If you’re looking for a selection of top BAME book publishers in the UK, below we’ve featured 7 for your perusal.
1. Lantana Publishing
Based in Oxford, England, Lantana Publishing is a thriving, independent press specializing in children’s books. But that’s not all: they also happen to be one of those rare UK based publishers that support and encourage works from BAME authors. Since inception, Lantana has been on a clear and specialized mission to represent underrepresented voices. So, if you think your work hasn’t been duly recognized by leading publishers, Lantana Publishing might just be the publisher for you.
This company champions the cause of representing talented authors with vivid and diverse experiences. Selecting outstanding content from across the globe, they have already worked with several award-winning authors and illustrators.
Some of their top titles include Peace and Me by Ali Winter, Mira’s Curly Hair by Maryam Al Serkal, and Dragon Dancer by Joyce Chng. Currently, Lantana Publishing is on the lookout for children’s picture books (for 2 to 5-year-olds), children’s fiction books (for 5 to 7-year-olds, and 7 to 9 years olds), and young adult fiction books (for 9 to 12-year-olds). The company also occasionally publishes narrative non-fiction and poetry of exceptional merit.
If you are willing to submit your work to Lantana Publishing download their submission information PDF from this link and send your manuscript/portfolio with a brief cover letter here. If your work is selected, a representative from the company will reach out to you in the subsequent twelve weeks. For more details about their submission policies, check this page.
2. Comma Press
Established in 2003, Comma Press began its journey by working to publish the Manchester Stories series. Over time, this project evolved into multiple anthologies including the iconic The Book of Leeds and The Book of Liverpool that eventually turned out to be staggering successes. Thus, began the journey of Comma Press as an independent and inclusive publisher.
Specializing in translated titles, the company works with talented writers from across the world. They are especially interested in works from marginalized authors that explore diverse, unique, and truly individual experiences. Thanks to their talented pool of authors and inclusive culture, the company won the Northern Soul’s Northern publisher of the Year Award in 2017. In 2019 and 2020, they have also shortlisted in the Small Press of the Year (North England) category by The British Book Awards.
Notable multicultural titles from the company include the Iraqi Christ by Hassan Blasim, The Sea Cloak by Nayrouz Qarmout, and Points of Origin by Diao Dou.
Comma Press only accepts submissions for short stories and translations. However, they aren’t accepting unsolicited single-author collections at the moment. If you are keen to send a regional translated work in a minority language, you might want to check these submission guidelines.
3. Oneworld
Established in 1986 by husband-wife duo Juliet Mabey and Novin Doostdar, Oneworld is an independent press based in London, UK. Since their very first years in the publishing industry, the company has been entirely dedicated to publishing remarkable works in non-fiction, especially from authors across underrepresented communities.
Their fiction list is equally stimulating with crisp, invigorating, and distinctive storylines. Since the company has always taken a global approach in publishing, they have managed to collaborate with several talented authors and literary agents from all corners of the globe.
Popular titles from BAME authors include Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi’s The First Woman, Amit Chaudhuri’s Odysseus Abroad, and Selja Ahava’s Things That Fall From the Sky. While Oneworld is currently closed to fiction submissions, they will consider book proposals for non-fiction titles. Send your submissions here after reading the detailed submission guidelines on this page.
4. Knights of Media
Knights of Media is yet another BAME publishing house specializing in commercial children’s fiction titles. Interestingly, this Brixton based company’s inclusive approach isn’t merely limited to their publishing policy; but they also follow the same approach while hiring new staff.
Knights of Media are driven to collaborate with individuals from all walks of life and they have always been known to give due credit to quality multicultural titles. Popular books from the publishing house include Three Keys by Kelly Yang, Clean Getaway by Nic Stone, and Shaping Up Culture by Mark Maciver.
The company is currently open to book pitches through live chat. Details about their unique submission policy can be found on this page.
5. Jacaranda Books
Jacaranda Books is a leading Plymouth based publisher specializing in books written by and about underrepresented communities. The company publishes an eclectic range of titles exploring the vivid experiences of minority communities, women, and everyone in between. Some brilliant titles from the publisher include A Book of Secrets by Kate Morrison, A Girl Called Eel by Ali Zamir, and Adua by Igiaba Sceguo.
Currently, Jacaranda Books are open to submissions in both fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, they are considering almost all popular genre fiction (including science fiction, crime fiction, and historical titles). They are, however, especially interested in titles where the protagonist is a person of color/woman and the central theme is related to marginalized communities.
In non-fiction, they are seeking works from BAME authors with professional experience in diverse domains like photography, modern art, fashion, and the likes of it. They are also looking to publish autobiographies and memoirs by artists from soul, reggae, and similar backgrounds.
Submissions can be sent with a brief covering letter, a book synopsis, and around 30 pages of your manuscript. More details about the submission policies can be found here.
6. Tamarind Books
Established by Verna Wilkins in 1987, Tamarind Books champions diversity and inclusivity. An imprint of the Puffin and Ladybird Groups, this publishing company was created to ensure that children from every ethnicity get an opportunity to read about their experiences. Three decades down the line, they have successfully achieved this goal and their publishing list now includes beautiful tales told by authors across the world.
Popular books by BAME authors include Shine by Candy Gourlay, Fangs by Malorie Blackman, and Bird By Crystal Chan. While the company doesn’t specify many details about their publishing policies, you can reach out here for more information about the process.
7. Hoperoad Publishing
Established in 2010 by avid book lover Rosemarie Hudson, Hoperoad Publishing is a London based publisher specializing in BAME books. The company is especially interested in titles with diverse themes like finding one’s identity, cultural prejudices, and coping with affliction and disability. Over the years, they have worked with several award-winning authors most of whose works have been appreciated by readers and critics alike.
Popular titles include Sugar Sugar: Bitter Sweet Tales of Indian Migrant Workers by Laini Malkani, An Ounce of Practice by Leo Zeillig, and The Warehouse by S.S Mausoof. Unfortunately, Hoperoad Publishing is currently closed for submissions and they will only consider new titles after Spring 2021. Until then, keep checking this page for the latest details about their upcoming open reading periods and submission policies.
I am Ruposhree, a regular happy-go-lucky girl with not-so-regular (read extraordinary) dreams. I love reading, obsessing over random TV series, dreaming of unrealistic vacations, and most importantly, trying my hand at writing. I want to believe that I somehow have a way with words and maybe one day I’ll manage to see and be everything that I ever dreamt of!