View all of our profiles here
Bestselling Author of BEDTIME BONNET and other books, On-Air Host, Beauty & Health Product Reviewer for New York Times /Wirecutter
How many years have you been involved with NABJLA and NABJ? This is my second year formally involved!
Website: http://www.nancyredd.com
Social Media handles: @nancyredd everywhere
Preferred Pronoun: she/her
What has been your favorite NABJLA event? What did you learn?
I absolutely loved the NABJLA Media Summit and Career Fair last October! I got to meet so many incredible journalists from all walks of life, and I learned that NABJLA knows how to throw a top-notch event that is enjoyable and educational!
What piece of work are you most proud of creating?
Of all the books I've written, I'm most proud of BEDTIME BONNET, which is my new children's book about Black nighttime hair rituals. It's the book I wish I had when I was a little girl and the one that my daughter needed when I introduced the bonnet into her nighttime routine.
What advice from a mentor has helped shape your career? What is the best advice for success in your field?
This answer to both these questions is the same! The best advice I've received, and the best advice I give, is to frequently and proactively help others help themselves, strangers and friends alike. It is an honor and a privilege to use the life and industry knowledge I've absorbed to raise up people, especially Black people, and help them achieve their dreams. I'm proud that some of my greatest accomplishments belong not to me, but to folks I've inspired and supported.
What is your favorite way to give back?
I love helping other people get book deals. There are so many talented writers out there who just need a little insight and support to become published authors! I'm proud to say that since my October NABJLA book publishing workshop, I've mentored and advised a handful of Black folks who collectively have sold book deals worth nearly a half million dollars in advances in multiple genres, from self-help to children's books.
Who is one person everyone should follow on social media? Why?
Darian Symoné Harvin has an incredible beauty newsletter called BEAUTY IRL, which, in her words, "covers beauty at the intersection of politics and pop culture" and is a treat to read. I met Darian at the October NABJLA Summit, and as we talked more we figured out that her grandma, aunt, and my mama ran in the same social circle in the small Virginia town where I grew up! It's a small world!
Where can we find your work?
My new children's book is out! Read about BEDTIME BONNET here and here
Watch me kiki with Keke on GMA here:
Listen to my NPR segment here: