Okay, let’s talk about it — because clearly the publishing industry won’t. Black authors stay giving us everything: messy romances, out-of-this-world fantasy, thrillers that keep you up at night, self-help that speaks straight to your soul. And yet… the recognition? The sales? The push? Not nearly where it should be.

🖊️ By Black Author Hub | July 25, 2025

> “We have been here for you — now we need you to be here for us.”

— Janifer Wilson, Founder of Sisters Uptown

Lately, it feels like we're witnessing a slow but deliberate erasure—a quiet rollback of progress. Across the country, books by African American authors are being pulled from shelves. Names of Black pioneers are being stripped from buildings. And the question we must ask—loudly and unapologetically—is: Why?

📚 The Attack on African American Literature

Let’s go ahead and admit it: we love us a messy book man. The kind of man who’s either emotionally unavailable, fresh out of jail, or pulling up in a Charger with a Glock and a good excuse. Black BookTok has been deep in its “tatted and toxic” era, and honestly? We’re not mad at it.

What’s Got the Girls Giggling & Gatekeeping?

June 7, 2025

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Let’s talk about it...

You ever peep a book hittin' the New York Times Best Sellers List and think, “Now how did THAT get up there?” 👀 Or maybe your fave Black indie author is selling out left and right but can’t even get a mention?

Yeah. Same.

So here’s the tea: The NYT Best Sellers List ain’t just a numbers game. It’s more like a private party—and only certain bookstores get the invite. 📦📚

Let’s talk about it: we're done being strong all the time. We are not your mules, your martyrs, or your constant comeback stories. We’re in our soft era, and guess what? It looks good on us. It smells like shea butter, sounds like Ari Lennox, and reads like slow-burn romances and cozy affirmations.

So if you’re ready to leave the grind behind (just for a lil while) and step into stories that affirm your softness, your joy, your rest, and your wholeness—this one’s for you. Here are 10 books that embody the Soft Black Girl Era, and yes, they are all giving.

1. “You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty” by Akwaeke Emezi

🌸 A lush, emotional romance about grief, art, and falling in love again—when you didn’t think you could.

This book is messy, tender, and grown. It’s not about being “strong” through trauma—it’s about finding something that feels like peace, even when it’s complicated.

Want to get your book into libraries? Public, school, academic—you name it. This guide’s got you covered, whether you’re self-published, traditionally published, or a Black author looking to connect with underserved communities.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Book’s Ready for the Library Shelves

Libraries are all about quality! Here’s what you need:

- ISBN & Barcode: Your book needs an ISBN (that’s a fancy number that makes it official). Most libraries also want a scannable barcode on the back.

- Formats for Everyone: Print is a must (paperback or hardcover), and digital options like eBooks and audiobooks are a big win.

- Polished & Professional: Editing and design matter. If it’s not your thing, hire someone to make it shine.

- Reviews: Librarians trust credible reviews. Aim for big names like Kirkus (Indie), Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and influential blogs in the library space.

Why Black Indie Authors Are the Future of Publishing

Posted by The Ink Spot

Let me be real with you: the publishing world hasn’t always made space for us. For generations, Black authors have had to fight to get a foot in the door, and even then, we were often told our stories were too “urban,” too “unrelatable,” or just plain not what readers wanted. But here’s the truth they weren’t ready for—we are the culture. We’ve always been the culture. And now, we’re finally claiming our place at the table—by building our own.

This is why I believe with my whole chest that Black indie authors are the future of publishing.

We Took the Long Road to Get Here—But Look at Us Now

Traditional publishing is still a tough game. Even today, Black authors make up less than 6% of published writers at major houses. And even when we are published traditionally, we’re often boxed into very specific types of stories—ones centered on trauma, pain, or hardship. Those stories matter, yes. But so do the ones filled with joy, love, laughter, fantasy, and power.

That’s where indie publishing changed the game. It allowed Black authors to bypass the gatekeepers and go straight to the people—our people. With platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital, we don’t have to wait years for a “yes” or water down our work to fit someone else’s idea of “marketable.” We hit publish, promote, and connect directly with our readers—and the results speak for themselves.