FAQ

ChocoLit Press™ is an independent publishing company dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of Black authors. We specialize in creating space for narratives that reflect the rich diversity of Black experiences, whether from the Caribbean, Africa, the UK, Canada, or the United States. Our goal is to provide a platform for authors who have been historically overlooked by traditional publishers, and to celebrate the beauty and depth of Black culture and identity through literature.

Unlike many traditional publishing houses, ChocoLit Press™ was founded out of a desire to ensure Black authors’ voices are not just included, but truly celebrated. We are committed to publishing stories that reflect authentic Black experiences, whether contemporary or historical, and from diverse cultural backgrounds. Our mission is grounded in respect, understanding, and community-building, ensuring every author is treated with dignity and their work is carefully considered. We don’t just publish books; we create lasting relationships and a supportive network for Black writers.

At Choco Lit Press, we focus on narratives that center on Black people’s lives and experiences. While we primarily focus on fiction, we are open to works in other genres that explore Black identity, history, culture, and the complexities of life from the perspectives of Black communities. This includes children’s books, young adult fiction, adult fiction, memoirs, poetry, and graphic novels. We are particularly passionate about supporting debut authors but are open to works from established writers who share our vision of elevating Black voices.

We work with authors, illustrators, editors, designers, and other professionals who are committed to our vision of amplifying Black voices. Our team is passionate about creating high-quality, meaningful content that resonates with readers across the world. Whether you are an author submitting your first manuscript or a seasoned writer looking for a publisher who truly understands your vision, we are here to help you bring your work to life. We also collaborate with bookstores, libraries, and community organizations that support Black literature and culture.

We publish a wide range of books that showcase the diverse experiences and identities of Black people around the world. These include but are not limited to:

- Children’s Books: Stories that inspire and educate young readers about Black culture, heritage, and history.
- Young Adult Fiction: Coming-of-age stories, contemporary tales, and explorations of social and political issues affecting Black youth.
- Adult Fiction: Novels, short stories, and collections that reflect the breadth of the Black experience, from historical fiction to contemporary stories.
- Memoirs and Nonfiction: Personal stories that shed light on the lived experiences of Black individuals.
- Poetry: Collections that explore themes of identity, struggle, triumph, and belonging.
- Graphic Novels: Stories told through illustrations and comics that depict the richness of Black lives.

We welcome submissions from Black authors who are passionate about telling their stories. To submit your manuscript or project, please visit our Work Together page. We ask that you follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your work is considered. We read every submission and promise to respond to each author, regardless of whether we are moving forward with their project.

Once you’ve submitted your work, our team will carefully review it. We evaluate submissions based on quality, originality, and alignment with our mission to amplify Black voices. If we feel your project is a good fit, we will reach out to discuss next steps, which may include a detailed editorial process, a publishing agreement, and marketing strategy. We aim to provide constructive feedback if we are not able to proceed

Yes, we provide a comprehensive publishing package that includes marketing and distribution support. This includes:

- Book distribution through both online platforms (such as Amazon and other major retailers) and physical bookstores.
- Social media promotion and outreach to relevant book bloggers, reviewers, and influencers within the Black literary community.
- Book cover design, editing, branding, and promotional materials to ensure your book has the visibility it deserves. We also promote books to libraries and bookstores that specialize in diverse and inclusive literature, ensuring your work reaches the readers who will appreciate it most.

Absolutely! We welcome submissions from authors all around the world, whether you’re in the Caribbean, Africa, the UK, United States, or any other part of the global Black diaspora. We believe that Black narratives are universal and our platform is open to the full diversity of experiences from Black authors worldwide.

Our focus is on amplifying voices from all corners of the Black experience. We are committed to diversity within the Black community, which means we celebrate not just African-American stories but also those from Caribbean, African, Canadian, UK, and other Black global voices. We aim to reflect the full range of perspectives, from different cultures, traditions, histories, and languages, ensuring that our catalog represents the vibrancy of the Black community as a whole.

We welcome both debut authors and established writers. Whether you're an emerging voice in the literary world or an experienced author looking for a publisher who shares your vision, ChocoLit Press™ is here to help bring your work to life. We believe in the power of diverse storytelling at all stages of an author’s career.

If we accept your manuscript, we will work with you through the editorial and production process to bring your book to market. This includes refining your work, designing the cover, formatting for print and digital distribution, and creating marketing strategies to reach the right audience. We will also discuss your royalty structure and contract terms to ensure everything aligns with your expectation

You can support us by purchasing our books, sharing them with your network, and recommending them to bookstores and libraries. We also encourage you to engage with us on social media by liking, sharing, and commenting on our posts, as well as leaving reviews on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. Word-of-mouth is incredibly powerful in growing the reach of Black authors’ work.

You retain full ownership of your copyright. We respect your intellectual property and will ensure that all rights remain with you throughout the publishing process. Our role is to help bring your book to life and distribute it, but your copyright stays entirely with you.

Our comprehensive publishing package includes everything needed to professionally produce and market your book:

- Website setup
- Book cover design
- Mockups for promotional materials
- Professional editing
- Promotional graphics
- Print, digital, and audiobook production (depending on the book)
- Book branding and marketing materials
- Global distribution setup (including Amazon)
- Animated book trailer
- Promotion to our network of over 6,000 bookstores, libraries, and independent reviewers

- The first draft of your book (this needs to be completed before we can start)
- Advertising budget (this is separate and tailored to your needs
- PR and media event management

The cost of ordering your own books depends on factors like quantity and book type. Once we have your draft ready, we can provide an initial estimate. A more precise quote will be available once the book is finalized.

You have 3 months after publication to request minor changes at no additional cost. Larger changes that require significant revisions or rework will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. We'll always communicate clearly about costs before proceeding.

No. All administrative and marketing costs are covered by our royalty fee. There are no hidden or ongoing charges for the services we provide.

The cost to correct errors depends on the nature of the issue and its origin. Minor errors in digital copies are covered for the first 90 days. If your book has already gone to print, corrections will be made in future print runs, but this may incur additional costs. Each situation is evaluated individually, and we will provide an estimate before any work begins.