Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tahara Saron. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tahara, appreciate you joining us today. Is your team able to work remotely? If so, how have you made it work? What, if any, have been the pitfalls? What have been the non-obvious benefits?
At BlackGold Publishing, we are a fully online based literary publishing house, making what we do and who we represent more accessible than ever. With that said, our editors, illustrators and in-house staff are able to work from home comfortably, create their own schedules and operate professionally with an air of freedom and autonomy — Which I love!
Tahara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
BlackGold Publishing, serving alongside its affiliate organizations; The BlackGold Publishing Book League of Hampton Roads and The Sisters In StartUp) is a hybrid publishing house, operating from the Hampton Roads Area of Virginia. Incepted in 2017 by Founder, CEO, and Head of Editorial, Tahara Saron – BlackGold Publishing seeks to expand the visibility of black and ethnic literary works by creating inclusive and diverse opportunities for authors of color seeking representation. Our team of solely black editors, illustrators, graphic designers, business consultants, and staff, has over 35+ years of combined, cumulative literary and publishing expertise. Knowledge we’ve implemented by creating relevant strategies so that our titles maintain viability within the fluctuations of a changing industry.
Through such strategies, including providing one-on-one coaching and quality editing services, we have expanded tremendously over the years and have established ourselves as a formidable black-owned and operated publishing house. BlackGold Publishing currently houses over 110 titles in acquisitions and represents a diverse group of 75 skilled and talented authors, illustrators and creatives, worldwide.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I was 18, after spending literal years sharing my love for writing through various forms — ghostwriting for paid gigs, winning various literary contests and awards, and even having a few minor pieces featured in the newspaper — I was finally ready to commit to something MORE. I decided to go and try my hand at being professionally published.
To make a long story short, I submitted my work to a local publishing house (predominantly white since there were no black owned publishers in my area at the time) and was informed that my work was too “ethnic” to publish.
I wouldnt understand the gravity of that response until much later in life, but it was being discriminated against in that way that led me down this path. I am grateful to now be a voice for the voiceless and represent black creatives worldwide.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
As a black woman, there are many times in my life where a “pivot” was absolutely necessary to my survival. In one such case, I was going through a very bad separation at the start of 2017. He left us penniless and I had no idea what I was going to do. Many suggested that I go get a regular job and start over — but God wanted more from me. I stepped out on faith and pivoted right into my now successful business, BlackGold Publishing. I had to work harder than I ever have to make it work and to provide for my then, infant son. But I did it and I am forever grateful for that moment – I bet on me, and it worked out. Thank you God
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BlackGoldPublishing.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/BlackGoldPublishing
- Facebook: Facebook.com/BlackGoldPublishing
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@blackgoldpublishingllc2427
- Other: https://youtu.be/U-zllEKn-Ss
Image Credits
@BlackGoldPublishing