NEW YORK (AP) – Whoopi Goldberg, the Oscar-winning actor and co-host of "The View," has announced her intention to assist aspiring authors by launching a new book imprint called WhoopInk. This significant initiative is a partnership between Goldberg and Blackstone Publishing. The focus of WhoopInk will be on introducing "fresh, diverse new talent to the marketplace," encompassing a wide range of genres. Goldberg is set to play a proactive role in the imprint's operations, from cover design to promotional activities, ensuring that she has a hands-on approach in bringing new voices to readers.

Rick Bleiweiss, a Blackstone executive who previously worked with Goldberg on her book "Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me," is one of the first authors to join the WhoopInk roster. Goldberg plans to publish the next installment of Bleiweiss' mystery series, "Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives." Additionally, she aims to release some of her own works under the imprint, including a follow-up to her bestselling memoir "Bits and Pieces," which is set to be released in paperback this week.

Goldberg expressed her excitement about the venture, stating, "I am personally looking forward to finding new authors, working with established authors, and bringing influential voices into this curated imprint." This statement reflects her commitment to fostering literary talent and contributing her experience as a successful author to help others embark on their writing journeys.

The launch of WhoopInk places Goldberg among a growing list of celebrities who have established their own publishing imprints in recent years. Notable figures such as Sarah Jessica Parker, John Legend, and Questlove have taken similar steps in overseeing their literary ventures. Furthermore, public figures like Reese Witherspoon, Dakota Johnson, and Dua Lipa have also formed their own book clubs, demonstrating a widespread trend of celebrity involvement in the literary world.

As Goldberg moves forward with WhoopInk, she not only aims to uplift new voices in literature but also to further cement her legacy as a multifaceted artist who extends her influence beyond acting into the realm of publishing. The imprint is expected to provide an exciting platform for diverse narratives and stories that resonate with a wide audience.