Hachette Book Group hosted a panel at the National Association of Black Journalists’ 2026 National Convention and Career Fair in Atlanta, bringing together prominent Black journalists to discuss the transition from journalism to book authorship.
The convention, held Aug. 12-16, centered on the theme “Our Revolution: Truth, Power and Black Journalism.” Hachette’s Legacy Lit imprint presented the panel, “How Journalists Expand Their Imprint Through Authorship,” which examined how journalists can use books to expand their storytelling and preserve reporting for future audiences.
Krishan Trotman, vice president and publisher of Legacy Lit, moderated the discussion. Panelists included award-winning journalist Tiffany Cross and journalists Roland Martin and Errin Haines, who are all connected to Legacy Lit.
The conversation focused on the relationship between journalism and long-form storytelling, particularly how reporting can serve as the foundation for books that provide greater context and depth on important social issues.
Haines, president of NABJ and a Hachette author, discussed the significance of journalists expanding their work into books. She noted that journalism has long played a role in documenting history and that authorship can provide another avenue for journalists to develop and preserve those stories.
The panel also addressed the role of Black journalists in documenting the experiences and perspectives of communities that have historically been underrepresented in mainstream media. Speakers discussed how books can provide additional space to explore subjects that may receive limited attention in daily news coverage.
Trotman said Legacy Lit is proud to serve as a literary home for journalists and emphasized the shared storytelling roots of journalism and literature.
The discussion comes as the media industry continues to change, with journalists working across traditional newsrooms, digital platforms, podcasts, television and books. For journalists, authorship can provide an opportunity to move beyond the immediacy of daily reporting and develop stories through longer-form narratives.
The panel also highlighted the lasting role books can play in preserving cultural records. While news stories often respond to events as they unfold, books can allow journalists to revisit those events, add context and explore their broader significance.
Gabrielle Gambrell, chief communications officer at Hachette Book Group, said the company was proud to support NABJ and its role in encouraging Black journalists and storytellers to expand their work.
Legacy Lit is an imprint of Hachette Book Group focused on authors and subjects that have been underrepresented or overlooked. The imprint publishes works addressing social issues, culture, identity and diverse communities.
The NABJ convention provided a platform for journalists and media professionals to discuss the future of Black journalism while the Legacy Lit panel offered a closer look at another avenue for journalists to extend their influence: becoming authors.
For the participating journalists, the conversation underscored how the skills developed in reporting — research, storytelling and documenting events — can provide a foundation for creating books designed to reach audiences long after a news cycle has ended.