Tanisha Mackin
Tanisha Mackin is the Founder and CEO of Exclusive Services by Tanisha Mackin, a full-service publishing company specializing in helping experts bridge the gap between Authorpreneurship and Entrepreneurship. An award-winning author, ghostwriter, and publisher, she has spent over a decade guiding clients in transforming their stories into bestselling books while leveraging that intellectual property to build scalable business ventures. Tanisha’s work emphasizes authentic storytelling, emotional connection, and close collaboration, making her a highly sought-after partner for individuals looking to leave a lasting literary and business legacy.
Her journey into publishing began after a personal tragedy—losing her husband on their first wedding anniversary in the City Grill Massacre in Buffalo, New York, while simultaneously battling colon cancer. Channeling her grief into creativity, she wrote her memoir Still Standing to inspire others, demonstrating resilience and the power of personal narrative. This experience led to a passion for helping others share their stories, and she soon discovered her true calling in ghostwriting, turning clients’ visions into professionally published works that often achieve bestseller status.
Beyond publishing, Tanisha is a social media strategist, writing coach, and bereavement advocate. She founded the Mackin Project, a nonprofit supporting widows and their families, and has been featured in Essence Magazine, Yahoo Finance, and Go Banking Rates. With more than 150 books published and multiple #1 bestsellers, Tanisha combines professional expertise with empathy and humility, inspiring her clients and readers alike to transform pain into purpose and stories into success.
• University of Phoenix - M.M.
• 2020 Publisher Award
• 2020 McDonough Business Hall of Fame
• 2019 Business Hall of Fame - Best of McDonough
• Author of the Year
• 2018 Best of McDonough
• 2016 Rising Star
• Indie Author Legacy Award
• Survivor Award
• Metro Phenomenal Women Award
• Making A Difference
• The Mackin Project - nonprofit supporting widows with children
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to humility, approachability, and genuine connection. No matter the awards or bestsellers, I remain grounded and make clients feel comfortable sharing their stories. I engage deeply with their experiences, often becoming emotionally invested, which allows me to communicate authentically. Many clients have become like family, and these connections are one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my uncle: you can’t please everyone. That lesson has stuck with me because it’s impossible to make everyone happy. What matters most is staying authentic to yourself and your values.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never give up and stay authentic. Success takes time, and you can’t please everyone. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people, seek guidance from a mentor, and keep moving forward—persistence and focus will pay off.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my field is defining my ideal client. Early on, I tried to cater to everyone, which was overwhelming and unsustainable. I realized the key was to focus on the client who truly represented the type of work I wanted to do. By developing a clear client profile based on that ideal, I turned a challenge into an opportunity—this focus has become a powerful tool for driving growth and positioning my business for long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Humility is at the heart of everything I do; no matter the awards I’ve received or the bestsellers I’ve created, I remain grounded and approachable. I value open communication and connect deeply with my clients, showing compassion and empathy for their stories. Being of service—whether through ghostwriting, helping others share their journeys, or supporting widows and children through nonprofit work—is central to my life. I also prioritize family, authenticity, and staying true to myself, knowing that you can’t please everyone.
Locations
Exclusive Services by Tanisha Mackin
Atlanta, GA 30253