A selective sampling of past newsletters with advice for right now.
Originally shared February 2021. Updated September 2024.
Consider this a warm hello to those new to me and Quill Shift, and a quick re-introduction for all who’ve been with me on the journey because…
Yes, you may know me as Ayanna, but when we started this journey together you probably knew me as a literary agent.
A lot has happened since then…for everyone!
In 2017
I was the first advisor for the Brooklyn Public Library’s Book Match Teen Initiative, which won a Library Awards for Innovation Grant – for that amazing inaugural cohort the following year.
In 2018
- Goodbye New York, hello Tokyo! That’s right, I moved across the globe to Japan where I move clients away from overwhelm and burnout to identify clear goals, systems, and marketing techniques that work for and feel authentic to them.
- Two of my books came into the world!
- The MentorShift service (focused 20-minute call of no-gatekeeping publishing-industry-pro advice) was born to demystify publishing and give focused support to writers & people interested in working in the industry.
In 2019 & 2020
- I worked with NYT bestselling authors and award-winning publishers on marketing campaigns.
- Sat on not one, but two nonprofit boards in Tokyo focused on empowering, enhancing, and uplifting the lives of those whose voices are often not heard
- Fostered a dog (!!)
- Supported amazing and diverse clients (sampling of who and how below) to help them realize and solve their most pressing challenges
Looking back at 2020, there were a number of lessons learned and one of mine was invest your time in what and who you believe in, and ditch the rest.
I believe in:
- Radical self-care
- Elevating underrepresented voices
- My own worth as a Black female
- Not making life more difficult for myself or others
- People who have a passion for what they do and want to grow in the process of doing it
Since 2021
I’ve helped more people and organizations tap into their zones of genius, elevate their voices, and feel like they can tackle anything that comes their way because they have the right tools and support to make their goals a reality.
Just take a look at these wonderful past clients and what we were able to accomplish together!
If you’re not about that life, or helping others, you can stop reading.
If you are interested in learning what I’ve got in store for you, your clients, colleagues, authors, or loved ones that might need…
- a little direction
- a little push to get it done
- a little realism-based positivity
- some quick tools and systems to get their ish together
- librarian-level book recommendations
…you can just sign up for the newsletter right now!
Or – if you want to hang out immediately and get that high-frequency feeling of being seen, understood, and championed – let’s hop on a call and help you make magic.
Can’t wait to cheer you on,
Ayanna
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