While I’m sure you’ve heard of contemporary Black authors like Octavia Butler, Walter Mosely, Terry McMillian, Nnedi Okorafor, James McBride, Samuel R. Delaney, and Tomi Adeyemi, I bet you’re less familar with Milton J. Davis, Amanda B. Weaver, Alicia Ellis, C. C. Solomon, Jessica Cage, and Antoine Bandele. That’s because the latter are indie authors, a large community of authors who publish fiction outside of the big traditional publishing houses. Some of these indie authors self-publish, while others publish through small presses, free from the creative constraints of the major publishing companies. Not to mention, traditional publishing has a well-documented problem with diversity, specifically the lack thereof: in short, the industry is exceptionally WHITE in terms of organizational culture and the authors they publish.

On the heels of the Black Lives Matter uprising in 2020, many publishers announced they would be taking greater efforts to diversify. But a couple of years later, research revealed that little had changed within the traditional publishing industry.

Facing racism, gatekeepers, and exclusion, it’s not surprising that many Black authors choose to self-publish (or independently publish) or pursue opportunities with small presses. Indie publishing allows Black authors to tell our own stories in our own voices, ensuring authentic representation that might otherwise be overlooked or misrepresented by traditional publishers. This is not new either. Historically, Black writers have always faced significant barriers to publication. Indie publishing continues a long tradition of Black literary independence and self-determination, echoing the efforts of earlier Black writers who used whatever means available to share their stories.

A downside of indie publishing, however, is that it comes with less exposure than authors published through major traditional publishing houses. It can be difficult to get your work in front of readers. Readers who struggle to find Black indie authors may end up missing out on some of the most avant-garde and creative fiction out there nowadays (like the books on this list). I’ve compiled below a list of resources for those interested in finding Black indie fiction and poetry.

Melanin Library by Written in Melanin LLC

Probably my favorite site on the list, the Melanin Library is an absolute treasure trove for anyone seeking out books by Black authors, whether indie or traditionally published. Founded by C. M. Lockhart, an author and editor, the site hosts perhaps the most comprehensive collection of books by Black indie authors. Readers can search or peruse by category, and Black indie authors can submit their books for consideration as well. I strongly suggest checking out this site today to diversify your shelf!

Every book listed on this site is written by a Black author and features Black characters. We emphasize this because we believe that everyone should be able to find representation in the books they read, and it should not be an overwhelming challenge to read diversely.

Black Women in Fantasy by Nadi Abdi

Nadi Abdi, a fantasy author, runs this newly-launched site that focuses on providing short stories as well as reviews of fantasy books by Black women.

This is a blog and magazine where I’ll review fantasy and sci-fi written by Black women indie authors. As an indie author, it’s already hard to break into the publishing market. Even more so if you’re a Black woman, even more so if you’re a Black woman in the spaces of fantasy and sci fi. While I struggled to find stats to back my assertion, I can say that as a Black woman growing up in America, I was inundated with the work of white men. No shade to those authors. They did great work and shaped me as an author. But as I grew up (well into adulthood) I started to realize that I struggled to name Black authors outside of well-known philosophers and poets (Malcolm X. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Nikki Giovanni, Angela Davis, etc.). As I became more comfortable with the realization that I am in fact a fantasy and sci fi (more sci fantasy) writer, it became apparent that I needed more camaraderie with those of my demographic who write in my genre and share my community.

Black Self Published Fantasy (and Sci-Fi) Grand List! (Reddit)

This Reddit list is a true gem for folks interested in finding Black indie authors. Created by indie author Deston J. Munden, the list focuses on speculative fiction by Black indie authors and includes links to the referenced authors’ Amazon pages. Many of the responses to the list provide additional Black indie suggestions, so check it out.

Books by Black Indie Authors (Pinterest)

Cassie Reads, a self-described “bookworm”, curated this collection of Black indie authors. The books largely fall in the romance genre, but there are a few selections that cross into the fantasy space as well. Take a look at the Pinterest board and follow Cassie on TikTok and/or Instagram, too!

#BLACKSTORIESMATTER by K. R. S. McEntire

K.R.S. McEntire, a speculative and fantasy author, compiled this fascinating list of Black indie books, and it has been my go-to for over a year now. The fantasy-centered list covers several sub-categories, including post-apocalyptic, dystopian, urban fantasy, paranormal, and there’s even some science fiction.

In a time full of racial injustice, one small way to promote equity is by supporting the creative efforts of people of color. The publishing industry lacks diversity, and writers of color often have a harder time getting their work seen. Representation matters, Black lives matter, and Black stories matter. I was inspired to write this post after taking part in a Facebook thread where authors of color were asked to share their work. This is a resources for people who are looking to explore the work of Black, indie authors.

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