A message to our Blackbird readers

Dear Blackbird Books Reader,  

In April of this year, Blackbird Books became an independent publishing press after four and a half years of being in a joint venture.   

As a publishing platform, we remain focused on publishing stories that cut to the core of the black African experience, a literary gateway into Africa. We focus our energy on providing this platform to brilliant and especially young african authors who would otherwise not have the opportunity to tell stories that show and shape the wealth of African experiences. 

 There is nothing we love more than receiving your stories. It’s incredible just how many layers, how many textures there are to the stories that we can tell. This is at the core of our passion for Africa’s stories. 

 Blackbird Books is committed to giving these stories a platform from which the world can access them.  

At this point, we are unable to receive and or commit to getting these stories out. 

 However, the effects and impact of the novel COVID_19 and our recent departure from Jacana Media, dictate that we immediately  hold off  on receiving unsolicited submissions. We want to make sure that given these very two big events, that we are restructuring and considering very carefully our every move. 

This pandemic has put a tremendous impact on the economy causing some of the publishing houses and corporations to close down. To those who can, we ask for your support in keeping Blackbird Books and other local independent publishers’ doors open. Let’s unite and keep African literature alive by buying and promoting these books where we can. The power lies in your hands.  

We are working very hard, to make sure that our existing books are back in retail and available for you to buy. So while you wait for our submission window to open again, pick up a Blackbird book. You can even purchase right here on our website.  

We look forward to the wonderful books that we have planned for the future, as we continue to learn and grow stronger.  

Stay home, stay safe and read a BBB book. 

 With Love,
The Blackbird Books team