Danielle Allen on The Shift From Indie to Traditional Book Deals Artwork

We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

Finally, a home for the spice you love and the representation you deserve. We Read Smut, hosted by Alesia, builds a judgment-free zone for readers who crave spicy plots and substance. We celebrate high-heat stories and inclusive casts. If you want open-door romance that features every body, you found the right show.

What to expect:

Trope Breakdowns: We dissect the best (and hottest) tropes in the genre.
Author Interviews: Hear the story behind the spice from your favorite creators.
Shelf Help: Expert guidance to help you conquer your TBR pile.
Inclusive Stories: We prioritize representative leads and diverse voices.

Whether you're a seasoned smut reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, this podcast is for you. We leave the shame at the door and celebrate the power of a well-written romance.

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All Episodes

We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

Danielle Allen on The Shift From Indie to Traditional Book Deals

March 27, 2026 • We Read Smut • Season 3 • Episode 12

0:00 | 36:24

Does the romance industry still fear fat Black women on book covers? USA Today Bestselling author Danielle Allen joins the podcast to discuss her transition from a prolific indie career to traditional publishing with Bramble. She explains why her stories center fat Black joy rather than the struggle of a body type. We examine how her background as a life coach helps her characters move from mere existence to a life of reclamation and confidence.

Danielle Allen is a USA Today bestselling author, a professor, and a life coach. Living authentically has been the key to her living her best life. With a background in social sciences, helping people better understand themselves so they can become the best version of themselves is one of her passions. She aims to write contemporary romance novels that change the status quo of the genre.

Key Takeaways

Danielle details the shift from independent deadlines to the rigid schedules of traditional publishing houses.
The Curve Series flips the script on how the industry portrays plus-size Black women.
Life coach skills assist her character development and help her weave lessons into every plot.
She revives the work of Edgar Allan Poe through modern, spicy retellings.
Pre-orders signal to bookstores that readers demand diverse and representative covers.

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ALLEN:

Website

Instagram

Amazon

Tour Dates 2026

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Curve Series Amazon

Work Song Amazon

Essense Post

Black Bookstore Finder

InstaLove Amazon

Continuum Amazon