Here's What Our Clients Have to Say

“Janell Agyeman has been a mentor, a sage, a deliverer of wisdom, and a good friend. I trust her business and book instincts implicitly. She can expertly guide a writer through the sometimes murky and confusing waters of writing and publishing. She is absolutely stellar. This endorsement comes from the heart.”

— Sharon M. Draper, New York Times Bestselling author of Blended, Out of My Mind and a host of award-winning, beloved books for middle grade and young adult readers www.sharondraper.com

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Janell W. Agyeman, President, Next Steps Literary Services (left) and Sharon M. Draper celebrate her success!

More From Our Happy Clients…

Writing is fulfilling but it can also be a lonely journey. However, after my consult with Ms. Janell I wasn’t so confused and alone anymore. After my consultation I left empowered, and her constructive criticism on my query letter and the first few pages of my novel, truly helped me. By the end of our conversation I confirmed my career intention and left feeling more inspired than ever.”

— Randie Chapman, writer and Black Millennial Marriage podcast host, www.blackmillennialmarriage.com

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I always thought we had a good book with an important story to tell, but there was always the little fear that I might have been viewing our work in an overly positive light. I not only gained renewed faith in the manuscript and a positive direction to follow for publication after our consultations with Mrs. Agyeman, but we have recently signed a contract with an informed and enthusiastic publisher. My only regret is that we did not meet Mrs. Agyeman years ago.”

— Sharon S. MacDonald, co-author, Carrying the Colors: The Life and Legacy of Andrew Jackson Smith, Medal of Honor Recipient (Westholme Publishing, April 2020)

“Janell Agyeman provided the right combination of careful attention and seasoned book publishing knowledge I needed when I sought feedback for my new book project. With her insight and encouragement, my ideas became more concrete and I gained a better understanding of successful book marketing techniques.”

— Jube Shiver, Jr., President of Shiver Management Group, a former journalist who also served as an adjunct instructor of writing at American University in Washington, D.C.

“When I look back to the…work Janell Agyeman did with me on my first memoir, I think of four words or phrases: generosity, devotion to subject, passion and attentiveness. I am glad to hear that she is expanding her services… Her gift is encouraging people to get their stories out—with clarity and significance.”

— Anne R. Davidson, author of Finding Grace: Regaining My Vision and Soul and Resilience Under Fire—Understanding the Challenges for my Sibling Guardians https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Grace-Regaining-Davidson-2014-01-22/dp/B01A0BWB96

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“Janell Agyeman’s expert knowledge, keen business acumen and thoughtful approach helped me to successfully navigate from self-published author to securing multi-book deals with a traditional publisher. Not only has my literary career benefitted from Janell’s firm grasp of publishing trends and industry best practices, her mentorship, kindness and generosity of spirit have personally served me in immeasurable ways. In this tough and changing business…[I]f you are fortunate to work with Janell, I know, without a doubt, you will be better after your experience.”

—Trice Hickman, bestselling author of The Other Side, the Unexpected Love and Dangerous Love series www.tricehickman.com

Janell Agyeman shepherded our manuscript through design and completion, and presented us with a perfect book, Legacy on the Land: A Black Couple Discovers Our National Inheritance and Tells Why Every American Should Care, 2009…. The book has been very successful in garnering a large and diverse audience. I could hardly recommend Janell more highly.”

— Audrey Peterman, author and President of Earthwise Productions, Inc. www.earthwiseproductionsinc.com

Janell has a wealth of publishing experience, but most importantly, integrity. Janell is always willing to assist the client in their best interest and guide you to reach your goal(s). If you’re seeking a professional who is trustworthy, look no further!”

— Claudette Esmeralda, author, the Leah Praise series and publisher, The Weak Emerald, LLC www.weakemerald.com

Janell Agyeman is an insightful, generous expert in the ever-changing book market. I met her years ago as a community relations manager for a major retailer, and her words to emerging authors are still relevant today. I still seek her advice now that the market has changed. Great storytelling is cultivated through her wisdom.”

— Nerissa Street, founder, 10000 Women, 10000 Stages www.nerissastreet.com

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If you have an opportunity to receive counseling on your work from Janell Agyeman, you’d be foolish not to take it. In the nearly 30 years of our relationship, she has been a friend, a cheerleader, a nudge, a guide and a wise consigliere whose quiet grace and unfailing optimism never failed to make the hard work of writing and selling books a little easier.”

— Leonard Pitts, Jr., Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and author, The Last Thing You Surrender, Grant Park and Freeman www.leonardpittsjr.com



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