Using two hands and a few toes, I can probably count the number of independent black book publishers that exist. So I had to stop myself from doing cartwheels (and risking an injury) when I found out that novelist Tina McElroy Ansa (pictured) launched DownSouth Press, a publishing house dedicated to quality African-American literature by established and new voices. Ansa thought about starting a press more than six years ago. But the need to establish an independent publishing house became more pressing as writers who she respected, worked with and/or taught, began contacting her for assistance in securing publishing contracts. Ansa witnessed first-hand the decrease in publishing opportunities for serious and contemporary African-American literature at major publishers who in recent years, have favored trends and popular niches like street fiction and erotica.
So Ansa decided to take action as opposed to complaining! She told me that she plans to use her own experience and knowledge as a published writer to be a publisher who every serious writer deserves for his or her work. This fall, the press will release its first book, Taking After Mudear, a sequel to Ansa's popular novel Ugly Ways. DownSouth plans to publish 8-12 books a year.
Ansa is the founder of the Sea Island Writers Retreat and is the author of novels Baby of the Family, The Hand I Fan With, and You Know Better. Visit the press online at www.downsouthpress.com/.
Comments: (8)
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By: marcia on 4/03/2007 12:05AM
i found this article very inspiring! i am starting my own publishin company as well. the only way for african americans to control their imagery is to own more media outlets.
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By: Salene on 4/03/2007 5:09AM
Kudos to Tina McElroy Ansa! ;)
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By: Jeanna on 4/04/2007 4:27AM
A Wedding Made In Hell-One Woman's Story
Barbara Stevens
www.barbarastevensbooks.com
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By: Tina McElroy Ansa on 4/04/2007 1:49PM
Big thanks to Felicia, who is such a friend to writers and readers, for helping to get the word out on DownSouth Press.
We are going to publish the very best, just what readers deserve.
Love and peace,
Tina McElroy Ansa
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By: Pam Osbey on 4/05/2007 8:39AM
I've just started my small press and have a lot to learn but it's good to be in GREAT company such as your's. Keep on striving for excellence in telling our stories.
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By: Mark Boone on 4/05/2007 9:30AM
I enthusiastically welcome Tina McElroy Ansa to the small fraternity/sorority of African American independent publishers. Yes, we are rare breeds. As a writer and editor with nearly 25 years experience in the industry, I founded Blacksmith Books in 2005 for the same reasons she founded DownSouth Books. Serious African American writers of fiction have been silenced in favor of this new "genre" street lit, forcing those with experience in the game to step forward to fill the void.
My first offering, a literary mystery, The Demise of Luleta Jones was released to generally favorable reviews in February 2006. My latest release, Some Glad Morning, by Irene J. Steele was released in January.
To learn more about us, please check out the Website: www.blackmsmithbks.com.
Mark Allen Boone,
Publisher
Blacksmith Books, LLC
"Quality Books for the Discerning African-American Reader"
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By: Minnie E Miller on 4/05/2007 11:52AM
Brave move, Tina McElroy Ansa. It would seem that you need a full team behind you, keeping hands on each contract. I thought about it but decided I'm too old to start. Brava!
Minnie E Miller
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By: Dorothy L. Ferebee on 4/07/2007 11:01PM
Congratulations to Ms. Ansa! I look forward to your next novel. Baby of the Family is my all-time favorite!
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