Book Collaborations/Ghostwriting

Do you have a story to tell? I have an amazing “ear” for narrative and can help you find your voice and share your experiences in the form of a nonfiction book. I’ve worked with music executives, political figures, activists, and spiritual leaders, helping them to craft compelling and gripping memoirs.  As a reporter, I’ve interviewed dozens of celebrities including Oprah Winfrey (she said I asked great questions ), Magic Johnson, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lil’ Kim, Jill Scott, Jeffrey Wright, Jamie Foxx, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Ava DuVernay, Julie Andrews, Steve Harvey, Garry Marshall, Mario Van Peebles, and many more over a 25+ year career. I work quickly and carefully, and pride myself on being a conscientious, empathetic listener.

Let’s talk!  Representation: Laura Nolan @Aevitas

Speaking Engagements

I offer keynote speeches on a wide variety of topics, including race and mixed race, women, popular culture, and social justice themes. I am also a moderator and creator of my own unique brand of intensive writing workshops. A journalist, author, and editor with a rare combination of talents, I bring both investigative and reporting skills to rigorous intellectual and academic training in various interdisciplinary fields.

For more, please visit APB here: https://www.apbspeakers.com/speaker/kristal-brent-zook/

For speaking requests, contact Andrew Walker, American Program Bureau: awalker@apbspeakers.com

Writing Workshops for Academics, Non-Profits, and Corporations

Whether you are hoping to translate a scholarly essay into a newsstand article, or want to express thoughts more clearly for a mainstream audience, this 5-hour workshop is carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of its participants.

A professional whose work rests squarely in the margins between the academic disciplines of cultural studies, women’s studies, African American studies, and popular journalism, I am uniquely qualified to shed light on the editorial processes of magazines and newspaper publications.

My workshops are intense lessons offering in-depth, personalized guidance in the following areas: shaping market academic research for a general market audience; eliminating jargon; moving critical analysis from the ivory tower to the newsstand; helping publicists and marketing professionals improve their pitches to reporters and journalists; and understanding the “5 key elements a successful pitch.”

  • Avoid blandness and the passive voice
  • Spice up your prose
  • Focus your message and get to it
  • Organize thoughts
  • Create more polished and elegant prose
  • Know your audience

Stay Tuned for Updates

I send thoughtful and caring emails

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