already been learning from my private Zoom class students about publishing goals they are reaching, and I can’t wait to share their clips. Let’s make magic happen in 2025 in your writing and personal life!
