When Women Tell Their Stories, Industries Shift: Inside Her Agenda And Hachette’s ‘Off The Page’ Event

“[The industry] won’t change on its own,” said Carrie Bloxson, Chief People Officer at Hachette Book Group. “It’s going to change when people like the ones in this room show up, speak up, and lead with purpose. That is the work. And that is the invitation for tonight.”

And so began “Off The Page: The Women Changing Publishing and Media” on Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Hachette Book Group offices in Midtown Manhattan. 

Hosted by Her Agenda, in partnership with Hachette and its Women in Publishing employee resource group, the panel, moderated by Founder and CEO of Her Agenda, Rhonesha Byng, included some powerhouse voices transforming the industry: 

• Eboni K. Williams:  Humanitarian, Attorney, Author, Television Host
• Debbie Millman: Designer, Author, Educator, Brand Consultant, Host of the Webby-winning podcast ‘Design Matters’
• Shannon Downey: Artist, activist, and founder of Badass Cross Stitch and Seriously Badass Women

Before the panel, attendees were treated to a “Lightning Talk” between facilitator Sojourner Elleby, Digital & Social Media Manager at Hachette Book Group, and Sally Kim, President & Publisher of Little, Brown and Company, that offered an insider’s look at the power of diverse voices in the publishing industry. 

The evening offered several takeaways to inspire action ON and OFF the page. 

When Sally first started in publishing, there weren’t many people who looked like her. Today, she is the first Asian American person to lead a major publishing house. She said she has come to recognize that her identity is her superpower. In fact, everybody’s is. Background, as we know, shapes perspective. 

“It affects everything I do,” she said. “I expect everybody to bring their full selves.”

Shannon said she does this by using her art to challenge power, build community, and activate others.

“Craft is just the tool I use,” she said. “I’m an activist.” 

Eboni said she leans into the fullness of her identity, even if it may seem like a contradiction to others. As a former criminal defense attorney, a pageant queen, an intellect and a reality TV star, she said she fully embraces her dualities, which allows her to live life as true to herself as possible. 

“I don’t make decisions by committee,” she said. “I know best for me.”

And if others don’t like it? That’s fine, she said.

“If you’re going to have the audacity in this world to be anybody, let alone a woman, and let alone a woman with some melanin and any other additive identities (seen or unseen), you would do yourself well to get very comfortable being unliked,” she said. “I will be the villain in your story, as long as it affords me peace.” 

One of the biggest takeaways from the evening was that success is not linear. 

“I came into book publishing as a failed writer,” Sally said, after discussing how even though her dream was to become a journalist, she later realized that what she really loved was helping others shape their stories. 

The rest of the panel shared similar stories of the twists and turns that contributed to their success. 

Shannon, for example, never set out to write a book. In fact, when she was first contacted by literary agents, she assumed it was a scam. Although they wanted a craft book, she insisted on an activism one, except she didn’t know what that could be. It wasn’t until two years later that the vision came, and she was able to write her manuscript. 

Debbie, in contrast, had always dreamt of writing a book. After pitching some ideas, she was politely turned down. However, opportunity came-a-knocking a few months later when a friend passed on a book proposal and recommended her instead. 

Eboni transitioned from a criminal defense lawyer to mass media because she wanted a more immediate impact. While at Fox News, Roger Ailes encouraged her to “sell something,” prompting her to pitch “Pretty Powerful.” When publishers realized it wasn’t a conservative book, they backed out. She returned the advance and published with a smaller press instead. Her second book pitch was initially rejected as well, but she maintained a good relationship with the publisher, and when the right time came, her book was published.

Debbie said if you want something, you must make the first ask. If this is what you want to do, you must take the steps to make it happen. Build the room you want to be invited to. 

The panel shared some additional actionable tips: 

• “Keep relationships warm.” – Eboni

It’s all about people and connection. A rejection can turn into an opportunity later on.

• “Anything worthwhile takes time.” – Debbie

If you are a multifaceted person who likes to do a lot of things, you must have patience. Mastery and acknowledgement may take a while. 

• “Be together in community in real life.” – Shannon

A big social media platform, all panelists agreed, is helpful, but connecting with people in real life is what really moves the needle. 

For those who do not have a huge following, Debbie advised working with a publisher that matches your efforts and puts in as much energy into promoting your book as you do. 

Post-panel there were book signings of course, and networking while sipping on custom cocktails thanks to Edmond’s Honor. To relive the evening, check out the video above and the full photoset here.