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.

Unlike many traditional publishing houses, ChocoLit Press™ was founded 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. We don't just publish books — we create lasting relationships and a supportive network for Black writers. Every submission receives a response, regardless of whether we move forward.

At ChocoLit 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 showcasing diverse Black experiences, including:

• 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 issues affecting Black youth
• Adult Fiction — novels and collections from historical fiction to contemporary stories
• Memoirs and Nonfiction — personal stories that shed light on lived Black experiences
• Poetry — collections exploring identity, struggle, triumph, and belonging
• Graphic Novels — illustrated stories depicting the richness of Black lives

We welcome submissions from Black authors who are passionate about telling their stories. Visit our Contact page and follow the instructions carefully. We read every submission and promise to respond to each author, regardless of whether we're moving forward with their project.

Once you've submitted your work, our team carefully reviews it based on quality, originality, and alignment with our mission to amplify Black voices. If your project is a good fit, we'll 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 when we're unable 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.

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.

We welcome both debut authors and established writers. Whether you're an emerging voice or an experienced author looking for a publisher who shares your vision, ChocoLit Press™ is here to help bring your work to life.

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, ensuring that our catalog represents the vibrancy of the Black community as a whole.

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 expectations.

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 — your copyright stays entirely with you.

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

• Website setup and book branding
• Book cover design and interior formatting
• Mockups for promotional materials
• Professional editing
• Print, digital, and audiobook production (depending on the book)
• 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 (must be completed before we start)
• Advertising budget (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.

The timeline varies depending on manuscript complexity, but generally the process from submission to book release takes about 6–12 months.

You have 3 months after publication to request minor changes at no additional cost. Larger changes requiring significant revisions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. We 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.

Purchase our books, share them with your network, and recommend them to bookstores and libraries. Engage with us on social media — liking, sharing, and commenting on our posts — and leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Word-of-mouth is incredibly powerful in growing the reach of Black authors' work.