Left Unread Books

Querying is one of the most frustrating parts of the traditional publishing process. We all know it. And while I can't speak for agents, I can tell you what my experience has been like reading through pitches from authors and agents and give you some insight on how to better talk about your book.

Behind the Curtain: Pitching your Book

As the year draws to a close, I am very focused on getting our community ready for all of the work we will need to get done in 2025, so here is a little bit of what I am focused on going into December!

Can I share my end of year goals with you?

If you are seeing this, the likelihood is that you care about the liberation of marginalized people. Which is why I want to point you toward some resources for educating yourself on a range of subjects, such as: abolition, organizing for change, environmental justice, and racial justice. All ten of these resources are currently available as free downloads, so go grab your copy while you can!

Ten Free Books To Start the Revolution

Dabble is a writing platform that provides features that will make your writing process easier to navigate. Check out the article below for more details and for my direct affiliate link!

Writing Tool: Dabble - 14 day free trial

Shopping Black is radical. Especially as we face the immediate future. We know from history (including recent history) that the farther right our country moves, the less it prioritizes its most marginalized. Here is a list of a few Black owned bookstores you can consider supporting through your book buying in 2025!

Black Bookstores You Can Support Today

It's that time again! Let's talk about what Pitchfest is, what it is going to look like, and how you can play a role! As an imprint, we are fighting for Black and brown people--not just to publish them, but to fight for real change in the industry! And I want to make sure you get to be a part of it. So give this a read and then let's get to work!

What To Expect This Pitchfest

There is a large conversation happening about the lack of representation for boys in YA, and I want to offer my thoughts on why that problem exists, and on how to fix it! Enjoy!!!

Black Boys in Fantasy 

Elaine has officially received her first round of developmental edit and is hard at work reshaping the story into an even better manuscript! If you want to read a snippet of the developmental edit letter and hear a little bit about what this process has looked like and what Elaine has left to work on, check out this blog! Thanks again for being here and I can't wait to bring you more updates!

Behind the Curtain: The Developmental Edit is in for Cry, Voidbringer!

We are all concerned that with a second Trump presidency, we are going to be facing a massive rise in book bans. So I have put together a list of books that I think everyone should read in light of the fights ahead of us. Check them out and grab whatever you think will benefit you!

Books you should buy while you still can

Trump has won the presidency, and I have a lot of thoughts and feelings. I am working on a longer blog where I talk about the impact it will have on publishing and what we can do to build community now, but that's not what this is. This is about my initial reaction and how I am feeling in this moment. 

Can I be selfish for a moment?

If you aren't already aware, November is Native American Heritage Month. And while I think you should have Indigenous books moving through your TBR all year round, I thought this would be a good time to tell you about some of my favorites! 

Indigenous Books You NEED To Read This November!

amazon

bookshop

Michael

I am a Black man in a white-centered world and my reading tastes reflect that. I care about making space for Black and brown writers in an industry that has forgotten how badly it needs us. I am an author, book reviewer and passionate advocate for marginalized people and I love reading anything that pushes back against systemic barriers or challenges me to see the world through a wider lens. I can be a lot, so be prepared. But I promise it’ll be a good time!