In an industry where too many voices go unheard, Chanel Giovanni-Darden is boldly rewriting the narrative. As the visionary behind EAT MY LYRICS PUBLISHING, LLC, she has built a literary brand from the ground up that treats storytelling as both a powerful business and a lasting legacy—one rooted in intention, authenticity, and elevated impact. Committed to amplifying overlooked voices, Chanel approaches her work with purpose, stating, “I approach storytelling as both an art form and a responsibility… Creating space for the unheard is not accidental in my brand; it is a deliberate pursuit.” Through transformative questioning, curated platforms, and strategic visibility, she empowers women to own their narratives unapologetically and positions their stories where they belong—at the forefront—proving that true luxury is not just in being seen, but in being heard, remembered, and impossible to ignore. Let’s meet her…
Chanel, take us back to the beginning—what inspired you to create EAT MY LYRICS PUBLISHING, LLC, and what gap did you see in the literary world that you felt called to fill?
My passion for writing began long before Eat My Lyrics—I first brought my words to life as a spoken word artist. As my audience grew and my work began to resonate, I was encouraged to compile my poetry into a book, which became my first project, The Naked Truth, a deeply personal poetic memoir. While in the process of creating that book, I was unexpectedly offered a $22,000 ghostwriting contract. That moment changed everything for me—it revealed that my gift wasn’t just expressive, it was valuable. I had stepped into an industry I didn’t even realize existed.
However, as I navigated both ghostwriting and publishing, I quickly recognized a major gap in the literary world. The industry was highly transactional—focused on closing deals, collecting payments, and moving on—without truly educating, mentoring, or supporting authors through their journey.
That didn’t sit right with me.
I created Eat My Lyrics to fill that gap.
I wanted to build more than a service—I built an experience. One where authors are guided, informed, and supported not just through writing and publishing, but through everything that follows: branding, marketing, visibility, and longevity. Because publishing a book is only the beginning.
Eat My Lyrics exists to ensure that authors don’t just release books—they build legacies.
What were the earliest steps you took to build your literary brand from scratch, and what foundational decisions do you believe made the biggest difference in where you are today?
In the earliest stages of building my literary brand, I focused heavily on visibility—developing my visual identity, launching my website, and creating marketing that drew people into my world. I understood early on that perception matters, and I wanted my brand to feel polished, intentional, and compelling from the start.
However, I quickly realized that a beautiful brand without a solid foundation wouldn’t sustain itself.
That realization shifted everything.
I began investing deeply in the operational side of my business—mastering search engine optimization, refining my contracts, and building seamless systems for ghostwriting and publishing. I became intentional about aligning with external partners when needed, ensuring that every service reflected the vision and quality my clients deserved.
I also learned, through experience, the importance of compliance and structure—staying in alignment with requirements from the comptroller’s office, secretary of state, and publishing authorities like Bowker and the U.S. Copyright Office. Those weren’t just tasks—they were essential to protecting and legitimizing my business.
The foundational decision that made the greatest difference was committing to mastery.
I made a conscious choice to never operate at a surface level—to continuously learn, evolve, and refine every aspect of my company. That level of mental investment has allowed me to not only grow Eat My Lyrics, but to build a brand that truly supports and elevates every author it touches.
“EAT MY LYRICS” is such a bold and memorable name. What does it represent to you, and how does it reflect the mission and voice of your brand?
Eat My Lyrics began as a hashtag I created when sharing my poetry on social media—a simple invitation for the world to fully immerse in my words. But it quickly became more than a caption; it became a statement. I realized that the name itself embodied the very essence of my mission: to celebrate the power, artistry, and unapologetic impact of words.
Eat My Lyrics isn’t just a company—it’s a movement. It reflects a brand voice that is bold, authentic, and unwaveringly committed to helping authors and creators amplify their stories, ensuring their words are not just read, but truly experienced.
You center storytelling at the core of your business—how do you define the power of storytelling, not just creatively, but as a tool for influence and transformation?
I define the power of storytelling as fully becoming the story—allowing its characters, conflicts, and truths to move through you. When a story is lived authentically, it resonates, influences, and transforms audiences in ways facts alone never could. A powerful story can heal, inspire, and shock; it can open doors, spark connections, and even drive action.
Storytelling is the ultimate tool because it doesn’t just communicate—it captivates, persuades, and propels people toward a mission, goal, or vision. Whether on the page or on stage, a well-told story creates influence, builds trust, and transforms the ordinary into something unforgettable.
Imagine trying to pitch a story to a crowd of a million prospects; you cannot catch their attention by simply saying, ‘Hello, give me your money.’ No, you have to tell them something that reels them in and makes them want to risk it all at the end. Only a story—a good story—can do that. In that instant, you’ve utilized storytelling as a tool for salesmanship, connection, and forward momentum.”
How have you been able to turn storytelling into a sustainable business, and what advice would you give to writers who want to monetize their voice without losing their authenticity?
I’ve built a sustainable business around storytelling by treating it as both an art and a craft—rooted in integrity, authenticity, and delivering undeniable value. By diversifying as an author, ghostwriter, and publisher, I’ve created multiple revenue streams without compromising the essence of my voice.
Storytelling doesn’t end on the page—it extends to speaking, branding, and connecting with audiences in meaningful ways. By meeting companies and clients where they are and aligning their needs with the power of narrative, I’ve turned words into influence, opportunity, and lasting impact.
For writers looking to monetize their voice without losing authenticity, my advice is simple: stay true to your vision, understand the value of your craft, and diversify your channels. When you honor your story while strategically leveraging it, your voice doesn’t just survive—it thrives.
In what ways do you see storytelling as a form of legacy-building, both for yourself and for the authors and creatives you work with?
I view storytelling as one of the most powerful forms of legacy-building because it preserves truth, captures emotion, and transcends time. Stories are how we ensure that our voices, experiences, and lessons live on long after we’re gone.
For myself, storytelling is a way to leave behind something meaningful—something that reflects not only who I am, but what I’ve learned, overcome, and created. For the authors and creatives I work with, it’s about helping them understand that their stories are not just personal—they’re impactful, influential, and worthy of being remembered.
Through storytelling, we create pathways for future generations to learn, to empathize, and to grow. It allows people—whether they are generations ahead or far removed—to connect with experiences they may have never lived, but can still deeply understand.
At its core, storytelling turns moments into monuments. It ensures that voices are not only heard in the present, but honored in the future.
Your brand is dedicated to amplifying voices—how do you intentionally create space for stories that might otherwise go unheard?
I approach storytelling as both an art form and a responsibility—one that requires intention, discernment, and a deep commitment to amplifying voices that have long been overlooked. Creating space for the unheard is not accidental in my brand; it is a deliberate pursuit. I seek these voices out, I invite them forward, and I guide them toward owning their narratives with confidence and authority.
My process is rooted in asking transformative questions—the kind that disrupt self-doubt and awaken truth. I challenge women to examine the silence they’ve been conditioned to accept, often asking, “Why does her story deserve to be told, but yours does not?” In that moment, something shifts—permission is no longer external, it becomes self-defined.
I leverage social platforms and curated networks as more than visibility tools—they are refined spaces of invitation, where storytelling is positioned as both legacy and liberation.
And when those stories rise to the surface, I ensure they do not whisper—they resonate. I amplify them with intention, elegance, and reach, utilizing every platform and room I occupy to position these narratives exactly where they belong: at the forefront.
Because true luxury is not just in being seen—it is in being heard, remembered, and impossible to ignore.
Why is representation so critical in the publishing and literary space today, and how is your company actively contributing to that shift?
Representation within the publishing and literary space is not just important—it is imperative. It shapes whose stories are told, how they are told, and ultimately, whose voices are remembered. For far too long, the industry has operated within narrow frameworks, often overlooking the depth, brilliance, and complexity of voices that exist beyond the mainstream. True representation disrupts that pattern—it introduces honesty, expands perspective, and makes room for stories that reflect the fullness of lived experiences.
At its core, my company’s presence in this space is rooted in integrity, transparency, and an unwavering belief in the power of the writer. I do not see authors as transactions—I see them as visionaries. Every client within my roster is entrusted to a process that honors their voice, protects their work, and respects their worth. There is a deep level of care embedded in everything we do, ensuring that no author feels overlooked, exploited, or diminished within an industry that has not always been kind.
We actively contribute to this shift by leading with both excellence and advocacy. That means remaining ahead of industry standards, continuously expanding our knowledge, and positioning ourselves as a trusted force that authors can rely on—not just creatively, but professionally. We champion fair practices, transparent collaboration, and ethical storytelling at every level.
More than anything, we contribute by creating a culture where authenticity is the standard. We move with intention, we operate in truth, and we allow the artistry of words to exist in their most powerful, unfiltered form.
Because representation is not simply about being included—it is about being valued, protected, and given the space to leave a lasting imprint.
Have there been moments where you had to create your own opportunities or open doors that weren’t initially available? What did that process look like for you?
There have been defining moments in my journey where the absence of a clear lane forced me to create one of my own—and in doing so, I discovered the true magnitude of my voice.
One of the most pivotal experiences came when I secured my second five-figure ghostwriting contract for a celebrity. I found myself positioned against seasoned Hollywood ghostwriters, and it was made clear that the preference leaned toward someone within that established circle. At that moment, I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel the weight of comparison—it was intimidating, and for a brief second, I questioned whether I belonged in that room at all.
But something within me refused to shrink.
Instead, I made a conscious decision to rise—not by competing on their terms, but by fully owning my own. I immersed myself in the material the client had provided and reimagined it with a level of care, emotional intelligence, and narrative precision that only I could bring. It was no longer about where I was from or what I lacked—it became about the undeniable standard I was capable of delivering.
In many ways, that process felt cinematic—private, intense, and deeply transformative. I stepped into a version of myself that was no longer asking for permission, but asserting presence. By the time I submitted my work, I wasn’t hoping to be chosen—I knew I was the right choice.
And she did too.
Despite initial expectations, the decision was made to move forward with me—an outcome that not only affirmed my ability, but redefined what access could look like. It was a powerful reminder that proximity to prestige does not outweigh authenticity, care, and excellence.
A similar thread revealed itself when I secured my first publishing contract with a young woman who, again, was considering candidates with more experience and more traditional accolades. Yet, the reason she chose me mirrored that earlier moment—she felt seen, protected, and deeply valued in my process.
Those experiences became the blueprint for my company. They affirmed that what I offer extends beyond skill—it is an experience rooted in intention, exclusivity, and genuine care.
Looking back, I recognize that I was never truly without a lane—God was calling me to build one. And in doing so, I’ve been entrusted with creating doors, rooms, and opportunities not just for myself, but for every voice that chooses to walk through them.
As a woman leading a growing literary brand, what unique challenges have you faced in entrepreneurship, and how have you navigated them with confidence?
As a woman leading a growing literary brand, the challenges of entrepreneurship have been as profound as they have been personal. Many assume comparison is the greatest obstacle, but the truth runs deeper: entrepreneurship can be a profoundly lonely journey. Behind the scenes, there is rarely applause, no team to orchestrate celebrations, no one to acknowledge the quiet victories. Often, the acknowledgment comes in the simplest of ways—a thoughtful dinner, a glass of something sparkling, a moment to breathe before diving back in.
Over time, I’ve learned that normalcy is something I must create for myself. I don’t have to chase the illusion of keeping up publicly, nor do I need to sacrifice my well-being in private to meet some imagined standard. Balance is a constant negotiation—one that requires intention, patience,and grace.
The work I pour into this brand is everything: my energy, my vision, my legacy. Ideas, pitches, collaborations—they fill my mind at every hour, relentless in their pursuit. Learning to honor that intensity while still allowing space to rest and reflect has become a central practice, one I refine daily.
Navigating these challenges with confidence has meant embracing solitude as a teacher, celebrating every small victory as a marker of progress, and trusting that the vision I carry is worth the devotion it demands. It’s a process—sometimes uncomfortable, always evolving—but it is also deeply liberating. Because in the end, leading with authenticity and unwavering care is not just how I sustain this brand—it’s how I define it.
In a world where trends and expectations can easily influence brand identity, how do you stay rooted in authenticity while continuing to grow and evolve your business?
In an industry driven by trends and external expectations, authenticity is my compass. I don’t believe in conforming to anyone or anything; my brand exists as a reflection of my values, vision, and the caliber of experience I want to create. Evolution is natural, but conformity is never an option.
The only time I’ve intentionally shifted my brand was to elevate it—to transition from a playful, cartoon-like space into a refined, luxury destination for authors. Beyond that, I remain steadfast. I admire and support other brands, but imitation is not part of my strategy; it would only dilute what makes us distinctive.
My goal has never been to fit in—it has always been to stand out, to operate at an elite standard, and to craft a space where excellence and authenticity converge. Growth does not require compromise; it requires clarity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to remaining unmistakably true to your vision.
Your work embodies both creativity and intention—how do you define “luxury” within your brand experience, and how do you deliver that to your clients and audience?
Luxury, within my brand, is defined by the art of exclusivity and the depth of experience. It is not merely about aesthetics or prestige—it is about fully immersing myself in the vision of each client. When I take on a project, I center my attention entirely on their story, their goals, and their aspirations. I don’t just work for them; I step into their vision so fully that it becomes, in essence, our shared pursuit.
From the very first interaction, it is clear that this is not a transactional relationship—it is a bespoke experience. Every detail, every decision, every word is curated with intention and care, ensuring that the outcome surpasses expectation. In this way, luxury is not just delivered—it is felt, experienced, and remembered long after the project is complete.
Running a publishing company requires both creative vision and strategic execution. How do you balance the artistic side of storytelling with the operational side of business?
At Eat My Lyrics, creativity and strategy are inseparable. No project moves forward without thoughtful insight, intentional execution, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I provide my clients with honest, constructive guidance throughout the publishing and ghostwriting process, ensuring they understand every decision and feel fully supported. Education, transparency, and trust are central to how I work, and my clients quickly see that their vision is not just understood—it is championed.
Balancing operations with creativity requires both precision and heart. I ensure that every project is cohesive, intentional, and executed with integrity, because for me, artistry and strategy must always move together.
For women who want to build their own literary platforms or publishing brands, what are three things they must understand before they begin?
For women building their own literary platforms or publishing brands, there are three principles that are non-negotiable:
Stay in full compliance. Understand and honor every legal and regulatory requirement in your state—your credibility and longevity depend on it.
Lead with honesty. Be transparent with yourself and with your clients. Integrity is the foundation of trust, and trust is the currency of a lasting brand.
Persist relentlessly. Never pull back simply because you feel unseen. Even in moments of quiet, someone is watching, learning, and waiting for what only you can create.
Master these three, and you not only build a business—you craft a legacy.
Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for EAT MY LYRICS PUBLISHING, and what impact do you hope it will leave on the literary industry and future generations of writers?
My long-term vision for Eat My Lyrics Publishing is to set a new standard for independent publishing worldwide—a platform that unequivocally champions the success of every author and client, even beyond our direct involvement. This brand is not about control or limitation; it is about liberation. We create a space where writers are empowered to thrive, to explore, and to find joy, peace, love, freedom, and transformation through their work.
Ultimately, I hope Eat My Lyrics leaves a lasting imprint on the literary industry: one where integrity, intentionality, and authentic care redefine what it means to nurture talent. I want future generations of writers to enter a world where their voices are not only heard but celebrated—and where publishing becomes a vehicle for legacy, possibility, and profound impact.
How can our readers connect with you?
Social Media Handles | Eat My Lyrics:
W: https://www.eatmylyrics.com/
E: mailto:Chanel_Giovanni@eatmylyrics.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/eatmylyrics_llc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatMyLyricsLLC/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eatmylyrics_llc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eatmylyrics/
Social Media Handles | Chanel Monroe Giovanni:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chanel__monroe_giovanni/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChanelMonroeGiovanni/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chanel_giovanni?lang=en
